Catz Bark & Brush

Matting

It is my policy, and my 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 or 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.

There may be a risk of haematomas developing on the ears following removal of the matting. This is because the skin of the ears is very thin. This may require veterinary attention.

Dogs that have not been groomed regularly may become stressed and find the grooming session uncomfortable. It is my goal to make your dog’s grooming experience as stress-free as possible. I reserve the right to stop the groom if I deem the dog is excessively stressed

If your dog's fur is severely matted, I 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. I will contact you prior to starting a clip-off to get your approval, unless agreed beforehand.

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

There is a high risk that your dog’s skin will become more irritated during the clipping process. I will use 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 also an increased risk that your dog may be nicked or cut because I must work so closely to the skin. I am very careful and extremely diligent, but the possibility of injury is there, and you need to be aware of this and give me your permission to proceed.

I will be happy to show you how to care for your dog's coat at home to avoid problems in the future.