Mat ALERT! All You Need to Know About Dog Coat Matting
Without frequent brushing, dog fur often becomes tangled and knotted. Learn about matting, how it forms, and how to prevent it.
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In this article
Grooming keeps your dog clean, comfy and itch-free. We bath, dry, brush, trim nails and clean ears. Each dog moves at their own pace. We never force a step. Most coats need a full groom every six to eight weeks. We are kind and gentle with shy dogs and puppies.
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Frequently asked questions
What Is Matting?
Matting occurs when loose and live hair becomes tangled together, forming tight knots that sit close to the skin. Left untreated, mats can become so severe that they pull on the skin, causing pain and even skin damage.
How Do Mats Form?
Mats form when fur isn't brushed regularly enough. Common causes include:
How often should my dog be groomed?
Most coats need a full groom every six to eight weeks. Long-coated breeds may need it more often.
What does a full groom include?
Bath, blow-dry, brush-out, nail trim, ear clean and a breed-suited cut or tidy. We use force-free handling at every step.
Will you de-mat my dog?
We brush out small knots. Heavy mats hurt the dog, so we may need to clip the coat short and start fresh.
Key terms
Grooming is defined as a full-service wash, blow-out, brush and nail trim. Our groomers shape the coat to suit your breed.
Mat (matting) refers to knots in a dog's coat that pull on the skin. Brush little and often to stop mats forming.
Force-free training is defined as a way to teach dogs that uses kindness and rewards. It never uses pain, fear or harsh tools.
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- Open 7 days for daycare, hotel stays, grooming and tours
- Every staff member uses kind, force-free care, every day
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Pets In The City — Auckland's premier pet care since 2006, with 5 Auckland locations open 7 days. Email hello@petsinthecity.co.nz.