Dog grooming notes: what to share with your groomer
Bring concise, current notes to a grooming appointment so you and the groomer can discuss the dog’s needs and the proposed service.
THE DRIYU JOURNAL
Records & Paperwork
In this reading
Quick answer: Bring a one-page note with: coat condition (any mats, when they appeared), last bath and last groom dates, sensitivities (ears, paws, anal glands), any allergies or current medications, behavior at the table (who handles them well, what makes them hard), and what you want today (length, finish, paw pad trim).
A note about veterinary care
This article is for organization and general education only. It is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always ask your veterinarian about your pet's health, medications, vaccinations, weight, symptoms, or care plan.
Why a written note matters
Written notes help staff check details across visits. Confirm the important points in person rather than assuming the form has been read.
Discuss handling concerns and recent veterinary changes before the appointment starts; a note alone does not guarantee safe grooming.
Six fields a groomer reads first
- Coat condition: mats, hot spots, undercoat thickness, any irritated skin you noticed at home.
- Bath and groom history: the last bath, last full groom, any recent shampoo change.
- Pain or sensitivity during ear, paw or other handling, with any veterinary restrictions
- Allergies and medications: known allergens, any topical or oral medication the groomer should be aware of, any recent vet visit.
- Behavior at the table: who has handled them well, what triggers escalation, whether they need breaks.
- The service requested, with the coat length and any sensitive areas discussed clearly
What groomers do not need
Describe the desired result and ask what is safe and realistic for this coat. A reference photo can help, but it should not override skin health, comfort or veterinary advice.
Mats, hot spots, and skin
Do not cut mats close to the skin with scissors or pull them out. Ask a suitable professional how to manage them, and seek veterinary advice for painful, inflamed or injured skin before routine grooming.
Puppies and senior dogs
Discuss short sessions, support, breaks and handling needs for the individual dog. Age alone does not establish a safe appointment duration or lifting method.
How Driyu fits
Driyu does not have a dedicated grooming form that automatically reaches every groomer. Medical Records and Cloud Vault are private tools with limited Free capacity and more capacity with Pro; the public scan page is different. Send the relevant care brief directly and confirm receipt.
Related reads from Driyu
- Cat grooming and mat prevention: notes worth keeping
- Preparing your pet's info for facility care: groomers, daycare, and boarding intake
- Working with your vet, groomer, and boarder: records pet care professionals actually use
Sources and further reading
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
- ASPCA — dog grooming and skin care
- Fear Free Pets — Low-stress grooming
Frequently asked questions
How often should a dog be groomed?
Agree a schedule based on coat condition, skin health and the individual dog with the groomer and veterinarian where needed. This checklist does not prescribe a universal interval.
Should I tell the groomer about a recent vet visit?
Yes. Share relevant treatment instructions and ask the veterinarian about restrictions before grooming. The groomer should not change prescribed care.
What if my dog hates being groomed?
Talk to a Fear Free certified groomer, or a Fear Free veterinarian about pre-visit options. Forcing handling can make grooming worse over time.
Are anal glands a groomer’s job?
Ask your veterinarian whether any care is needed and who should provide it. Do not request routine expression solely because it appears on a grooming menu.