Mat Removal Policy
What is matting?
Dog fur often becomes tangled and knotted around itself without frequent brushing, which is called matting.
Mats occur frequently in many dog breeds especially with curly, fine, or double coats. Matting can occur more frequently during seasonal shedding periods when a dog is switching from their winter to summer coat or vice versa. If the loose fur isn't brushed out, it becomes impacted against the skin and forms mats. Dogs who like to swim are more prone to getting mats, because the moisture causes their hair to curl, and it dries wrapped around itself. Many dogs who are bathed but not thoroughly brushed and dried can also develop matting.
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Mat Removal
Removal of matts is very important, so please consider the following:
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Matts can lead to skin irritation caused by dirt, dander, and bodily fluids trapped under the matted hair.
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Matts can harbor more parasites such as fleas and ticks.
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As matts get tighter, they can lead to skin irritation and in severe cases result in hair being pulled from the skin causing pain and bald spots.
Michael’s Barkery puts your pet’s comfort and safety above all else. In the event that your pet’s coat is matted, the groomer may have to shave the mats out rather than perform what could be a painful dematting procedure. In the case of a pet being severely matted, there is an increased risk for clipper burn, nicks or cuts. Extra care will be taken in the shave-down process to avoid this, however, if clipper burn, nicks or cuts occur the owner will not hold Michael’s Barkery responsible.
Matted pets also take additional time to groom so there will be an additional fee added to the regular grooming price.
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It is not uncommon to find pre-existing conditions such as hot spots, sores, and other skin issues once the matted coat is removed. There is also a chance that your pet’s skin may become irritated from being clipped close to the skin. It may become necessary to use sun block if your pet will be in the sun for extended periods. Ear bruising (also called hematomas) due to excessive head shaking after removal of matts can occur. To reduce any skin irritations we will bath your pet using shampoos for sensitive skin. However, Michael’s Barkery shall not be held liable for any after-grooming effects from a dematting procedure including but not limited to: itchiness, skin redness or self-inflicted irritations/abrasions from excessive external rubbing.
If matting is too severe, Michael’s Barkery reserves the right to refuse grooming services or to stop grooming services at any time and recommends taking your pet to a vet that has the proper equipment for a shave down. This is for the overall health and safety of your pet.
The best way to avoid mats is for your pet to receive regular, professional grooming services.