RSPCA removes 5kg of matted fur from rescue dog
Barney's fur was so matted it covered his eyes and affected his eating and drinking.
A dog has had 5 kilograms of matted fur removed after arriving at an RSPCA rescue centre in Surrey.
Barney, an old English sheepdog, hadn’t been exercised, socialised or groomed for five years when the RSPCA officer saw him for the first time. His fur was so matted that it covered his eyes and affected his eating and drinking.
Because he was so matted, Barney had to be sedated by the veterinary surgeon for clipping. A total of five kilograms of matted fur was removed from the dog.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Chloe Wilson said: “He looked like a completely different dog after his extensive grooming!”
The charity says that the matted fur has not caused any health problems for Barney, and he is now ready for rehoming.
Sue Walters, from the RSPCA’s Millbrook Animal Centre said: “When Barney came into us, he was so shut down and scared, but our team gave him lots of time to trust them and now he has come on leaps and bounds. He now really enjoys his walks with the people he knows and trusts.”
The RSPCA is looking to find Barney a home with owners that have experience of old English sheepdogs, and the grooming requirements that they require on a regular basis.
Ms Walters added: “Barney needs a home that will go slow with him and give him time to settle and adjust to a new family and home environment. He needs an understanding home where his new family realise that it may take a bit of time for him to bond with them. Barney does like other dogs, and would benefit from living with a neutered dog, depending on introductions.
“Barney has been through a hard time and he is becoming such a loving dog and really does deserve the best.”
Image (C) RSPCA
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
