The holidays are a wonderful season filled with family gatherings, cozy photos, and festive fun. As you prepare your home and schedule for the celebrations ahead, don’t forget to get your pets holiday-ready too! A clean, well-groomed dog or cat not only looks great for guests and photos—but also feels healthier, happier, and more comfortable.
At Union Lake Pet Services, our professional groomers help pets look and feel their best year-round. Use this Holiday Pet Grooming Checklist to make sure your furry family members shine bright this season.
Brush, Brush, Brush!
Regular brushing helps control shedding, reduces mats, and keeps coats shiny for the holidays.
- Dogs with long or thick coats (Goldens, doodles, spaniels) should be brushed daily.
- Short-haired dogs and many cats benefit from brushing several times a week.
- Brushing before your professional grooming appointment helps prevent tangles and keeps your pet’s coat healthy.
If your pet is prone to mats, mention it to your groomer so they can use the best tools and techniques for their coat type.
Holiday Bath & Trim
A good seasonal bath removes dirt, dander, excess oils, and loose hair. For a photo-ready finish:
- Schedule a full bath and blowout
- Request a tidy-up trim for paws, sanitary areas, tail, and face
- Consider a full haircut for long-coated pets before or after your holiday festivities
Our grooming team uses high-quality, pet-safe products that leave coats soft, clean, and smelling amazing—perfect for guests and cuddling by the fire.
Nail Trims for Comfort and Safety
Long nails can be uncomfortable and may even affect your pet’s posture or gait. Plus, long nails can scratch visitors, snag clothing, or damage floors.
A pre-holiday nail trim ensures:
- Comfortable walking
- Reduced risk of splitting or breaking nails
- A clean, polished look for your pet
Consider adding a dremel service for smooth, rounded nails.
Ear Cleaning & Ear Health Check
Holiday hustle and bustle can distract from subtle health changes. A grooming appointment is a great time to have your pet’s ears checked and gently cleaned.
Groomers can identify:
- Excessive wax
- Redness or odor
- Signs of ear irritation
Early detection prevents infections from becoming painful (and expensive!) holiday emergencies.
Shedding Control Treatments
If you’re hosting guests—or snapping tons of holiday photos—now is the perfect time for a professional de-shed treatment.
Benefits include:
- Less fur on clothing and furniture
- A cleaner, healthier coat
- Reduced mats and tangles
- A smoother look for holiday pictures
Our de-shed services at Union Lake Pet Services are especially helpful for double-coated dogs and thick-coated cats.
Check Paw Pads and Trim Toe Fur
Snow, ice melt chemicals, and cold weather can irritate paw pads.
Before the holidays, make sure:
- Toe fur is trimmed to prevent slipping
- Paw pads are moisturized
- Nails are clipped
- Any cracks or redness are noted
Consider a paw balm treatment to protect sensitive paws from winter elements.
Tidy Faces and Bright Eyes
A holiday photo with tear stains or overgrown facial fur isn’t the best look.
A professional groomer can help:
- Remove tear buildup safely
- Clean and brighten the eyes
- Trim fur around the face
- Freshen up whiskers and chin hair
Your pet’s holiday close-ups will thank you!
Add a Festive Touch (Optional!)
Many pet parents enjoy adding a little holiday cheer to their pet’s grooming session.
Enjoy extras like:
- Seasonal bandanas
- Festive bows
- Holiday-themed scents
- Special shampoo upgrades
Your pet will look adorable for gatherings, celebrations, and holiday cards.
Book Early—Holiday Appointments Fill Fast
We hope this holiday pet grooming checklist has been helpful. Holiday grooming appointments are extremely popular, and time slots fill quickly throughout November and December even though we’re open 7 days a week.
To make sure your dog or cat gets the full holiday spa treatment, book your grooming session as early as possible.
At Union Lake Pet Services, our grooming team is ready to help your dog or cat look festive, clean, and camera-ready for the season’s celebrations.
📞 Call (248) 363-6262 to schedule your holiday grooming appointment today!