Thanksgiving is on November 26 this year, and the December holidays follow quickly. Between visiting relatives, family photos and a lot of excited energy at home, your dog is part of all of it, so it helps to plan their grooming before the calendar fills up.
At The Dog House Pet Salon in Pearland, our focus is grooming. Here is a simple timeline to help you plan, along with a few habits that keep your dog comfortable all season.
Key takeaways
- Schedule your dog's groom a few days before Thanksgiving (November 26) or your December event.
- Request your appointment early, because holiday weeks are some of the busiest of the year.
- Brush, check nails and dry your dog after damp walks between visits to keep the coat in good shape.
When should I book my dog's holiday groom?
Book a few days before your big day. Pick the dates that matter most, such as Thanksgiving dinner, a holiday photo session or a visit from relatives. Then work backward from mid-November. A good rule of thumb is to schedule a groom for a few days before the big day, so your dog is fresh but has settled in after the visit. If your dog has a longer or more detailed haircut, ask our team how far ahead to book. If you have events in both late November and December, you may want to plan around each one.
How early should I request a grooming appointment?
As early as you can. Fall and winter are popular times for grooming, and preferred times can be harder to get when many people want them. Once you know your dates, request your appointment at our Pearland salon as early as you can. If your plans change, call us at (713) 820-6140 to update your appointment.
What is included in a groom at our Pearland salon?
We offer three grooming levels: Bath, Basic Groom and Complete Groom. Every groom includes a full bath, external anal gland expression, ear cleaning and a nail clip. Add-ons include de-matting, brushing or deshedding, teeth brushing, nail filing and de-ticking. If your dog has a thick coat that sheds, ask our groomers whether deshedding makes sense before the holidays. See grooming prices and our full list of pet grooming services. For grooming, your dog needs a current Bordetella vaccine (see required vaccinations).
How can I keep my dog's coat in shape between visits?
A professional groom works best alongside simple routines at home:
- Brush your dog regularly, paying attention to behind the ears, the armpits and the belly, where tangles often form
- Check nails, and book a trim if you hear clicking on hard floors
- Wipe paws after muddy or damp walks
- Introduce holiday sweaters or bandanas gradually, and check the coat underneath for tangles
How do I help my dog get comfortable with grooming?
Grooming goes more smoothly for dogs who are used to being touched. In the weeks before an appointment, gently handle your dog's paws, ears and tail for a few seconds at a time, and reward calm behavior with praise or a small treat. Practice brushing in short, relaxed sessions instead of one long one. Dogs who are comfortable with handling at home tend to feel more at ease on the grooming table, and the experience is better for everyone.
What should I do when my dog comes in wet?
Fall and winter in the Houston area can bring rainy stretches and muddy walks. When your dog comes in wet, towel them off thoroughly, paying attention to the belly, legs and between the toes. A coat that stays damp can tangle and mat more easily, especially in longer or thicker coats. Keeping your dog dry between visits helps the coat stay in good shape for the holidays.
How do I keep my dog calm during holiday gatherings?
Houses full of guests can overwhelm some dogs. Give your dog a quiet space with water and a bed, and take regular breaks outside. A relaxed dog photographs better too.
Plan Your Visit
Our Pearland salon is at 2810 Business Center Dr, Suite 126, Pearland, TX 77584. Learn more on our Pearland location page, or request a grooming appointment today. New grooming clients save 10% on any Bath, Basic or Complete Groom, or 25% when you add nail filing and teeth brushing. You can also call (713) 820-6140.
We would love to help your dog look and feel their best this holiday season.