Why Does Your Dog Groomer Shave Your Dog's Coat?
As a pet owner, it can be surprising or even upsetting to pick up your dog from the grooming salon and find they’ve had a very close clip or shave. However, shaving is sometimes necessary for the health and comfort of your dog, especially when their coat is heavily matted. At Groomingtails Groom School, our training places the welfare of the animal at the heart of every grooming decision, following the guidance of The Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Understanding Matting and Its Risks
Matted fur occurs when a dog’s coat becomes tangled and knotted. If left untreated, mats can become tight and pull at the skin, causing pain, skin irritation, and even restricted movement. Severe matting can hide parasites, injuries, and infections. In these cases, shaving is often the only humane and safe way to remove the coat and restore the dog’s comfort.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006
The Act states that pet owners and caregivers have a duty of care to ensure animals are protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease. Allowing a coat to become matted breaches this duty. At Groomingtails Groom School, students are trained to assess coat condition and make professional, welfare-based decisions – even if that means a shave is necessary.
Why Brushing Isn't Always Enough
Many owners brush the top layer of their dog’s coat but miss the deeper layers where matting often begins. Curly, wool, and long double coats (like Poodles, Doodles, Bichons, and Cocker Spaniels) are especially prone to matting if not properly maintained.
Preventing Matting: Tips for Owners
- Brush Daily: Use the correct tools, such as a slicker brush and metal comb.
- Check Trouble Spots: Focus on armpits, behind ears, and around collars where mats form first.
- Regular Professional Grooming: Book grooms every 4-6 weeks for wool or curly coated breeds.
- Home Coat Maintenance: Ask your groomer for a brushing demo tailored to your dog’s coat.
Shaving Is Not a Punishment
Remember, shaving a matted dog is never a punishment or shortcut. It’s a carefully considered decision to relieve discomfort and reset the coat. Once shaved, regular brushing and grooming can keep your dog’s coat healthy moving forward.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re passionate about canine care and want to learn how to make grooming decisions based on dog welfare, consider enrolling in one of our courses at Groomingtails Groom School. Get in touch today to explore your options!