Things That Can Happen After Your Pet’s First Groom

There are a few things that can come as an unexpected surprise to Pet Parents after your pet’s first groom. Those viral videos of “WHAT has my groomer done to my dog?!” can be funny (even though they make groomers squirm, hehe), but the reality is that the first few grooming appointments are often about figuring things out together: finding the right groomer, working out what haircut you like, learning what suits your pet, and understanding how to maintain their coat at home.

Here are some things that can be completely normal after a first groom…

THEY MIGHT SCOOT OR LICK THEIR HYGIENE AREA

Most groomers use a #10 blade around the hygiene area. This is considered a safer blade for these delicate areas because the teeth are closer together, while also giving a nice close trim that lasts longer. But imagine going from lots of fur down there to suddenly… not much! If you've trimmed your own area around there before, you know what we mean! 😂

For some pets, that newly exposed area can feel very different. Air, movement and other sensations they aren’t used to can make them want to lick or scoot.

Try to discourage excessive licking or scooting, as this can irritate the skin and make the area sore. And definitely tell your groomer! Next time, they may be able to leave the area a little longer or modify how they groom it.

THE HAIRCUT MIGHT COME AS A SHOCK

You’re used to your pet looking a certain way! 

I know my husband has come home with a haircut a few times and I’ve had a shock too lol. 😂 A big change in your pet’s appearance can be especially noticeable for young children and neurodivergent family members. We see you and we get it. 🫶

And the first haircut might not be exactly what you imagined. It can take a few grooms for you and your groomer to get completely on the same page about length, shape and style.

Pets don’t experience embarrassment about their haircut the way humans might, but they do notice our reactions to them. So remember, they’re still your same darling pet. Give them a cuddle, tell them they’re gorgeous, and remember: fur grows back! 💖

YOU MIGHT BE BRUSHING AT HOME (AND WE BELIEVE YOU!)... BUT THERE CAN STILL BE MATTING

This is incredibly common, particularly with puppy coats and Oodle-type coats. It's actually very rare to see an Oodle that's reached 1-year-old that hasn't had some matting.

Sometimes it’s because the wrong tools are being used, but very often it’s simply because brushing a pet properly is quite different from brushing our own hair.

You can brush over the top of a coat every day and still have tangles developing underneath, close to the skin (which often ends up needing shaving.) This is why groomers often recommend learning line brushing and "checking your work" with a comb.

So if your groomer finds matting, you haven’t failed. You aren’t being judged. And you’re definitely not “in trouble”!

Ask your groomer to show you the right tools and techniques for your pet’s particular coat so you can be set up for success at home. 💖

YOUR PET MIGHT BE TIRED AFTERWARDS... OR ACT A LITTLE WEIRD!

Think about how little kids can be after doing something completely new. They might come home exhausted… or completely "feral." 😂

Pets can be exactly the same.

A first groom involves new sensations, noises, smells, people and sometimes other animals nearby. Your pet may also be wondering, “Ummm… where’s my mum/dad?!”

Grooming can be physically demanding too. They’re standing for periods of time, lifting their legs, being repositioned, learning how to stand on a grooming table and processing lots of new information.

So crashing out afterwards or suddenly getting wild post-groom zoomies isn’t necessarily unusual.

However, if they still seem noticeably out of sorts the following day, let your groomer know. They may recommend shorter appointments, such as Bath & Tidies, while your puppy gradually builds up to a Full Groom.

THEY MIGHT BE THIRSTY OR HUNGRY AFTER THE GROOM 

When pets are overstimulated, a little worried, or simply with someone they don’t know and trust yet, they may refuse treats or water.

Then Mum or Dad arrives and suddenly it’s:

“OH THANK GOD. WATER!” 😂

Even though water and treats are offered throughout the groom, some pets simply aren’t interested until they’re back somewhere they feel completely comfortable.

So having a decent drink or meal when they get home isn’t necessarily surprising after those early grooming visits.

THEIR FURRY SIBLING MIGHT THINK,

 “WHO ARE YOU?!”

This one can really catch people off guard!

Sometimes a pet comes home from grooming and their normally loving pet sibling suddenly doesn’t want a bar of them. With cats especially, this can occasionally even result in hissing, growling or fighting.

Your freshly groomed pet may smell different, look different and feel unfamiliar to the other animals in the household. 

If this happens, tell your groomer!

There may be things they can change next time, such as using fragrance-free or low-scent products, or avoiding such a dramatic change in appearance where possible.

YOU MIGHT GET SOME GROOMING HOMEWORK!

Your pet might be an absolute angel at home but find parts of grooming tricky. That doesn’t mean they’re “naughty”. Grooming asks them to cope with lots of unusual things like standing still, having their feet and face handled, strange noises, dryers and clippers.

Your groomer might send you home with a little homework, like practising paw handling, brushing, chin holds or dryer noises. They may also recommend more regular or shorter visits while your pet builds confidence.

The first few grooms are a learning experience for everyone. We learn about your pet, they learn about grooming, and you learn what you can practise at home to help make each visit easier. 💖

 Most importantly…

Your groomer always wants to know how your pet went after their visit. Feedback helps groomers learn about your individual pet and make their future appointments as comfortable, predictable and positive as possible.

The first groom is just that: the first one. Grooming is a relationship that develops between your pet, their groomer and you. We learn what they love, what they find tricky, what haircut you love, what works for their coat and all the little things that make each visit easier.

Sometimes it can be tempting to try a different groomer if the first visit wasn’t perfect, but pets often thrive on familiarity, routine and predictability. Giving your pet and their groomer the opportunity to get to know each other can make such a difference. With every visit, your groomer understands them a little better and your pet knows a little more about what to expect.

The goal isn’t a perfect first groom. It’s building a grooming relationship where your pet can feel increasingly safe, understood and at home. 🫶

# Puppy's First Groom # Cat's First Groom, #Kitten's First Groom