Matting: Dogs with severely matted coats require extra attention. Mats can be difficult to remove, and may require the pet to be shaved. Removing a heavily matted coat can cause nicks, cuts, or abrasions. Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine near the pet’s skin, allowing mold, fungus or bacteria to grow, and/or revealing skin irritations that existed prior to the grooming process. After-effects of the mat removal can include itchiness, redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions, and failure of hair to regrow. In some cases, pets may also exhibit brief behavioral changes. Prevention is the best defense against matting by scheduling regular grooming appointments.