Records & paperwork7 min read
Dog grooming notes: what to share with your groomer
A groomer can do more in 90 minutes when you arrive with three or four specific notes than when you say “the usual.” A short, written sheet protects your dog from surprises and the groomer from guessing.
The Driyu team
Pet safety editorial
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).
Why a written note matters
Groomers handle dozens of dogs a week. Memory fails. A written note — even a few bullets — lets them work safely and consistently across visits and across staff.
It is also the single best way to protect a dog with sensitivities, anxiety triggers, or a recent medical change that the groomer needs to know about.
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.
- Sensitivities: ears (do not flush), nail handling (worried at the dremel), anal glands (expressed by vet only).
- 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.
- Today’s ask: trim length, finish, paw pad trim, sanitary, nail length, any new request.
What groomers do not need
Photos of styles you saw online without context. Long anecdotes about previous groomers. Instructions that contradict each other (“short, but not too short”). Pick one length descriptor and trust the professional.
Mats, hot spots, and skin
If you see a mat near the skin, leave it for the groomer rather than cutting it out at home; many groomers prefer dematting tools that protect the skin. Hot spots or unexplained scabs are a vet’s call first — tell the groomer either way.
Puppies and senior dogs
Puppies usually need short, calm exposure visits before a full groom. Senior dogs may struggle with long tables, slippery floors, or being lifted. Both situations benefit from a written ask for breaks and gentler handling.
How Driyu fits
A Driyu pet profile carries the grooming fields once, and the groomer can read them at every visit. Allergies and medications update in one place; a new groomer gets the same information without you re-typing it.
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
- AAHA — Skin and coat care basics
- Fear Free Pets — Low-stress grooming
Frequently asked questions
How often should a dog be groomed?
Coat-type dependent. Many medium and long-coat breeds benefit from a full groom every 4 to 8 weeks. Short coats may only need a bath and nail trim every few months. Confirm with your groomer.
Should I tell the groomer about a recent vet visit?
Yes. Topical medications, vaccinations, or new oral medications can change how a dog handles handling, water, or shampoos. The groomer can adjust accordingly.
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?
Many veterinarians prefer to express anal glands themselves to monitor for issues. Ask your vet first; tell your groomer the answer.
