Long haired, double coated dogs and cats like Chows, collies, and Persians can be prone to hair mats without regular brushing and grooming.
Why is fur matting bad for dogs and cats?
- It looks bad. This is the least of your problems.
- Mats in the armpits and groin areas can be very painful.
- Mats can cause bruising from pulling.
- Mats can cause sores if the dog or cat is constantly licking or chewing on the area.
- A pet with matted fur may be reluctant to move.
- A pet with painfully matted fur may flinch or snap at human contact.
You can turn to a professional groomer for help, but you can also handle mats at home.
- Have a friend or family member restrain your pet. Try to ask someone who the pet is comfortable with.
- Work powdered corn starch into the wad of fur to help separate the hairs.
- Hold the fur with one hand so you don’t pull on hair and skin.
- Use a wide toothed comb or a slicker brush to work on the tangle.
If your pet won’t stand for the attention, you can shave the mat away with electric clippers or a moustache trimmer. If you don’t have an electric razor or trimmer available, you can cut the mat away with regular scissors. Slip a comb beneath the mat (between fur mat and skin) and use blunt tipped scissors to cut the mat away.
Once the mat has been removed, you can relieve pain and swelling by applying ice wrapped in a washcloth for ten to fifteen minutes. If the skin is irritated from the clippers, apply witch hazel or a hydrocortisone cream to the area.
Prevention is easier than dealing with hair mats. Regular brushing and other grooming can help keep the fur mats away.