Catz Bark & Brush

It is our policy, and our legal responsibility under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, not to cause unnecessary pain and stress.

Densely matted coats always cause discomfort and can also cause a variety of skin and health problems. Matted fur does not allow the air to circulate to the skin, which can lead to hot spots, bacterial and fungal infections. Fleas, ticks, maggots, and other parasites may be lurking in the coat causing further skin problems.

Matted fur also pulls and binds, causing discomfort/pain to the dog when moving, playing, or resting. The skin underneath may be raw and inflamed and a matted coat will not dry properly which can also lead to skin infections. Due to matting, your dog’s coat will need to be clipped short and may show signs of skin irritation and sores.

When the ears are severely matted, there may be haematomas beneath the matting, and these haematomas may leak or rupture once the mat is released. This is because the skin of the ears is very thin.

Dogs that have not been groomed regularly may become stressed and find the grooming session uncomfortable. It is our goal to make your dog’s grooming experience as stress-free as possible

If your dog's fur is severely matted, we have determined that the correct and humane course of action is to complete a full clip-off. This is a short clip, removing all matting, as it is unfeasible to de-mat or brush out the coat as this would cause excessive pain and suffering.

For double-coated breeds, in severe cases we will ask you to refer your dog to your veterinarian for treatment. In this eventuality, we will usually not proceed with the groom unless a limited clip-off is possible and then only for the dog's comfort.

We will be happy to show you how to care for your dog's coat for the future; however, due to the stress and pain it will undoubtedly cause, this will not be option on the day.

There is a strong chance that your dog’s skin will become more irritated during the clipping process. We recommend using a medicated shampoo to help soothe any irritation that may occur. Due to the mats being tight against the skin, the only way of removing them is to use a short blade to clip between the skin and mats.

There is an increased risk that your dog may be nicked or cut because we must work so closely to the skin. We are very careful and extremely diligent, but the possibility of injury is there, and you need to be aware of this and give us your permission to proceed.