A canine companion can make your life fulfilling and exciting. Dogs bring happiness, loyalty, and lifetime companionship into your life. However, raising a happy and healthy pup is not an easy task. From feeding them nutritious meals to keeping their coat smooth and silky, there are several tasks to do.
However, you can’t deny the fact that dogs of all breeds fall prey to matting – a condition in which the dog’s fur becomes tangled and knotted around itself. Not only matted fur can be painful for pets, but it can be life-threatening. It can lead to several issues, including:
- Skin infection.
- Bacterial and fungal infection.
- Irritation and hot sores on the skin.
- Reduces air circulation, further leading to hematomas.
- Restrict body part movement.
In order to avoid such issues and ensure your pet’s fur remains healthy and shiny, scheduling a session for dog grooming in Sydney is crucial. But before you proceed, you need to know what causes the matted fur and how to prevent it. Here, we will discuss the same.
Reasons for Dogs Get Matted Fur
While your beloved canine companion’s fur gets matted for several reasons, overlooking the importance of regular brushing and cleaning your dog’s hair can worsen the condition. Extreme matting is known as pelting, boosting your pet’s chances of early death. Here are the most common reasons for knots or matted fur in various dog breeds:
- Friction: Friction due to collar or harness around the armpits, scratching behind the ears or other body parts, or any other reason of friction can lead to matted fur in pets.
- Seasonal: Almost all dog breeds shed their fur, be it in a small amount or large. Brushing the loose fur is essential to keep your pet’s fur healthy. Otherwise, the loose fur can get mixed with dead skin, leading to mats.
- Allergies: Dogs with skin allergies tend to lick or itch their skin, further boosting the chances of matting.
- Fleas: If your pet has fleas and tends to itch a lot, it can result in matted fur.
- Water: Water plays a significant role in matting. Whether your pet’s belly rubs the wet grass or its long hairs get wet after rain or bathing, there are chances that your pet will experience matting. If your pet already has mild mats and it gets wet, the situation will worsen. That is why it is crucial to thoroughly dry and brush your pet’s hair after your dog gets wet.
- Dirt: While daily walks and playtime are essential for your pooch’s well-being, the outside environment is filled with dirt that your dog’s fur can easily catch. Too much dirt or rolling in the mud contributes a lot to matting.
- Weeds: When your pet plays in your backyard or park, some weeds may get stuck to your dog’s fur, leading to pain and discomfort. It can also cause skin infections and wounds on your pet’s health.
- Lack of Bathing: Bathing your pet using some grooming products specially designed for pets can help get rid of unwanted substances stuck to your pet’s skin. So, make sure you give your pet a proper bath at least once a week.
- Neglecting Brushing: While not all dog breeds have the same type of fur, it is crucial to brush your pet’s fur regularly. Make sure you remove all the knots and tangles while brushing.
- Sticky Substances: Apart from dirt, several other sticky substances, such as tree sap, syrup, honey, etc., can come in contact with your pet’s fur. If you notice any sticky substances on their fur, make sure you get rid of them immediately to avoid matting.
Importance of Professional Dog Grooming To Avoid Matted Fur
Many people think shaving your pet’s matted fur is a quick and easy process to deal with such a situation. However, when you cut the matted fur, there are huge chances that the scissors catch your dog’s skin as well, leading to unintentional large wounds on your dog’s skin.
In contrast, professional groomers have the right skills and tools to handle this situation. They try to treat mats with brushing, depending on the severity of matting. If the dog’s fur is matted severely, they use professional conditioners and detangling sprays. In addition, they gently work on areas where your dog’s skin is thin and handle the tight mats with utmost care.
They can also suggest some methods to avoid matting in the future. Moreover, knowing that your pet is in safe hands will give you peace of mind. So, if you detect matting on your dog, schedule a professional grooming session. However, make sure you choose the pet groomers carefully. In addition, there are instances when you have to leave your pet alone for longer durations. As a result, their fur can get tangled and knotted. The best way to avoid matting in your absence is to leave your pet at a reputable dog boarding in Sydney that takes care of your pet’s dietary needs and offers professional dog grooming services!
