Medical grooming services at South Fraser Animal Hospital address grooming needs that require veterinary oversight or sedation for dogs and cats in Abbotsford, BC. Our team performs dematting, sedated shaving, and sedated nail trims safely and gently, prioritizing your pet’s physical comfort and emotional wellbeing, and reducing the stress and risk involved when standard grooming is not manageable while your dog or cat is fully awake. All medical grooming procedures are performed by our veterinary team, not general groomers, ensuring that your pet’s health and safety remain the primary focus throughout the appointment.
Matted fur is more than a cosmetic concern. Dense mats pull constantly on the skin, restricting movement and causing pain, particularly around the legs, armpits, and neck where friction is highest. In dogs and cats with extensive matting, moisture and bacteria become trapped beneath the mats, leading to skin infections, sores, and hidden parasite activity that is invisible on the surface. Our team approaches dematting methodically and carefully, working in stages to minimize discomfort throughout the session. We evaluate the skin underneath after mat removal and note any areas of irritation, sores, or infection for follow-up. For pets with severe matting or those who become too distressed for safe handling while awake, sedation is available to ensure the process is safe and as stress-free as possible for both the pet and the care team.
When a coat has become too severely matted to address through dematting alone, a full or partial sedated shave provides the most effective and humane relief. Dogs and cats often experience immediate comfort following a shave, with the constant tension and pulling of dense mats removed from the skin. Under light sedation, our veterinary team works efficiently and calmly, monitoring your pet throughout the entire procedure. We examine the skin beneath the coat for wounds, irritation, or signs of infection and address any findings before discharge. We discuss a practical grooming maintenance plan with you after the appointment to help prevent recurrence and keep your dog or cat comfortable between visits.
Severely overgrown nails can curve into the paw pad, causing pain and altering the way your dog or cat distributes their weight when walking. Over time, this contributes to joint strain and postural issues. For pets who become highly distressed or cannot be safely managed during nail trims while awake, sedation allows us to complete the care they need without prolonged restraint or trauma. We carefully match the level of sedation to your individual pet's age, size, and health status, monitor throughout the procedure, and confirm they are fully recovered and comfortable before they leave our care. We are happy to discuss home nail care routines and frequency to reduce the need for repeated sedated trims over time.
Book a medical grooming appointment for your dog or cat at South Fraser Animal Hospital in Abbotsford. All procedures are performed by our veterinary team in a safe, supervised clinical environment. Call (604) 855-0770 or book online at southfraseranimalhospital.com/make-an-appointment/.
