Put the Scissors Down: Don't Cut Burrs or Mats Out of Your Dog's Coat

​

If your dog comes home covered in cockleburs, hitchhikers, leaves, grass seeds, or has a few mats behind the ears or under the collar, your first instinct may be to grab a pair of scissors.

Please don't.

​

One of the most common coat problems I see isn't caused by the burrs or the mats—it's caused by someone trying to cut them out.

​

In many cases, I can remove burrs and debris while saving the coat. If a mat or burr does need to be clipped, I can usually remove only the small section that's actually affected instead of leaving a large hole in the coat.

​

There's another reason to put the scissors down.

​

Mats, especially behind the ears, can become pulled tightly against the skin. When that happens, the skin is often lifted up into the mat. What looks like "just hair" may actually include a fold of skin.

I've seen owners accidentally cut their dog's skin while trying to remove a mat. More than once they've told me, "The dog never cried or even flinched."

​

My answer is always the same:

That's because your dog trusted you.

​

Don't let a grooming problem become a veterinary visit.

Please don't be embarrassed to bring your dog to me covered in burrs or with a few mats. I'd much rather remove them than spend the next 45 minutes trying to blend a home haircut—or worse, see a dog with an avoidable injury.

​

A Simple Rule

If you're reaching for scissors...

Put them down.

Call your groomer first.

You'll usually save more coat, avoid an unnecessary injury, and your dog's coat will look much better afterward.

​

Save the scissors for wrapping paper. I'll take care of your dog's coat.