Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal. This includes prolonged de-matting, which can be painful and harmful to your dog’s wellbeing.

At Dapper Dogs Grooming, Helen will always put your dog’s comfort first. If your dog’s coat is heavily matted and would require more than around 20 minutes of de-matting, the coat will need to be clipped short to remove the matting safely and humanely. In some cases, you may be advised to seek veterinary assistance.

As a general guideline, only very small areas of matting can be safely worked through – for example, minor knots behind the ears or small areas under the legs. If the coat is more heavily matted, Helen will make the decision to clip the coat short in the best interest of your dog.

Matting can cause significant discomfort, as it pulls tightly on the skin and can trap dirt and moisture underneath. This can lead to sore, irritated skin and underlying issues that may not be visible until the coat is removed.

Clipping a matted coat can take additional time and may cause extra wear on grooming equipment, so an additional fee may be applied.

If your dog is found to be matted, Helen will prioritise your dog’s welfare over any styling preferences. By proceeding with the groom, you acknowledge that:

• any skin irritation revealed is due to the condition of the coat prior to grooming
• there is a slightly increased risk of minor cuts when clipping very matted coats, due to how close the matting sits to the skin
• veterinary treatment, if required, is the responsibility of the owner

After being clipped short, your dog may take a little time to adjust, but they will be far more comfortable without the matted coat.

To help prevent matting, regular brushing at home is essential. Helen is always happy to give advice on the best tools and grooming routine for your dog, and may recommend a regular grooming schedule to maintain your preferred style.

Last updated: 24/03/2026