When your Pet needs a smoothie.
Matted pet hair can be serious. matts pull tightly on the pet's skin, causing them constant discomfort and sometimes suffering. But even more serious is the fact the air cannot circulate through the hair and skin, which can lead to major skin irritations and infections.
The body of the dog that is matted solid to the skin, hurts and pulls on their skin with every move they take. If the coat is matted to the skin, it can not breathe, thus the skin becomes red, sore, bruised, rashes, and or flaky etc. If the matts become wet, they do not dry and lay damp for days on end against the skin causing sores, and quite a bit of discomfort to the dog, like a human baby with severe diaper rash.
As a highly trained professional your pet's groomer/stylist understands how serious matting is and what health consequences your pet can suffer as a result of the matting. She will evaluate the condition of your pet's coat and recommend what is best for him.
The Solution...
When a pet's hair becomes severely matted,there is simply no way to remove it except to give the pet a very short haircut often referred as a smoothies'.
What is a smoothie'?
A smoothie groom is very time consuming as the groomer must use extreme caution as she removes the tightly matted coat from your pet. You don't just shave it off. It is much more involved. Your groomer uses specialized equipment to separate the matting for the pet's skin.
It is incredibly difficult and delicate work to release your pet,inch by inch from the hairy prison surrounding him.
Great care must be taken.As the matting is removed, it may reveal skin conditions,parasites,or even foreign objects embedded in the pet's hair. The skin can become unhealthy under the matting. Sometimes to the point that immediate medical attention is needed.
After the matting is removed...
Your pet will feel different after its matted coat is removed. After finally being free of the matting that confined him like a straight jacket or body cast- he may feel itchy or his skin may have become irritated and sore form the matting.
He may want to rub and scratch but your must not allow him to further irritate himself. Be especially aware that your pet's freshly clipped nails may be sharp and could cause secondary problems is he scratches and digs at his tender skin.
You may apply pet first aid cream or gel to your pet's skin. If his skin is tender the cream can provide welcome soothing refief from itching and will encourage his skin to heal.
Never allow anyone to make fun of how your pet looks.Going from being encased in hair to no hair can be traumatic for your pet.Reassure your pet with lots of praise and love. Tell him he looks beautiful! Make sure you protect your from the sunburn.
A New Beginning...
Now that your pet has a very short hair, you have the opportunity for a fresh start. This is the time to form a working partnership with your pet care specialist.
Begin by putting your pet on a regular schedule of grooming appointments.
Then you and your groomer should discuss how you can maintain your pet at home between professional grooming's.
Together you can make sure that your pet is cared for properly and comfortably and that his hair never gets into such bad condition again. Make it a real team effort.
The Big Pay Off ... a Happy Pet