Do you have a metal grooming comb? If you can put that comb down to the skin and run it through the hair then she is not matted. Yes, you may hit some tangles but if you have dampened the hair ahead of time you should not have trouble getting them out. A mat is when the hair is so tangled that there is a lump of hair there that you cannot get the comb through. Sometimes you can get a mat out with cornstarch or a conditioning spray. You can also cut it out if need be.
If you decide to have her shaved you may want to have some warm shirts or sweaters ready for her to wear. Where I am it is still quite cool. She will need something to help hold in her body heat.
Many groomers just have never learned how to do anything but shave a dog. Sadly, many pet owners don't groom their pets. They just wait until the fur is a mass of mats and take them to the groomer to have them shaved again. That's why you have to really shop around for a groomer that knows how to actually groom. Some of the best I have had are people who groom show dogs. They know a lot more than just shaving. Don't let them tell you your girl is matted if she is not. |