Why Your Groomer Might Need to Shave Your Dog: Everything You Need to Know About Matting

It’s one of the most common and emotional questions groomers get - “Why did you have to shave my dog?” or “Can’t you just brush the knots out?”

The short answer: it depends on how severe the matting is, where it’s located, and how your dog handles grooming. But let’s unpack what matting actually is, what causes it, and what groomers can safely do about it.

What is matting?

A matt is a clump of hair that has tangled together and formed a solid mass. It can range from mild tangles to an impenetrable pelt.

• Minor matting (or “spider-webbing”): light tangling that looks like fine webs when the coat is blown with a dryer.

• Moderate matting: the hair has started to clump into several small, distinct matts.

• Severe matting: multiple tangles have fused into one dense mass (or pelt), either over part of the body or all of it.

  
  

The closer a matt forms to the skin, the riskier and more uncomfortable the grooming process becomes - and that’s usually when a full shave is the only safe option.

What can a groomer do about matting?

1. Minor matting (“spider-webbing”): If the coat is only slightly tangled, a groomer may wash the dog and use a heavy conditioner before gently brushing or combing the coat through. Sometimes, the tangles can be worked out altogether or loosened enough to leave some length.

But anything beyond mild tangles will tighten once wet, becoming heavy and painful for the dog - even risking bruising from the weight.

2. Moderate to severe matting: Once the matting reaches this stage, the only kind and safe option is to shave the coat short.

What factors influence the groomer’s decision?

1. The dog’s tolerance level: Some dogs simply can’t handle extensive brushing or de-matting. It’s painful and stressful, and can cause long-term fear of grooming. The saying “humanity over vanity” applies here - your dog’s comfort always comes first.

2. The owner’s ability to maintain the coat: Many people genuinely don’t realise how much upkeep high-maintenance coats require. Or, their dog’s coat changes during adolescence and suddenly becomes unmanageable. In mild cases, a groomer might try to save some length and show you how to line-brush properly at pickup. But, if you're not on a regular schedule and your dog comes in more than once with the same degree of matting, they will take the dog short.

3. The location of the matting: Some dogs have beautifully maintained coats everywhere except for small problem spots - their feet, tail, maybe under their collar or around their rear. Depending on severity, your groomer might be able to work those out or blend the shorter areas into the rest of the coat.

4. The severity of the matting: If a matt is tight against the skin, it’s simply unsafe to try to scissor or use longer comb attachments. The risk of cutting the skin is far too high, and in many cases, anything other than a very short clipper blade can get beneath the matt anyway. In these cases, a close shave is the safest and most humane option.

What are the risks when shaving out matting?

Even though shaving is the safest route, there are still a few risks groomers manage carefully:

1. Bruising - Severe matting can restrict blood flow to the skin. Once it’s shaved, blood rushes back quickly, sometimes bursting small capillaries. This can cause bruising, especially between toes or under tight mats.

   
   

2. Aural haematomas - When ears are matted, blood returning to the area too fast can cause the ear leather to fill with blood like a balloon. Groomers reduce this risk by shaving in sections and preventing ear-flapping afterwards, but owners should still monitor for scratching or head-shaking for the next day.

   
   

3. Cuts or abrasions - Groomers use very short blades (#10–#30) and stretch the skin taut to avoid cuts, but hidden warts or folds under matts can make it tricky.

   
   

4. Rashes or skin sensitivity - Skin that’s been covered in matts is often sensitive to shampoo, water, or friction. Groomers may use soothing, cool rinses to help, but reactions can still occur.

   
   

5. Post-groom itching - After a shave, the rush of blood, air flow, and new sensations can make dogs itchy or restless. Owners should watch for excessive scratching or licking and redirect gently until it settles.

   
   

Why do groomers charge extra for dematting or shaving matted coats?

Matting causes extra wear and tear on grooming tools. When we shave before washing (because the coat can’t be bathed while matted), the dirt and grit in the hair dulls blades and clippers quickly. The surcharge isn’t a punishment - it simply covers the extra maintenance and care required to do the job safely.

Finding the balance

Most owners with matted dogs aren’t careless - they just didn’t know what kind of coat care their dog needed. Whether your dog’s coat is high-maintenance or double-coated, your groomer’s goal is to help you find a manageable balance between your lifestyle and your dog’s comfort.

A shorter cut might not be the look you had in mind, but it’s often the kindest choice for your dog - and a fresh start toward better coat health in the future.