One of the basic needs of your family pet is grooming. Your pet’s skin and coat should constantly be healthy. Some pet moms and dads prefer well-groomed fur that is styled for comfort. Others like letting their pet’s fur grow, especially during the colder months.
Matting might occur to any pet any time of the year, though. Even cats that groom themselves may have matting episodes, which might suggest a deeper issue. Dogs can get matted fur for factors like scratching and biting. Let’s look at how this problem forms and the problems it can cause.
Matting in Dogs
Dogs with thick, curly, or fine hair are more likely to get into this predicament. Mats tend to form in areas where there typically is friction. If their coats aren’t combed enough to loosen up the hair that has been shed, these hairs get trapped and wound themselves onto live hair. The longer this doesn’t get treated, the more matting will happen.
Matting in Cats
Cats are known for their good grooming habits. So why does matting happen in cats? There may be circumstances when cats have problems with their mouths or flexibility. They do not simply tend to lose this behavior, but there may be underlying factors you ought to find out. Do not worry, however. Not all matting issues are major. Depending upon the pet’s breed, some might just be from excessive hair growth.
What Happens When There Is Matting
Excessive hair has actually matted and is not eliminated for a very long time can threaten your pet.
Parasite Invasion
Suppose you are unable to see through the fur or are unable to completely clean your pets. In that case, your pets are at risk of getting parasite problems. Complications such as Lyme disease can even happen if not dealt with immediately.
Limited Movement
Hair can get heavy, and the tangling can get so complicated. Legs might attach to adjacent areas or strangle extremities. In some cases, matting might even impact breathing.
Wounds and Infections
The chaotic mess of fur might trigger not just parasite infestation but can likewise hide other foreign bodies. Trapped inside the mass of hair might be twigs, leaves, and feces. Such will bring irritation to the pets that can cause them to lick, bite, or yank on their fur. These can rip skin, and wounds can get contaminated by bacteria. Veterinary laser therapy is available here to support quick healing if necessary.
What to Do With Matted Fur
When you see that matting is bad, do not cut them out with scissors. The pitiful animal might jerk and get harmed. If possible, it is best to deal with these mats slowly with appropriate brushes. If you feel this causes too much stress and even trauma to your pets, bring them to the professional groomers right away.
Most veterinarian hospitals offer specialized services to pets with matting issues. The veterinarian hospital is the best option because the emergency vet clinic can check your pet’s wellness immediately after de-matting.
How to Prevent Mats
Regular bathing followed by gently brushing and blow-drying can work wonders for your pets. If any moisture remains, this can weigh down the hair and begin matting again. At the first sign of matting, brush gently to loosen this before the issue occurs again.
Talk to your vet regularly to ensure your pets are fine from the inside. Early detection of pain, illness, or flexibility concerns can reduce the odds of abnormal scratching or inability to groom.
The Takeaway
A healthy pet is healthy inside out. Do not allow matted fur to endanger the lives of your pet. Remember that good grooming is important for their long and happy lives.
