Aussie Pet Mobile® Greater Memphis & West TN Shavedown Fact Sheet

Aussie Pet Mobile® Greater Memphis & West TN would like to advise you of the possible reactions that your pet may have after being shaved down due to severe matting. These reactions include but are not limited to:

1. Matting restricts blood flow to the skin. Once the matting is removed, blood rushes to the surface areas and causes the tiny blood vessels to burst under the skin causing a “streaking” effect which is often mistaken as razor irritation. This result cannot be avoided and will fade away.
2. De-matting/shave down the ears will cause a similar reaction as (1) above, but the vessels may burst through the tips of the ears and the ears may look like they’ve been cut. The tips of the ears will scab over, called Hematoma. Your dog may shake his/her head for several days afterwards, and this should be discouraged. Hematoma is not groomer error, but another consequence of removing mats from the ear area.
3. De-matting/shave down can cause a variety of skin and hair coat problems that may occur after a complete shave down; loss of hair growth, coat not growing back in the same texture and/or color prior to shaving, bald patches, hyperpigmentation of the skin (darkening of the skin where the coat has not grown back), loss of guard coat (the top layer of the coat), coarse re-growth of hair in different directions, exposure to the elements (sun/heat damage or stroke; cold inclement weather), exposure to bug bites, reduced protection from a bush, sticks, and others.
4. After your pet’s shave down, he/she may feel ashamed and vulnerable. It’s important not to laugh at your pet or talk about his/her condition as your pet will interpret your tone as negative and may run and hide or otherwise not behave normally. Give your pet lots of positive re-assuring words and petting. This should only last a few days.
5. Your pet may itch after a shave down. If we have clipped your dog’s nails, discourage constant scratching as the rough edges of freshly clipped nails can further irritate the skin, so please consider nail grinding Aussie Pet Mobile® Greater Memphis & West TN is not responsible for vet bills from scratching irritations as it is impossible to predict which animal will have post-grooming itching.
6. Some pets may incessantly lick their mat sores once these sores are exposed. This should be discouraged as constant licking may further irritate the sore. Obtaining a cone may be necessary until the sores are well on their way to healing up. Aussie Pet Mobile® Greater Memphis & West TN is not responsible for vet bills generated from licking as we have no way of predicting which pets will want to lick their mat sores.
7. Your pet may be jittery after his/her shave down as he/she can now feel air around the body where before, he/she could not. This can make your pet jumpy and nervous for a few days.
8. Shaving often exposes mat sores under the mats. Once the mat is removed, the mat sores will worsen as they are now getting the air and circulation needed to begin healing. Mat sores are not caused by cuts from the razor or groomer error. They are caused by the skin of your pet not getting the air, blood flow, and stimulation needed to maintain optimal health. If you feel your pet needs medical attention to aid in healing, then you should make those decisions accordingly. However, Aussie Pet Mobile® Greater Memphis & West TN is not responsible for your vet bills as we have simply exposed the mat sores, not caused them.
9. Matting prevents us from giving your pet a proper breed clip. It is healthier for your pet to have the mats removed, and unfortunately, your pet will not look as you envisioned. We understand and empathize with this. Your pet’s hair will grow back, and in the meantime, please commit to daily brushing your pet so that he/she can have a proper breed style in the future.

Please make sure you have read this Shave Down Fact Sheet in full and are aware of the potential reactions that can occur post-shave down.