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Dog Portrait

What is matting, how does it occur and why is it a health hazard?

A mat is a densely tangled clump of hair. Matting forms when the natural oils in an animal’s coat become tangled with shedding hairs, undercoat layers, and dirt/debris, causing the hair to knot and become tightly wound.

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Matted dog hair often occurs most in areas that experience high friction or rubbing, such as under the collar/harness, behind the ears, armpits and groin.

 

Lack of consistent brushing and combing of the coat with proper tools and techniques leads to the buildup of mats. Besides infrequent grooming, there can be other contributing factors such as, a wet coat that is allowed to dry without brushing, the transition of a puppy to adult coat, or incorrect grooming tools used, weakening and damaging the coat.

 

Soft, curly, or double coats tend to be higher maintenance and more vulnerable to matting. 
 

Mats in a pet’s coat can grow tight and eventually lead to a multitude of health issues: 

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  • irritated, itchy, sensitive skin 

  • damage, tears, scabs and sores on the skin

  • infections

  • foxtails/burrs imbedded in the skin/ears 

  • bleeding/bruising

  • restricted blood flow/blood blisters

  • parasitic infestations

  • improper temperature regulation

  • mold, fungus, or bacteria due to trapped moisture

Matting

What will we do when matting is present?

How we categorize matting

Class I  -  $25

minor to moderate matting across a few areas on the body, that can be spot-shaved or de-matted safely

 

Class II  -  $50

severe matting across the body, or multiple areas, pelted coat, or densely compacted undercoat

Your trained and experienced bather/groomer will evaluate the situation upon arrival, during our nose-to-toes hands on pet assessment, and discuss their recommended best approach for your dog with you. They will continue to assess matting throughout the beginning stages of the bathing/grooming process, and we may call you if anything further than what was discussed is required.

 

Depending on the nature of the matting, we may utilize a variety of different techniques, tools and products. In some cases, we can try to preserve as much of the coat as possible, but this will depend on the sensitivity of the dog and severity of the matting. We will not cause undue stress or discomfort to your pet by de-matting excessively matted coats. 

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In cases of severe matting where a coat becomes pelted (tightly wound to the skin), and is no longer able to be safely dematted, your groomer may recommend shaving it down, to allow new coat to grow in, while implementing a better grooming regime moving forward. Decreasing the time between appointments and bringing the coat down to a shorter, more manageable length and style is often advised.

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Our commitment is to your pet’s wellbeing; in situations where we are able to easily and safely remove minimal matting, no extra fee will be incurred.

Please inform us of any matting on your dog when scheduling an appointment. A matting charge may be applied during the appointment if your bather/groomer determines it necessary to complete the service safely.

What is a Special Handling Service and when is it applied?

Special Handling Services

These supplemental services are for pets that experience difficulties during the bathing/grooming process and require additional resources, such as another employee, extra time, different tools/techniques, or even a separated bathing/grooming area to complete the appointment.

 

Our Special Handling Services are often utilized for anxious, aggressive, reactive, seizure-prone, senior, or disabled pups. 

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There are some instances where your groomer may determine that Muddy Paws is not the right fit for your pet. Your pup may require a quieter salon, mobile grooming, etc. in order to receive the best experience possible. In this case, your pet will be released from our care and alternative solutions will be discussed.

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Special Handling Services can be requested when scheduling an appointment, or may be applied if your bather/groomer determines it necessary to complete the service in a safe and appropriate manner.

Extra Care

 additional breaks throughout the service, a slower appointment pace, above average kennel dryer usage, a breed standard haircut, or any other special circumstance where we will apply extra time to the appointment

$25

Extra Hands

2 or more employees required to complete the appointment in a safe and/or timely manner (to be determined by bather/groomer only)

$20

Extra Zen

use of our separated, quiet and private bathing room and/or drying room to provide a more relaxed and less stressful experience

$15

Spaw Packages

COMING SOON!

Add-Ons
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