What happens if my dog is matted?

Matting occurs when loose and tangled hair becomes increasingly compacted.

Small knots can tighten and join neighbouring tangles until sections of coat become dense and difficult to separate.

Severe matting can sit close to the skin and make normal movement uncomfortable. That is why dealing with it is a welfare issue, not simply a cosmetic one.

Because whether a knot can be brushed out depends on the coat, the extent of the knotting and how the individual dog copes with the process.

Where knotting is limited and the dog is comfortable and cooperative, we may be able to brush it out safely. This takes additional time and may cost more. We would normally consider this as a one off option when circumstances such as illness or an owner being away have disrupted the usual coat care routine. If saving the coat would require putting the dog through an unreasonable amount of discomfort, we will not put appearance ahead of welfare.

Sometimes the kindest solution is a shorter clip that removes the affected coat safely and allows us to start again.

Not necessarily.

We need to see the coat before deciding what is realistic. Localised knots may be manageable without taking the entire coat short, while extensive matting may leave fewer options.

We will explain what we find and what we believe is appropriate for your dog.

A shorter groom can be a reset.

Once the coat is manageable again, we can help you establish a routine based on your dog's coat, the style you want and the amount of maintenance you can realistically do at home.

That might mean more frequent grooming, including weekly or fortnightly bath and maintenance appointments for longer coats, better tools, learning a more effective brushing technique or, where appropriate, adjusting the haircut.

Regular professional grooming makes a significant difference, particularly for wool and mixed coats.

At home, use tools suited to your dog's actual coat and make sure you are reaching through the coat rather than brushing only the surface.

Do not wait until the coat already feels difficult before asking for help.

Our role is to advocate for the dog and help the owner.

If your dog's coat has got away from you, tell us honestly. We would rather work with you on a practical solution than have you delay an appointment because you are worried about what a groomer might say.

BARKERS Pet Stylists is based in Neath and works with owners to create realistic grooming routines that put the individual dog's welfare first.