I have a rescued pet, but he has a severely matted coat. I have heard that I need to have him shaved. But will this procedure hurt my new pet or put him in any danger.
Please Help!
2007-02-01 13:09:38 · 7 answers · asked by Bonnie 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First of all, Thank you for picking out a pup that doesn't look so great. I work in a groom shop where we work with a shelter. Most people won't look at a dog and think that he'll clean up really well. They just pass them by. So, we started grooming these dogs for the shelter that were severely matted so they can get adopted. Let me tell you. Some of them had mats so tightly wrapped around their legs, that it was actually cutting in to the skin!!! You must get the coat shaved off and start over. You can uncover some real health problems they may potentially have because you can actually see the skin. It won't hurt him if you go to a Professional groomer. And I mean Professional. Get someone experienced with dogs that are not used to being groomed. So don't go to a chain like Petsmart or Petco. I'm not really knocking them, but their groomers are usually inexperienced. Ask a vet if they know of someone who is very patient , and willing to do it.
Your dog will have a totally differnt personality when it's over. The mats hurt!! They break down the skin and can cause more problems. Good luck! I'd like to hear how it turns out.
2007-02-01 13:35:58 · answer #1 · answered by dog whisperer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take him to a groomers to have him shaved just because when the mats are really close to the skin they are not easy to deal with. For severe matting, shaving is usually the best bet because the mats can not only pull very hard on his skin, but he can have skin infections underneath the mats. He may be a new dog after shaving because he will feel so much better.
2007-02-01 21:35:53 · answer #2 · answered by alapinklady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there! i am a shelter worker and i too adopted a dog with a severely matted coat. you do need to shave him because trying to comb through all those matts (even with a good dog conditioner) will be very painful and stressful for him. chances are he is already stressed a little as it is, as when a dogs hair is so severly matted, it pulls on their skin, causing great discomfort. also, when they urinate, alot of the time it will get stuck in the matts, causing burning on their skin. the best option would be to take him to the best groomer you can find (do not attemp to shave him urself, because u may hurt him). talk to the groomer about him and let them know that he is very fragile. if it really is SO secerly matted that u dont think one would be able to even get clippers through it, take him to your local vet. they will gently sedate him and shave his coat off. this is often the best option for most as it causes no trauma to the dog, nor stress, discomfort or pain. this was also my option. i didnt trust just anyone to cut through the mess of her coat, so i asked the vet to do it. good luck to u and ur dog and good on u for saving a life!!!!! email me a before and after pic. i would LOVE to see!! =)
2007-02-01 21:22:03 · answer #3 · answered by Beebs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs get shaved down every day, so unless it is a dog you would plan to put in a show ring there is no problem. Just remember that you have removed the dogs natural defence against the weather.
If you are going to try brushing the matts out remember that while you can eat the whole pig, you can't eat the pig whole. So just do it one hair at a time.
2007-02-01 21:17:44 · answer #4 · answered by tom l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to PetSmart they do a teriffic job. My little dog had to go last week. I did not realize how matted she was. They did have to shave her but she is much happier now. They washed her, groomed her trimed her nails and brushed her teeth and the cost was 45.00 Which I thought was vary good. But the mats do pull and hurt when she walks so do get her trimmed.
2007-02-01 21:30:47 · answer #5 · answered by thmsnbrgll 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to a trained groomer. They have experience in this. They will cut the locks closely then shave what's left that needs it.
It shouldn't hurt him at all, and he'll feel much better afterwards!
You did a great thing by rescuing him.
2007-02-01 21:16:50 · answer #6 · answered by Tambri 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it usually gets rid of all the nasty fur and allows fresh new fur to come in. t also allow the skin to heal. Make sure you have it done at a dog grooming salon dont try to do it at home.
2007-02-01 23:00:32 · answer #7 · answered by gary b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋