‘Tis the season to deck the halls, but how can you keep the house looking its best when there are pets in the family?

No amount of scrubbing, spraying or even cookie baking will make your home smell great if there’s a stinky pet in the house. Only a pre-holiday grooming session will help.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to tackle this chore yourself, book an appointment with a professional groomer, but call soon because quality grooming salons book up for the holiday period.

If you do decide to tackle this undertaking at home, follow these tips

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. Failing to do a thorough job of tangle removal can result in impossible-to-remove ‘felted’ knots.

Step 2: Shampoo -- This will ensure that your pet looks and smells her best for company. Be sure to use a product formulated for pets (animals have a different skin pH and human products should not be used). Massage the shampoo in well, rinse thoroughly, and then 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 decide to blow-dry your pet with a home hair dryer be sure to put it on the coolest setting , keep it moving, and hold the nozzle well away from the coat – it is easy to burn pet skin

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

To find a qualified grooming professional, contact your local Best Friends Pet Care Center!