08/24/2026
Something I wish more pet owners knew about grooming…
One of the hardest conversations for groomers is explaining why a dog sometimes has to be shaved down — especially when their owner says, “But I brush them every day!”
We believe you. But brushing every day doesn’t always mean the coat is being brushed all the way down to the skin.
Mats can form underneath the top layer of hair, especially in areas like the armpits, behind the ears, around the collar, under the legs, and along the belly. From the outside, the coat can look perfectly fluffy and brushed while tight mats are quietly building underneath.
And unfortunately, once a mat has become tight against the skin, shaving it off may be the safest and kindest option for the dog. Trying to brush severe matting out can be painful, pull on the skin, cause irritation, and turn grooming into a very stressful experience.
We understand that it can be upsetting to pick up your dog and see them much shorter than you expected. But please remember: your groomer isn’t shaving your dog because they don’t want to brush them or are trying to “take the easy way out.” They’re shaving them because they are putting your dog’s comfort and safety first. 🐶💙
The best way to prevent this is regular professional grooming and proper at-home brushing — making sure you’re working through the entire coat down to the skin, not just brushing the surface.
A good rule of thumb: If you can’t easily run a comb from the skin all the way through the hair, there may be matting underneath.
We’d much rather help you prevent the mats than have to shave them off later. 🐾✨
A groomer’s goal isn’t to make your dog look different — it’s to keep them comfortable, healthy, and happy!