Clean Up Your Pet - and your Home - for the Holidays

You've vacuumed and scrubbed and polished to get the house ready for holiday guests. But, before you even finish putting gifts under the tree, the rugs and furniture are covered with pet hair again.

`Tis the season to deck the halls, but how can you keep the house looking its best when there are pets in the family? A pre-holiday grooming session can help.

• Step 1: Brush-- Start with a thorough brushing. This will remove loose hair and will also give you the chance to work out any knots in your pet's coat. If the coat is tangled, use a conditioning spray (choose one specifically designed for pets) to make the process a little easier on your pet.
  
  
• Step 2: Bathe -- The bath will ensure that your pet looks and smells his or her best for company, as well as helping to get rid of shedding hair and fur. Use a product formulated for pets (animals have a different skin pH and human products should not be used). Massage the shampoo in well, and follow with a conditioning rinse or moisturizing treatment to prevent dry skin.
  
  
• Step 3: Dry and brush again -- Towel dry thoroughly. Then, use a comb or brush to separate hair and speed drying. If you use a standard home hair dryer to blow-dry your pet, be sure to put it on the coolest setting and hold the nozzle well away from your pet skin so you don't burn his skin.

Add a special holiday collar or ruff, and your pet will be ready for company - and your house will stay clean until company arrives.

If your pet is a heavy shedder or you simply don't have the time to groom your pet yourself, book an appointment with your professional groomer and leave that shedding hair on the floor of the salon.

If you do opt for a professional grooming, call soon; quality grooming salons book up quickly for the holiday period. To book an appointment with a professional groomer, or to find a selection of festive holiday gear, call or visit your local Best Friends center.