Which of the following is NOT a proper tool for breaking up mats?

• A. Mat comb
• B. Scissors
• C. Dematting rake
• D. Undercoat rake

Answer: (B)

Breaking up mats safely relies on tools designed to separate tangled fibers without cutting the skin. A mat comb, a dematting rake, and an undercoat rake each have teeth or blades that work the mats loose piece by piece, allowing you to lift and tease the fibers apart without creating jagged edges or prompting skin injury. Scissors, on the other hand, are meant for cutting hair, not for detangling. Using them to break up mats near the skin can easily slip and nick or cut the animal, producing sharp edges and potentially causing pain or damage. In difficult cases, trimming might be necessary, but for the process of breaking apart mats, stick with the comb and rake tools and work in small sections, keeping the skin taut and the animal comfortable.