What 'Condition' is my Dog's Fur Coat?
When booking a grooming appointment with us at Neat Paws, we'll first ask you what condition your dog's coat is in. Whether it’s standard, matted, needs deshedding or both, this information helps us understand the level of care your dog’s coat requires. It also ensures that we provide the right kind of service and therefore pricing based on the time and work required.
How to determine what condition its in
How to determine what condition its in
Let's go through how you (the dog owner/dog parent) can better determine whether your dog’s coat is in standard condition, matted or needs deshedding.
1. Standard Coat
1. Standard Coat
A standard coat is a healthy, well-maintained coat with no mats, tangles, or excessive shedding. If your dog’s fur is smooth, manageable, and free of noticeable knots, it’s likely in standard condition. Regular brushing and grooming are key to keeping your dog’s coat in this state.
What does a standard coat look like?
Why does a standard coat cost less?
Why does a standard coat cost less?
- Grooming a dog with a standard coat is faster and easier because there are no tangles or excess hair to manage.
The grooming process requires less effort and time, so you won’t need to pay any extra fees.
2. Matted Coat
2. Matted Coat
A matted coat occurs when your dog’s fur gets tangled or knotted over time, often due to lack of regular grooming. Mats form when hair becomes tangled and clumps together, creating hard, dense patches that can pull on your dog’s skin and cause discomfort.
What does a matted coat look like?
Why does a matted coat cost more?
Why does a matted coat cost more?
- Matted fur is more difficult to groom. The mats must be carefully brushed or cut out, which takes extra time and effort
- Depending on how severe the mats are, your dog may need additional tools (like a dematting comb) or a longer grooming session to remove the mats without causing discomfort.
3. Shedding Coat
3. Shedding Coat
Deshedding is necessary when your dog is shedding large amounts of hair. This typically happens during seasonal changes or for breeds that shed heavily. Deshedding grooming involves removing the loose undercoat and excess hair that has fallen out, which helps reduce the amount of hair left around your home.
What does a shedding coat look like?
Why does a shedding coat cost more?
Why does a shedding coat cost more?
- Deshedding takes extra time to get rid of the excess hair your dog is shedding. The groomer uses special deshedding tools to remove the loose fur from the undercoat.
- Deshedding helps prevent mats from forming and reduces the amount of hair your dog sheds at home. It’s not only a grooming luxury but also a necessary service for dogs with thick coats or seasonal shedding issues.
4. Matted & Shedding Coat
4. Matted & Shedding Coat
If your dog has both mats and is shedding excessively, your groomer will need to spend more time on the coat. This service combines both matted grooming and deshedding, which means extra time and care to ensure your dog’s coat is restored to a healthy, shiny condition.
What does a matted & shedding coat look like?
Why does matted & deshedding cost more?
Why does matted & deshedding cost more?
- Combining two challenging conditions means more time and skill for the groomer.
- The process involves both detangling mats and thoroughly deshedding the undercoat, which is more intensive and requires specialised tools and techniques.
- The additional grooming time required adds to the cost.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of the different coat conditions, we hope this guide helps you identify your dog’s grooming needs with confidence.
By recognising the signs of matting, shedding, or standard coat, you’ll be able to select the right option when booking your dog’s grooming appointment with us.
This ensures they receive the best care possible, whilst acknowledging why things cost more & take longer, making the grooming process smoother and with more understanding of it all.
If you're still unsure though, feel free to contact us & maybe send us a photo/video of your dogs coat & we can help you decipher what condition its in.
We really appreciate you taking the time to learn the differences. We feel really respected of what we do, by you doing so. Can't wait to groom your little pooch!
Neat Paws 🐾
