What to Do When Your Pet’s Fur Starts to Mat
One of the basic needs of your pet is grooming. Your pet’s skin and coat should consistently be healthy. Some pet parents prefer well-groomed fur that is styled for comfort. Others like letting their pet’s fur grow, especially during the chillier months.
Matting might happen to any animal at any time of the year. Even cats that groom themselves may have matting episodes, which may suggest a deeper issue. Dogs can get matted fur for reasons like scratching and biting. Let’s look at how this problem forms and the concerns it can result in.
Matting in Dogs
Dogs with thick, curly, or fine hair are more likely to get into this trouble. Mats tend to form in areas where there frequently is friction. If their coats aren’t combed enough to loosen the hair that has been shed, these hairs get caught and wound themselves onto live hair. The longer this doesn’t get dealt with, the more matting will take place.
Matting in Cats
Cats are known for their excellent grooming routines. So why does matting happen in cats? There may be instances when cats have problems with their mouths or flexibility. They don’t just tend to lose this behavior, but there might be underlying factors you ought to find out. Do not worry, however. Not all matting concerns are major. Depending on the pet’s breed, some might simply be from excessive hair growth.
What Develops 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 not able to see through the fur or are unable to completely clean your pets. In that case, your pets are at risk of getting parasite infestation. Learn more about parasite prevention with the Trooper Vet website.
Constrained Movement
Hair can get heavy, and the tangling can get so complicated. Legs might connect to adjacent areas or strangle extremities. In some cases, matting might even affect breathing.
Wounds and Infections
The chaotic mess of fur may cause not only parasite infestation but can likewise hide other foreign bodies. Caught inside the mass of hair may 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 infected by germs. If necessary, laser therapy can help with healing. Read about this here.
What to Do With Matted Fur
When you see that matting is bad, do not cut them out with scissors. The poor animal might jerk and get harmed. If possible, it is best to deal with these mats slowly with proper brushes. If you feel this causes too much stress and anxiety and even trauma to your pets, bring them to the professional groomers instantly. The majority of veterinarian hospitals offer specialized services to pets with matting issues. The veterinarian hospital is the best choice. In an emergency animal clinic, they can examine your pet’s well-being quickly after de-matting.
How to Prevent Mats
Routine bathing followed by carefully brushing and blow-drying can work wonders for your pets. If any dampness remains, this can weigh down the hair and begin matting again. At the first sign of matting, brush gently to loosen this before the problem occurs again.
Consult with your vet regularly to guarantee that your pets are all right from the inside. Early detection of pain, illness, or flexibility issues can decrease the chances of abnormal scratching or inability to groom.
The Takeaway
A healthy pet is healthy inside out. Do not allow matted fur to threaten the lives of your pet. Remember that excellent grooming is necessary for their long and happy lives.