Red, irritated skin from too much tool pressure in one place. Use light passes and move around the body.

A matted coat has to be shaved

Brushing out severe mats hurts. Agree up front that comfort comes before length, and photograph the mats before you start.

A nail is cut too short and bleeds

Keep styptic powder ready, stay calm and apply pressure. On dark nails, trim a little at a time.

Skin is irritated after the groom

Note the products used and tell the owner what to watch for. Redness that gets worse, or any oozing, needs a vet.

Stop, give a break and try again slowly. Never force a frightened pet — end the session and talk to the owner if it doesn't settle.

You find a lump, a wound, fleas or ticks

Photograph it and tell the owner before continuing. Don't treat parasites without the owner's go-ahead.

The pet bites, or tries to

Stop and keep everyone safe, then tell the owner. Agree a plan for next time — shorter sessions, a muzzle the owner provides, or a vet-supervised groom.

PREP GUIDE

✂️ Grooming

De-shedding treatment

Shampoo soak, blow-out and an undercoat pass for heavy shedders. Gentle, repeated passes beat pressure.

🕘 Plan for about 90 minutes. PetHour keeps 15 minutes between a caregiver's visits for travel and handoff.

Before the booking

Mention skin sensitivities and when the last de-shed was.
Tell the groomer about mats, skin conditions, lumps, sore spots and any part your pet hates having touched.
Show the look you want with a photo, and say what you'd accept if mats mean the coat has to come off short.
Take your dog for a potty break just before the appointment.
Mention any past bad reaction to grooming or products, and any recent illness.

What usually goes wrong

Brush burn: Red, irritated skin from too much tool pressure in one place. Use light passes and move around the body.
A matted coat has to be shaved: Brushing out severe mats hurts. Agree up front that comfort comes before length, and photograph the mats before you start.
A nail is cut too short and bleeds: Keep styptic powder ready, stay calm and apply pressure. On dark nails, trim a little at a time.
Skin is irritated after the groom: Note the products used and tell the owner what to watch for. Redness that gets worse, or any oozing, needs a vet.
The pet panics: Stop, give a break and try again slowly. Never force a frightened pet — end the session and talk to the owner if it doesn't settle.

If this happens

You find a lump, a wound, fleas or ticks: Photograph it and tell the owner before continuing. Don't treat parasites without the owner's go-ahead.
The pet bites, or tries to: Stop and keep everyone safe, then tell the owner. Agree a plan for next time — shorter sessions, a muzzle the owner provides, or a vet-supervised groom.

🚨 Call a vet now if…

Bleeding that won't stop with pressure, a cut that gapes, or any eye injury.
Heavy panting, drooling or wobbliness under a dryer — signs of overheating.
Collapse or trouble breathing, especially in flat-faced breeds.

In an emergency, call the vet or emergency clinic first, then the owner — the vet details are on the booking (ToS §4.8).

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These are general tips to help you prepare — not rules for how a caregiver must work, and not veterinary advice. Agree the details for each booking in the booking chat, so you both have them in writing.