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

Certified professional groom

A full groom by a certified professional, with a style consultation and a walkthrough of the result.

🕘 Plan for about 150 minutes. PetHour keeps 15 minutes between a caregiver's visits for travel and handoff.

Before the booking

Share any breed-standard or show requirements, and photos of finishes you like.
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

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).

Find a groomer All guides

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.