The holidays in North Texas are full of twinkling lights, warm gatherings and family traditions—but they can also bring unexpected stress and hazards for your furry family members. While December is one of the most magical times of the year, it’s also when veterinarians see a spike in avoidable emergencies. But it’s also when groomers across McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Allen, Little Elm and Prosper are completely booked with dogs needing to look and smell their best for photos and festivities!
Holiday Pet Safety & Grooming Guide for North Texas Families
At Primped Pooches Mobile Dog Spa, we believe the holidays should be joyful for every member of your household, including your pets! So we’re sharing a comprehensive holiday guide to help you navigate grooming schedules year-round, as well as safety concerns, houseguests, decorations, treats, and even ways to give back to pets in need. Let’s keep your dog healthy, pampered and happy all season long.
Book Your Holiday Pet Grooming Appointment Early
December is easily the busiest month of the year for groomers. Families across Collin and Denton counties rush to schedule grooms before Christmas photos, holiday cards, travel plans and parties. When you wait until mid-December, it’s almost guaranteed you won’t get your preferred time—especially with in-demand mobile grooming services.
Primped Pooches offers luxury grooming right in your driveway, eliminating travel stress for both you and your dog. But because the holidays fill up so quickly, we always recommend scheduling early.
Booking in advance ensures your dog looks clean, fresh and camera-ready without the rushed or stressful environment that often defines the week before a major holiday.
Holiday Pet Grooming Helps Reduce Shedding, Odor & Stress
Not only does grooming help your dog look great for holiday photos—it also reduces winter shedding and prevents matting caused by doggie sweaters, and keeps your home smelling clean, ready for guests to arrive. Regular grooming helps with the following.
- Removes dry, flaky skin caused by heater use.
- Prevents ear infections.
- Keeps nails short so your dog doesn’t slip on tile or hardwood.
- Reduces allergens.
- Prevents matting caused by a pup’s winter wear.
- Removes debris picked up on holiday walks.
- Keeps coats fluffy and fresh.
If your dog will be around children, seniors, or guests with allergies, a professional groomer helps everyone feel comfortable.
Tips to Help Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays
If you live in North Texas, chances are you’ll have visitors this season. While these moments are cherished, they can be overwhelming for dogs who aren’t used to so much activity.
Dogs don’t understand why there are suddenly multiple suitcases, unfamiliar scents, excited children, or guests walking in and out of the house. To your pup, it can feel like a complete disruption of their normal world. Here are some tips to keep your dog calm and safe.
1. Let Guests Know Your Household Pet Rules
This includes feeding rules, whether treats are allowed, if your dog is nervous around children, or if certain rooms are off-limits.
2. Create a Safe Retreat Space
Whether it’s a bedroom, a quiet corner, or a comfy crate setup, your dog needs a place to decompress when the activity gets overwhelming.
3. Watch for Door Dashers
With family coming and going frequently, dogs can slip out easily, so ensure your guests remain mindful. Also, keeping your dog groomed will help you see that their collar is properly fitted, and whether their ID tag (or tags) are still attached.
Your dog doesn’t know why there are so many people in their space, but you can help them feel secure.
4. Keep Holiday Treats Out of Reach
December is full of baking—cookies, candy making, gingerbread, pies, and all the aromatic goodness that fills North Texas kitchens. And as we know, dogs love sweets too, and the aromas are irresistible.
Unfortunately, many common holiday ingredients are toxic or harmful to dogs, such as the following.
- Chocolate
- Raisins & Grapes
- Xylitol
- Macadamia Nuts
- Dough Containing Yeast
- Cocoa Powder
- Alcohol
- Frosting With Artificial Sweeteners
Keep all baking supplies, cooling cookies, chocolate gift baskets and mixing bowls far out of reach. Dogs have a magical ability to jump on counters when they really want to—or when guests accidentally leave food within reach.
When in doubt, place everything high up or inside cabinets before sitting down to enjoy holiday movies or festivities.
5. Block Off the Area Around Christmas Trees and Presents
From November to early January, veterinarians across North Texas see a rise in “foreign body” emergencies, meaning pets are swallowing things they shouldn’t. Many dogs are tempted to chew on plastic ornaments, tinsel, ribbons, gift bags, pine needles, Christmas light wires, fake snow, wrapping paper, even tree water, and some will even attempt to sample the entire tree.
To keep your decorations dog-proof, place your tree in a secure area, using a baby gate or setting it up in a corner where curious pets can’t knock it over. Avoid edible or scented ornaments, as items like cinnamon ornaments, popcorn garlands, and salt dough decorations can be incredibly tempting for dogs.
Keep presents off the floor, since many pets enjoy tearing into wrapping paper and pulling ribbons long before the holiday arrives. If your dog is especially drawn to ornaments, hang the breakable ones higher up on the tree, and keep the lower branches simple to reduce temptation.
Support North Texas Pet Shelters With Donations
While your own dog may be warm and cozy at home, too many pets spend the holidays in shelters waiting for a family. Because December is a wonderful time to give back, consider donating these items.
- Blankets
- Dog and Cat Food
- Treats
- Toys
- Leashes & Harnesses
- Cleaning Supplies
- Cat Litter
- Crates
- Towels
- Pet-Safe Shampoo
Local shelters such as the SPCA of Texas, Collin County Animal Services and Denton Animal Shelter always appreciate seasonal support. Even bringing a few items can make a big difference for animals waiting for love.
If you’re going to have a quiet holiday, you may consider fostering a dog. Keep in mind that shelter dogs need quiet, kindness and consistency to become acclimated to a real home.
As a mobile grooming company, we know how important it is to give back to pets in need, and to keep our clients’ dogs feeling pampered and loved. This holiday season, booking a premium grooming service not only benefits your dog, it also helps us support local rescue initiatives in North Texas.
Our luxury spa upgrades—including deshedding treatments, blueberry facials, nail buffing, coat conditioning and more—help keep your dog’s coat soft, healthy and freshened up for the entire holiday season.
Book Your Pet’s Holiday Grooming Session Today
Your dog is part of your family, and the holidays should be magical for them too. With a little preparation, awareness, and early grooming appointments, you can help your pet enjoy the season just as much as you do. Call Primped Pooches at 214-817-0362, or schedule an appointment today.
