The ‘Don’t Shave Her... But She’s Matted’ Text 😅

Happy Friday Daily Groomers,

I saw a screenshot this week that absolutely lit up Facebook because it’s the winter classic groomers have all dealt with at least once:

And every groomer reading it thought the same thing:

“Okay… winter coat season it is.”

I found the post buried deep in one of the grooming Facebook groups… the kind you’re half-scrolling through between clients.

But I had to stop.

Not because of the message itself (we’ve all seen some version of this before)…

But because of the comment count.

It had way more replies than anything else I’d seen all week.

So many, actually, that when I tried to open the full thread, Facebook struggled and my browser nearly tapped out trying to load all the responses.

That’s when it clicked:

This wasn’t just a “what would you do?” post.

It hit a nerve with a lot of groomers… (you know some of the most opinionated folks out there 😂😂)

……sharing the original screenshot so you can have the full context…..

But here’s the real reason this post got so much action:

This isn’t just about matting.

It’s about boundaries, education, and what you’re willing to put your name on.

Why this request is a trap (even if the client is nice)

When a coat is truly matted:

• Bathing tightens mats (water + soap + friction = felted concrete)

• Mats don’t dry well, so moisture gets trapped close to skin

• That trapped moisture can turn into hot spots / irritation / funk / infection risk

• And if the dog is pelted, brushing isn’t “helpful”… it’s painful

So the “bath + tidy + brushing” request is often code for:

“Can you make my dog look better without doing the thing that solves the problem?”

What pros actually do (based on the best replies)

The most common “right answer” from groomers fell into 3 buckets:

1) Assess first (pics or consult).

You can’t diagnose matting severity via text.

2) Set a non-negotiable welfare policy.

If the mats are tight, they must be removed (spot shave or full shave). Period.

3) Offer a warm alternative.

If they’re worried about cold weather: sweater/jacket, limit outdoor time, keep walks short.

The Copy/Paste text that keeps you classy and firm

If you want a response that protects the dog, protects your schedule, and doesn’t start a war, steal this:

Copy/Paste Response

“Thanks for the update — I’m glad you’re feeling better! Yes, I can do Feb 11 (or Feb 19).

Quick note on the matting: I’m happy to keep her as long as I safely can, but I can’t promise a bath-and-tidy without shaving until I see her coat in person. Bathing tight mats can make them tighten and become uncomfortable, and mats that stay damp can cause skin issues.

When you arrive, I’ll do a quick hands-on assessment. If the matting is light and brushable, we can do a bath + tidy with an added dematting charge/time. If it’s tight to the skin, the humane option is to remove the mats (spot shave or shave-down) before the bath. If you’re not comfortable with that, we can reschedule for March — and a sweater/jacket is a great way to keep her warm in the meantime.”

Pro move: make it a POLICY, not a debate

The strongest groomers don’t “argue” matting. They simply reference the policy:

• “I don’t send dogs home matted.”

• “I don’t bathe tight matting.”

• “I groom for what the dog needs.”

Clients can disagree with your opinion.

They can’t really argue with your policy.

Quick poll (I’m genuinely curious)

Speaking of polls, here’s how everyone responded to last week’s question about price increases for the new year.

If you made it this far, you can now exhale knowing the weekend is here.

For the love of grooming,

Alex

That’s all folks! Keep calm and groom on 🐶🤘