General Question

pplufthesun's avatar

Why are matted dogs bad?

Asked by pplufthesun (617points) March 14th, 2009

We always let our dogs get matted once they show signs of matting, but whenever we take them to the groomers, they always say it is bad to let the dog’s fur get so matted. Our dogs have never shown any pain or discomfort so is it a big deal that we let them get matted? We like them that way.

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27 Answers

Judi's avatar

That’s kind of weird. I know that they can get skin infections under there and if the mats get to tight it can pull their hair. Why would you take a dog to the groomer if you like it matted?

pplufthesun's avatar

every now and again we like to get them groomed down just for reasons such as skin infections. We like them matted, but we aren’t abusive.

elijah's avatar

Because if you are taking proper care of your dog they wouldn’t get matted. Your supposed to brush a dog regularly to help remove dirt and old hair.

asmonet's avatar

Skin disorders, it can pull on their skin, provides a trap for dirt and a happy home for bugs.

Not good. Be nice to your dog.

Darwin's avatar

Dogs like to be brushed. Why not just brush them every day at home? Then they won’t ever be at risk for skin infections, you won’t have to take them to the groomer as often, and when you do take them the groomer won’t fuss at you.

charliecompany34's avatar

they ain’t bad. they just mad that they don’t look good. a good groomer can fix that behavior.

chyna's avatar

You say in your question that they never show pain or discomfort, yet you also say you take them to a groomer because they have skin infections. That does cause pain and discomfort in a dog. It also causes discomfort when a groomer has to get the matted hair off the pet. As Asmonet said, be good to your dog.

asmonet's avatar

Where does it say they get infections?

chyna's avatar

The second answer above. Not in his/her original question.

marinelife's avatar

Dangers of matted fur:

Heatstroke Grooming: Keep long haired animals clipped. The recommended length is about one inch, this will leave some insulation and enough protection from sunburn. Matted fur needs to go, mats trap heat. Keep pets brushed out to keep the fur healthy and mat free.

Pain for the Dog and skin or fur rot Matted fur does not allow for air
circulation to the skin, causing hot spots, bacterial and fungal infections. Fleas, ticks, maggots and other parasites may be lurking in the coat
causing further skin infections. Matted fur also pulls and binds, causing pain to your pet when they move or lay on mats. The skin underneath is
usually raw and inflamed. Matted coats will not dry properly and can lead to rotting fur and skin.

rooeytoo's avatar

Trimming a matted dog is hard on the dog and the groomer. If the matts are tight against the skin, it pulls the hair and skin just trying to get the clipper blade through. It invites clipper burn. I have seen dogs full of maggots in a sore hidden under the matts. It makes flea and tick detection and treatment a lot more difficult and the matted hair usually smells! There are some breeds of dogs that are shown corded where the hair looks like dredlocks but even they are clipped down or brushed out sometimes just to let the skin breathe.

chyna's avatar

Just curious as to why you like them matted?

asmonet's avatar

Not sure that means they have infections or are just trying to prevent them, but thanks for pointing that out for me. :)

asmonet's avatar

Seriously though, if you’re letting your dogs get matted, you are abusing your dogs.

This isn’t a question of what you like, but what your pets need.

Response moderated
augustlan's avatar

[Mod says] Personal attacks are not permitted.

asmonet's avatar

Hmm. Wonder what that was about. Yay mods. :)

elijah's avatar

@asmonet I know what it said.
:-P

Daethian's avatar

So you took down my comment but allow a question that is obviously baiting?

augustlan's avatar

[Mod says] There is no proof that the question is designed to bait, and your comment was clearly a personal attack. If you wish to discuss this further, please send me a comment. Thank you.

bluesky's avatar

Why are Matted dogs Bad? Ask any vet Im sure you know the answer already. Animals sometimes do not show pain its an instinct from the wild. Pinch your skin hard thats what your dog feels like day and night. Matts just starting to form might not have that same affect but can hide bugs,dirt,oders you get what Im saying.

delonge_lover's avatar

i am a dog groomer and the reason matts are so bad is that the matts get worse when they get wet they can grow mold inside give your dog yeast infections it can cut circulation off to the skin i personally have witnessed a groomer grooming a matted dog and it stunk so bad and we didnt know why and when they shaved the leg the leg fell off because the matts were so tight around the leg it couldnt get any blood. there are alot of health risks with matted dogs i have also seen matts around the anus that they couldnt poop and they got so impacted they almost died. you should always brush your dog it helps remove dead skin dead hair and bring oxygen to the surface and also you can see everything about your dog i admit before i became a groomer my dogs got matted becaus i wasnt educated and went hiking and i guess my dog got a bad infection in a cut and i didnt know and he had his leg amputated when the groomer found it and also you can see your dogs skin when you brush your dog and see how healty it looks because sometimes they can have allergies and you can see skin issues from it or they get into a plant and you can see the rash ect ect its cruel to let your dog have matts because of the health problems your dog may seem fine and dosent mind it but you dont see the pain and discomfort as your having it shaved then you see the relived look when its gone and 99% of matted dogs hove some form of skin problem from it but as a groomer we know how to soothe it for them so please brush your dogs

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precious_pet_grooming's avatar

i see the problem here is pet owners are uninformed
i am a dog groomer and business owner
some people think when you give them this information you are just trying to make more money on them
pet owners should educate themsleves before getting a pet

jazmina88's avatar

mats do hide infection. My Mags had rear infection at times….:( Keep brushing. Love your pets BACK

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