Grooming Waiver for Matted Pets and Double-Coated Dogs

At Good Hound Pet Services LTD (“the Salon”), we strive to provide the safest and most comfortable grooming experience for every pet. However, grooming pets with matted coats or double-coated breeds requires special consideration due to the unique challenges and risks involved. By signing this waiver, you acknowledge and accept these risks and responsibilities.

Dangers of Grooming Matted Pets

Matting in your pet’s coat can cause significant discomfort, pain, and potential health issues, and removing mats involves risks that cannot always be avoided. These include but are not limited to:

• Skin Irritation: Matted fur pulls tightly on the skin, which can lead to redness, irritation, or bruising during the dematting process.
• Skin Tears: Severely matted coats may require the use of clippers very close to the skin, increasing the risk of small nicks or cuts.
• Stress or Discomfort: The dematting process can be uncomfortable and stressful for pets, especially if the matting is severe.
• Hidden Issues: Mats may conceal underlying skin conditions, sores, infections, or parasites that become apparent only after grooming.
• Hair Loss or Thinning: Removing mats may result in uneven hair growth or thinning in certain areas.
• Aural Hematomas: Matting on the ears can cause restricted blood flow, leading to swelling and aural hematomas (blood pooling between the ear’s skin and cartilage). Grooming matted ears may further aggravate this condition, requiring veterinary attention.

If the matting is extreme and cannot be safely removed through brushing, the coat may need to be shaved. Shaving may leave the skin vulnerable and expose pre-existing skin issues.

Dangers of Shaving Double-Coated Dogs

Double-coated breeds (e.g., Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds) have a unique coat designed to regulate their body temperature and protect their skin. Shaving these coats is not recommended unless medically necessary and may result in the following:

• Permanent Coat Damage: Shaving can alter the texture of the coat and may result in patchy or uneven regrowth. In some cases, the coat may not grow back properly.
• Increased Sunburn Risk: Shaving removes the protective topcoat, leaving the skin exposed and more prone to sunburn and irritation.
• Overheating or Chilling: The double coat acts as insulation against both heat and cold. Removing it can disrupt the dog’s natural ability to regulate body temperature.
• Increased Shedding and Matting: Regrowth of a shaved coat may result in a higher risk of matting or excessive shedding due to uneven or damaged fur.