How To Shave A Matted Shih Tzu

Expert’s answer:

Shaving a matted Shih Tzu requires careful and gentle handling to ensure the safety and comfort of the dog. Here are the steps to follow when shaving a matted Shih Tzu:

  1. Assess the severity of the matting: Before starting the shaving process, it’s important to evaluate how severe the matting is. If the mats are extremely tight and close to the skin, it may be necessary to shave the entire coat.
  2. Prepare the grooming area: Find a clean, well-lit area where you can comfortably groom the dog. Make sure you have all the necessary tools within reach, such as clippers, blades, grooming scissors, and a grooming table or secure surface.
  3. Use clippers to remove the mats: Start by using clippers with a suitable blade to remove the mats. Begin at the edges of the mats and work your way inward, taking care not to get too close to the skin. Cutting too close to the skin can cause injuries.
  4. Work slowly and gently: Take your time and work slowly, especially when dealing with tight mats. Use short, gentle strokes to avoid pulling on the hair or causing discomfort to the dog. If necessary, use a comb or brush to separate the matted hair before using the clippers.
  5. Consider a complete shave: If the mats are too severe or cover a large portion of the dog’s coat, it may be necessary to give the Shih Tzu a complete shave. This can help eliminate any discomfort caused by matting and make it easier to maintain the coat in the future.
  6. Keep the dog calm and comfortable: Throughout the grooming process, ensure that the dog remains calm and comfortable. Offer treats and positive reinforcement to help keep them at ease. If the dog becomes stressed or anxious, consider taking breaks or seeking the assistance of a professional groomer.
  7. Finish with a thorough grooming: Once the mats are removed or the dog is shaved, proceed with a thorough grooming session. This includes bathing, drying, brushing, and trimming any remaining areas that require attention. Use grooming products and techniques appropriate for Shih Tzu coats to ensure a healthy and beautiful result.

It’s important to note that shaving a matted Shih Tzu should be done with caution and care to avoid causing any harm to the dog. If you feel unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it’s recommended to seek the assistance of a professional groomer who can safely handle the situation.

Literature on the topic

The Complete Guide to Shih Tzu Dogs: Learn Everything You ... - Molly WeinfurterThe Complete Guide to Shih Tzu Dogs: Learn Everything You …
Author: Molly Weinfurter
Year: 2019
Description:I brought my Shih Tzu home. What now? How can I best train my Shih Tzu? What are some common mistakes should I avoid? This book is designed to help guide you through life with a Shih Tzu from puppy to old age and everything in between.
How to Groom a Shih Tzu Perfectly: A Step by Step ... - Tammy SprinkleHow to Groom a Shih Tzu Perfectly: A Step by Step …
Author: Tammy Sprinkle
Year: 2004
How to Groom A Shih Tzu Perfectly: An Illustrated ... - Tammy SprinkleHow to Groom A Shih Tzu Perfectly: An Illustrated …
Author: Tammy Sprinkle
Year: 2007
Description:Instructional guide for beginners.
Best detangler for shih tzu
Best detangler for shih tzu – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What breaks up mats in dog hair?

You must exercise extra caution if your dog already has mats. Although your dog probably won’t enjoy it very much, you can attempt to separate the mat with a comb or something similar to a slicker brush.

It’s not a good idea to brush the mat unless it’s a very small mat. If you try that, use a detangling conditioner spray while you work your fingers through the knots. To stop it from pulling on your dog’s skin, you should hold the mat at the base.

Brush your pet’s fur with gentle strokes and be sure to reward him or her with treats as you go. You can also use a licking mat that has been covered in peanut butter or wet dog food. Your dog will begin to associate brushing positively as a result.

Using scissors to cut out a mat is never a good idea. Your dog’s skin will probably get cut by you. Utilizing grooming clippers is preferable if you feel the need to cut the mat out.

Detangling spray for shih tzu
Detangling spray for shih tzu – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Are matted dogs detested by groomers?

Most groomers will have a “Humanity before Vanity” mentality about your dog’s knots and will advise clipping the coat back to below the matting point because de-matting is very painful for the dog. This might not be the cutest thing, but it will instantly improve your dog’s mood by a thousand times. They may need a few days to adjust to the new haircut feeling as their blood begins to flow normally again and they lose the weight of the dead hair (I know I can’t stop touching my now do after a big chop!). When blood flow is suddenly restricted and resumes, severe matting can occasionally result in bruising on the skin. Dogs who have just been slipped may scratch more, drag or roll across the floor, or even shake their heads slightly as a result of this adjustment. There’s no need to worry about this because it’s perfectly normal. If your dog is displaying such behaviors, keep an eye on them and seek advice from your groomer or veterinarian if they persist for more than a few days.

Matted coat removal is a difficult task that frequently takes longer than a typical grooming appointment because it is a delicate procedure that needs an experienced hand. Dogs’ skin is incredibly thin, so accidents are more likely to happen when matting is close to the skin, especially in delicate places like the legs, groin, and ears. Due to the nature of the job, even when done correctly and safely, there is a higher risk of nicks and cuts.

Matting can
hide a variety of health issues that we are unable to detect when they are buried beneath a thick layer of hair, making it uncomfortable for your dog as well as uncomfortable for you. As pet groomers, we frequently find skin rashes, fleas and other bugs, allergic reactions, hot spots, and foreign objects (sticks, grass seeds, and garden matter are common, but we’ve also found bandaids, tiny plastic toys, and even a fishing hook!). One particularly risky consequence of debris getting caught in the coat is that under pressure, it can actually embed itself in the skin.

How to shave matted dog hair
How to shave matted dog hair – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Shaving a dog with mats hurts, right?

It might be possible to brush through some of the matting and remove some of it if it is somewhat loose and not too close to the skin. Most dogs find this process to be stressful and painful. Whether the matting is sparse or completely covers the dog, the dreaded shave down is the kindest way to remove it. The groomers’ clippers get hot, which can aggravate the pet further, and shaving out the matting is not a simple fix. The likelihood of nicks increases because the matting may pull on the skin as it is being removed. In order to maintain a healthy and knot-free coat, it is best to prevent matting in the first place.

Contact Us To Discover The Biscuits and Bath Difference.

Groomer shaved my shih tzu
Groomer shaved my shih tzu – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Cut offs of matted dog hair are acceptable?

1. Eliminate it. You can cut out the mats if there are only one or a few of them. It’s okay to just cut the mat out unless your dog will be competing. To slowly cut the ball of hair away, pull the mat away from the skin so you can see all the way down to the skin. Use the thick part of the scissors, not the tips. If you position the mat along the line of the thick portion of the scissor rather than snipping with the tips, you will reduce the risk of cutting your dog. To keep your dog from jerking away, you might need to have someone hold him or rub his ears. While scissoring, avoid pulling on the mat.

2. To remove mats, use leave-in conditioner. You might need to apply a leave-in conditioner if there are several mats. Half of the conditioner—ideally dog conditioner, but human conditioner will do in a pinch—and half of the water should be added to a spray bottle to dilute it. Apply a lot of spray to the mats and matted area. Drawing mats away from the skin, gently brush the matted area. The hair is made softer and more slippery by the conditioner, which should make it easier to detangle matted hair.

3. In the bathtub, brush your teeth. If you can get your dog into the bathtub and keep him there, shampoo him as usual, getting him all sudsy, and then give him a good rinse. Apply conditioner to him. Gently brush through the mats as he is applying conditioner. Thoroughly rinse.

How to clip shih tzu legs
How to clip shih tzu legs – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Which is preferable, shaving a matted dog wet or dry?

This is a step-by-step guide for dealing with matted dogs, a problem we encounter more frequently than we’d like. Dogs with matted hair are more likely to experience skin irritants, potential infections, or even worse. While you remove the matting, the wet shaving process keeps the skin cool and calm. A longer blade can reach under mats when cutting through wet, clean, and condition hair because it will stretch a little bit more.

Wet shaving is a method that makes use of the coat’s flexibility to easily trim some length. The length saved can mean the difference between getting a painful sunburn or not. However, it won’t instantly turn a candidate for a haircut into a fluffy puppy. You reduce your risk of getting clipper burns by using the clippers on cool, wet skin. Any coat type that mats and needs to be clipped short to restart can be treated with this technique.

(Fig. 1) This image depicts a dryer blowing freshly bathed hair to reveal a lot of mats, which are present throughout the body. I am absolutely certain to use the wet shave technique at this time.

Can a dog be hurt by matted fur?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Can a dog be hurt by matted fur?

Even minor matting can put tension on the fur and underlying skin, which the dog will lick to relieve the discomfort. Matting may be minimal and only affect areas behind the ears, on the feet, in armpits or other friction areas, in the hygiene area, etc. And this might then exacerbate matting and cause stress. In extreme cases, matting may obstruct normal air circulation to skin, cut off air supply to extremities, harm, bruise, and discolor skin, open sores and rips, and become a flea and parasite breeding ground in addition to being very odourous. Simply put, your dog experiences pain when it mattes. Your pet may experience pain, stress, and discomfort from even minor matting. Additionally, brushing out established matts requires pulling live hair out of the skin because healthy hair has been engulfed by matts and clumps. This increases the pain and irritation in the area, and the dog may lick it to get relief, which spreads the redness, irritation, and infections and may lead to swelling and sores. Twirl your hair until it forms a solid ball and begins to tug at your scalp to simulate how your dog feels. Give it a gentle tug now, and then imagine that tugging is happening all over your body—in your groin, in your armpits—and maybe you’ll begin to comprehend the suffering your dog goes through when it becomes matted. Both the undercoat and the outer coat have the potential to matte. Because of a thicker outer coat, undercoat matting occasionally cannot be seen. The only solution if the coat isn’t controlled is to completely shave it off. Less options exist for a solution once the hair is matted. If the matting is somewhat looseand not close to the skin, it may be possible to brush through and remove. For the majority of dogs, this process is typically painful and stressful. Whether the dog is covered in matting or the matting is sparse, shaving the dog down is the kindest way to remove it. Nobody is aware of what is beneath the substantial dense mats. The skin may be paper-thin, inflamed, sore, infected, or covered in skin tags or moles. Groomers always remove matting with the utmost care for this reason. Due to the time required to ensure the matting is removed in the most secure manner for the pet, there are additional fees for dogs with matting.

The phrase “HUMANITY BEFORE VANITY” is repeated by dog grooming professionals and should be said aloud: they never enjoy shaving off matted dogs. The process of removing matts is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and realistically, a dog can only put up with “so much.” Matting is painful, unsightly, may cause health issues, and cannot be left in that condition. It is a matter of health and stress, not just appearance. A trained professional will never intentionally harm, st
ress, hurt, or discomfort a dog. When a dog shows up matted, however, that is the challenge dog groomers face. There are two ways to treat mats: – The first is de-matting, or brushing the mats out. This should only be attempted if the matting is not severe because it is very time-consuming and could be very painful for the dog. The repeated brushing of the affected area may cause a dog to need to sit and stand for hours on end, which could result in a brush rash. The second option is to give yourself a short haircut and use clippers to cut through the matt and close to the skin. Remember the twirling of the hair? This is still painful for the dog, and the length of the coat is entirely dependent on the degree of matting and how close it is to the skin. It takes patience and skill to shave a matted coat. The thin skin of a dog may become loose due to heavy mats. Clippers can easily cut loose skin, especially if the dog is uneasy, uncomfortable, or in pain. With clippers on delicate skin, even the smallest movement on the table could cause nicks or cuts. Skin may become itchy after the matts are removed as a result of being exposed to air. The dog might lick or scratch the area, causing saliva from his mouth to irritate and inflame the skin.

Whatever method is used, getting rid of mats is a difficult process. Because of this, reputable groomers will need you to sign a Matted Dog Release Form. Injury risk exists where there is matting. The form outlines the steps that the dog will take, any difficulties that may arise, possible outcomes, and challenges, as well as the possible addition of fees.

How do hairdressers remove matted fur?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How do hairdressers remove matted fur?

The safest and most humane way to remove severe matting from your dog would be to shorten his hair. The density of the mats will determine the length of his hair. In order to remove them, we must be able to get the blade under the mat close to the skin.

Dogs’ fur can become matted when it develops dense tangles and knots. It is a painful condition that can cause other health issues, such as infections or skin rashes, as well as conceal other health problems or parasites. Mats prevent your dog’s hair from breathing and can also trap moisture, which can irritate your dog and lead to sores. Even mild matting can be uncomfortable, but in extreme cases, matting can cut off blood flow to your dog’s skin and result in hematomas. Matting can occasionally be so severe that your dog needs to see a veterinarian for treatment.

Some dogs have more delicate, mat-prone coats that require more maintenance. Any dog with long hair can become matted, but certain breeds and coat types, such as Poodles, Doodles, Curly coats, Cocker Spaniels, Bishon, Shih Tzu, and any variation of these breeds, are more prone to matting. Both double-coated dogs and dogs with long, silky coats, like Yorkies, are susceptible to mating.

Friction – Mattingis typically found in areas of your dog where there is the most friction. This includes the armpits, the area where the collar or harness rests, the legs where they sit or come into contact with wet grass, the area behind the ears, and any other areas of the body where they might scratch.

How can I get rid of my Shih Tzu’s matted hair?

Once more simply cutting through. The mats can now be brushed through. and will be removed quite simply. The cover-up is also present in this. We immediately used the ten to clip out the area beneath his eyes.

What occurs if you leave a dog with matted fur?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What occurs if you leave a dog with matted fur?

Matting and pelting interfere with the dog’s ability to regulate his body temperature, irritate his skin, conceal parasites like fleas or other nasties, and inflict excruciating pain and suffering.

Let’s take a look at why your dog’s coat is developing mats and what you can do to avoid them. Additionally, we’ll discuss your options if your dog’s coat is already matted.

Dog hair gets tangled and wraps around itself to form mats, which are tightly wound clumps of both live and dead dog hair. They gradually approach the dog’s skin if they aren’t brushed out because they keep accumulating more fur. Where there is a lot of friction, like around the neck area where the collar sits, behind the ears (where we tenderly scratch them), under the chin, under the armpits, under where the harness usually sits, on the back of their hind legs, and under their feet, mats are more likely to form.

A severely matted dog can be shaved in what ways?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

A severely matted dog can be shaved in what ways?

Never the mess, always the skin-tight. the entire canine. proceed slowly. Not a race, this. As with moving too quickly and yelling at it, you’ll clip and end up cutting the skin.

Video:


SHIH TZU GROOMING🐶❤️Extremely matted!! Complete shave down!!

Groomingshihtzuface #mattedshihtzugrooming #matteddog Korean Grooming Techniques! Total transformation of a shih tzu …



Matted Shih Tzu Shave Down Grooming

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How to Shave a Matted Shih Tzu.
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Chelsea Vaughn

Chelsea is a former marine biologist who switched gears in her twenties to build a small house and start a business. She enjoys traveling and going on hiking adventures with her husband, their two Australian Shepherds and their African Grey Parrot.

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  • Awesome job! Thank you for this article with Remy. I have a lot more confidence now. I have a Lhasa whose coat looks like Remy’s coat until he’s brushed out. Then he rolls atound on the carpet and gets messed up sgain😅. My dog does have some matting on the inner thigh area. Thank you for sharing the blades you used because I was wondering if I could do that. Ill start with the 5f on the body, 10 blade in the sanitary area and inner thighs along with cleaning out his eyes, and 7 blade wherever else if needed. Ill do the same with the legs as you did with a snap on comb. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Ruby! 😊 for this article.