What to Tell Your Dog Groomer Before Your Appointment (Health, Behaviour, Style)

For what to tell your dog groomer before appointment, Tell your groomer about bites, pain, matting, medications, and the exact trim you want when you book or at drop-offAustralian rules and pricing vary by state – . That upfront honesty keeps grooms safer, closer to your expectations, and less stressful for your dog. Groomers are not mind readers; surprises cause rushed decisions in the moment.

Use this checklist so nothing important is missed. It pairs with how to prepare your dog for first grooming for puppies and nervous dogs.

Safety and behaviour

• Bite or nip history – Even one incident around paws, ears, or nail clipping helps staff plan handling and tools.
• Fear triggers – Dryer noise, being lifted, men vs women, other dogs in view.
• Muzzle tolerance – Some salons use basket muzzles briefly for safety; say if your dog has never worn one or panics.
• Recent behaviour changes – Pain from arthritis or ear infection commonly shows as sudden snapping. See dog nibble during grooming.
• Whether you can stay – Most salons prefer owners wait outside; confirm policy. Read should I stay when my dog is groomed.

Health and skin

• Vet diagnoses – Allergies, hip issues, heart disease, seizures, anything that affects standing time or water temperature.
• Open wounds, lumps, or hot spots – Groomers can work around them or ask for vet clearance.
• Fleas or ticks – Salons can need to schedule differently or use a flea shampoo policy.
• Medications – Especially sedatives prescribed for grooming; never medicate without vet direction. See sedate dog for grooming.
• Skin reactions after past grooms – Mention itching or scabs so hypoallergenic products can be used.

Coat condition and timeline

• Matting – Honest photos save time; severe mats can require a short clip for welfare. Read dog matting.
• Last groom date – Helps them estimate time and blade choice.
• Shedding goals – If you want deshedding emphasis on a Labrador or Husky, say so. See what does deshed mean.
• Double-coated breed – Say if you want deshedding, not a full shave. See shaving double-coated dogs.

Style and length (especially Oodles and Poodles)

• Reference photos – Bring 1–2 clear pictures of the trim you want on similar coat texture.
• Length in millimetres – “Not too short” is vague; ask for 12 mm body with rounded face, for example.
• Breed vs pet trim – A “puppy cut” or breed-standard trim are not the same. See Poodle and Oodle haircut lengths explained.
• Areas to leave longer – Leg feathering, top knot, tail flag, clean face vs teddy face.

Practical booking details

Confirm price band for your dog’s size (small full groom commonly $70–$90, medium $85–$110, large $100–$140 at salons), what is included, estimated duration, and cancellation policy. See 2026 grooming prices and how far in advance to book.

For what is normally bundled, see what is included in dog grooming. To vet a business, read how to choose a dog groomer.

Between-visit care that matches what you told the groomer

If you asked for a 12 mm teddy trim, brush without snagging mats before the next $85–$110 medium full groom. Update bite or skin notes by text if anything changes between booking and drop-off. Large Labradors on $100–$140 bands benefit from ear checks at home so infection flags match what staff see on the table. Rebook on schedule, carry photos of the last good groom, and compare follow-up specialists on locations if you relocate suburbs mid-cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you compare local options?

Shortlist two or three providers, then confirm hours, prices, and reviews from the last 90 days.