🎁How to Prep Your Pet for Holiday Guests
Keep the Season Merry, Bright, and Stress-Free for Everyone
The holidays are a time for sparkling lights, laughter, and joyful get-togethers — but for our pets, all that excitement can sometimes feel like sensory overload. Between unfamiliar visitors, delicious smells from the kitchen, and changes to daily routines, even the calmest pets can become anxious.
A little preparation goes a long way in helping your dog or cat stay relaxed and happy throughout the festivities. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, welcoming overnight guests, or enjoying cozy family time at home, these simple grooming and comfort tips will make the season easier for both you and your furry friend.
1️⃣ Freshen Up Before the Festivities
Start the holidays off right with a professional grooming session a few days before guests arrive. A clean, fluffy coat and trimmed nails not only look great but also make your pet more comfortable during cuddles and photos.
✨ Pro Tip: Ask for a de-shedding or conditioning treatment if your pet tends to shed or has a dry winter coat. You’ll minimize loose fur and keep that holiday sweater lint-free.
Regular grooming also helps prevent matting — especially important if guests are tempted to give extra belly rubs. A freshly groomed pet is a happy, confident pet!
2️⃣ Keep Routines Consistent
Holiday schedules can get hectic, but pets thrive on predictability. Try to maintain normal feeding, potty, and walk times as closely as possible. Consistent routines help reduce anxiety and keep digestion, sleep, and behavior steady — even when the household feels busier than usual.
If you know the day will be full, schedule early exercise or playtime so your pet can burn off energy before guests arrive. A relaxed pet is far less likely to jump, bark, or hide when company walks in.
3️⃣ Create a Quiet Retreat
Even social pets sometimes need a break from the bustle. Set up a calm, cozy space — think a guest-room corner or a quiet nook — stocked with a comfy bed, favorite toys, and fresh water. Let friends and family know this is your pet’s “safe zone” and should be left undisturbed.
For cats: Add a familiar blanket, a hideaway cube, and a perch near a window so they can observe without feeling trapped.
For dogs: Use soft background music or a white-noise machine to muffle clinks, laughter, and doorbells. A lick mat or puzzle feeder in this area can help them self-soothe.
4️⃣ Watch Out for Holiday Hazards
Tinsel, ribbons, and sparkling decorations look tempting to playful pets, but they can be choking hazards. Keep cords, candles, and breakable ornaments out of reach.
Chocolate, turkey bones, grapes, onions, and xylitol (often found in holiday treats) are toxic to dogs and cats, so remind guests not to share human snacks — no matter how cute those begging eyes are!
🎄 Pro Tip: If your pet loves to explore, consider a pet-safe Christmas tree spray or a small decorative barrier around the base to discourage curious noses and tails.
5️⃣ Prepare for Photos and Fun
The holidays are perfect for adorable pet photos! Give a quick brush-out before guests arrive and keep a few small treats ready to encourage eye contact and calm posing. Aim for natural daylight or soft indoor lighting — no harsh flash — to avoid startle and get that warm, cozy glow.
A festive bow, bandana, or collar charm adds seasonal flair without bulk. Choose lightweight accessories, ensure a two-finger fit around the neck, and remove anything if your pet seems uncomfortable. Keep sessions short, positive, and treat-forward so photos stay fun, not stressful.
✨ Bonus: Schedule Holiday Grooming Early
Calendars book up quickly, and a pre-guest grooming makes everything easier. A professional bath, blow-dry, nail trim, ear cleaning, and (for longer coats) a de-shedding or tidy-up cut keeps coats clean, paws neat, and shedding under control — meaning less lint-roller duty for you.
With Stylish Paws Salon, you get luxury, one-on-one mobile grooming right at your door, so “pet prep” fits your schedule. If you’re hosting more than once, consider a maintenance brush-out between visits to prevent matting and keep that fresh-from-the-spa look.
💜 Final Thoughts
The key to helping your pet enjoy the holidays is planning ahead and staying calm yourself. Pets take cues from our energy — if you’re relaxed, they will be too. With a bit of grooming, structure, and awareness, you can make this season joyful, cozy, and stress-free for everyone (furry friends included!).
✨ From all of us at Stylish Paws Salon — wishing you a warm, happy, and fur-free holiday season!