Pets with matted coats need extra attention during their grooming session.  Mats left in a pets coat only grow tighter and can strangle the skin and possibly tear it open.  At the Cumbernauld Dog Groomer salon we not wish to cause undue stress to your pet. Mats can be very difficult to remove, and usually require the pet to receive a shaved type haircut. At The Cumbernauld Dog Grooming Salon we will de-mat and then recommend either a hairstyle that suits your life style or a grooming schedule to suit the hairstyle. When de-matting is necessary, removing a heavily matted coat includes the risk of nicks, cuts or abrasions due to warts, moles or skin folds trapped in the mats.  Heavy matting can also trap moisture near the pet’s skin allowing mould, fungus or bacteria to grow, causing skin irritations that existed prior to the grooming process.  Torn skin from mats can also harbour maggots.  After effects of mat removal can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasion and failure of the hair to re-grow. In some instances, the hair is discoloured due to the above mentioned problems. Shaved pets may also be prone to sunburn, which would require the application of a sunscreen on a daily basis until the hair grows sufficiently enough to protect the skin.  In some cases, pets exhibit brief behavioural changes and become quite shy. This is very normal and nothing to worry about – he will be back to normal in a day or two. Just keep telling them how gorgeous they look!  Prevention is the key against matting, following a diligent grooming schedule will help remove the possibility of future occurrences.