Best 20 Tips and Tricks to Protect Furniture from your Pet
Protect Furniture from your Pet – Introduction Video
When I bought my new pet-friendly sofa, I had no idea how much time Thor would spend on it. He loved lounging on the cushions, and before long, the fabric was covered in his hair. I tried to brush it off, but it was only getting worse.
I knew I had to talk to him about it. “Thor,” I said sternly. “You can’t just lounge on the sofa all day; you have to give me a turn too.”
Thor looked at me with those big heterochromia eyes and cocked his head to one side. Clearly, he didn’t understand what I was saying. But that didn’t stop me from laying down some ground rules.
I then realized how purchasing furniture is a significant investment and that I should learn how to protect furniture from dogs. Even if you’ve found the perfect and most pet-friendly sofa or chair, you should still take some things into consideration to protect it even further because even the most durable furniture can be damaged by an over-enthusiastic or persistent pet. So once you’ve found the perfect piece of furniture for your home, or if an Online Interior Designer at Havenly helped you pick one, it’s also essential to take steps to protect it from your furry friend.
Whether it’s teaching them not to jump on the couch or using a slipcover to guard against shedding, there are a few easy ways to keep your pet-friendly sofa looking new for years to come. And if all else fails, remember that most pets can be trained to stay off the furniture altogether – after all, it’s not like they don’t have their own bed to sleep in.
So, If you’re looking to keep your pet-friendly furniture in tip-top shape, here are a few tips and tricks to dog-proofing your furniture and making it last longer.
1.- Keep a blanket or towel nearby to place over the furniture when your pet sits on it to pet-proof it.
One of the easiest and lowest-cost ways to protect your sofa is by covering it with a throw blanket. As any pet owner knows, hair, drool, and dirt seems to find their way onto every surface, no matter how often you vacuum or clean.
Therefore, consider keeping a throw blanket or towel nearby to place over the sofa when your pet is sitting on it. You might also want to consider investing in a second blanket or towel, as the first one is likely to become quite hairy after a few use, especially if your pet usually walks in your house with muddy paws.
Your dog or cat probably has a favorite spot, so make sure it’s covered with a cover that’s easy to maintain. Other options include blankets or pet furniture covers to dog-proof your living room furniture or any type of furniture. This will also protect your furniture from the cat’s claws.
Example:
Brand: Pet Parent
Model: Pawtect Blanket
Why we love it:
Have you ever gone to snuggle with your furry friend only to find that their blanket is covered in slobber, water, or worse? If so, then you know the importance of a good pet blanket.
Pawtect Blankets has you covered with their specially created faux fur fabric and proprietary Sherpup multi-layered fabric. Not only will moisture not seep through our dog throw blanket, but it’s also irresistibly soft and comfortable!
Their pet blankets for dogs and cats perfectly blend comfort and style to ensure messes and stains are a thing of the past. So go ahead and focus on snuggling with your furbaby instead of struggling with the stain remover. Your fur baby will thank you!
2.- Protect furniture with a slipcover
Using slipcovers is another easy way to dog-proof your house and keep your pet-friendly furniture looking new. Slipcovers are like giant pillowcases that you can put over your sofa or chairs. They come in various colors and fabrics, so you can find one that matches your décor perfectly.
Not only do slipcovers protect your furniture from pet hair and dirt, but they also protect it from claw marks and spills. And if they do get dirty, you can simply throw them in the washing machine
Example:
Brand: Mighty Monkey
Model: Mighty Monkey Patented Slipcover
Why we love it:
Mighty Monkey’s ultra-durable and quilted covers are constructed with tear-resistant microfiber. They’re heavy-duty enough for homes with dogs, cats, or other furry friends, but still soft and comfortable thanks to the premium 90gsm microfiber.
Plus, their patented Stay in Place Hook helps keep the cover in place, with an ultra-strong hook and adjustable strap for a customized fit. And it’s been designed with longer arm and back flaps to help make sure it fits snuggly and securely.
So give their slipcovers a try. They are reversible and come in a range of stylish colors and sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for you!
3.- Regularly vacuum and clean the cushions and fabric from pet hair
Pets are great companions, but they have one glaring downside: the never-ending hair supply; there’s always a layer of dog hair or cat hair lurking on your floors, and it’s in your clothes, furniture, and even in the air.
The best solution is regularly using a vacuum specifically designed for pet hair. These vacuums typically have more potent suction and special attachments that make removing dog hair or cat hair from furniture and carpets easier.
If you don’t want to vacuum every day, another option is to simply remove the cushions and vacuum or brush off the pet hair weekly. This is an excellent way to get all the pet hair in one go so that it’s not constantly spread around your house.
Example:
Brand: Bissel
Model: Bissel Pet Hair Eraser Lithium-Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
Why we love it:
No one likes cleaning, but it’s a necessary evil. And when you have pets, it can seem like a never-ending task. But there’s no need to suffer any longer! The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vac is the perfect tool for dealing with pet hair.
It features a motorized brush tool that removes embedded dirt and pet hair, as well as triple-level filtration and a large, easy-to-empty dirt bin. It also comes with a set of specialized pet tools, including an upholstery tool and crevice tool.
So whether you’re cleaning stairs, upholstery, car seats, or something else, the Pet Hair Eraser has you covered. So get rid of that pet hair
4.- Create designated areas for them to sleep and play instead
As any pet owner knows, it can be pretty challenging to keep your furry friends off the furniture when you’re not around. Pets love to curl up on a soft couch or chair, and they often see no reason why they should have to change their behavior just because you’re not home. However, there are easy ways to keep your pets off the furniture when you’re not around. One of the most straightforward solutions is to create designated pet areas for them to sleep and play. This could be a dog bed or a cat bed in the corner of the room, or a scratching post for your cat. By making sure that your pets have their own pet bed space to relax in with their own chew toys and stimulating toys, you can help to keep them off your furniture and out of trouble.
5 .- Buy a good and comfortable Pet Bed
Pets are known for being loyal companions. But sometimes, that loyalty can extend to furniture – specifically, your sofa. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: buy them their own pet bed! A good, comfortable dog bed will provide a place for your dog to sleep and play when you’re not around, and it will help keep them off your furniture. Plus, dog beds will give them a sense of ownership, and they’ll be less likely to want to share your sofa with you! So if you’re looking for a way to keep your pet off the couch, invest in a good set of dog beds.
Example:
Brand: Furheaven
Model: Furheaven Bed for Dogs and Cats
Why we love it:
Have you ever come home from a long day at work, only to be greeted by your dog or cat eagerly jumping up on the couch to cuddle? If so, you know just how comforting it can be to have a furry friend close by.
Now, with the bolstered L-shaped corner sofa, you can enjoy that same feeling of comfort and security, even when you’re alone. This stylish sofa features high-loft orthopedic cushion support, as well as a super cozy nestling and burrowing space for your pet.
The main sleep surface is lined with cuddly soft, plush faux fur, while the supportive bolsters are wrapped in easy-care suede; both materials are gentle on noses and paws for enhanced snuggling.
6.- Clean any accidents immediately with a pet-safe cleaner
Most pet parents have had a pet that made a mess on their sofa. Therefore, you know how important it is to clean up the mess immediately. This will prevent your pet from making the same mess again, but it will also help protect your sofa. Pet urine and feces can cause severe damage to the fabric, especially to leather furniture, and the longer they are left untreated, the more difficult they will be to remove. In addition, pet accidents can attract bacteria and dirt, leading to fading and staining. By cleaning up any accidents right away, you can help to keep your sofa looking its best for years to come.
Example:
Brand: Bissel
Model: Bissel Pet Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Why we love it:
Enzyme-producing bacteria are added to the BISSELL carpet and upholstery cleaner Pet Formulas in order to remove urine, feces, and vomit from surfaces completely and permanently. These bacteria consume the organic material that these waste products are composed of, effectively denying them any sustenance.
Once all of the food sources have been consumed, the bacteria will die off naturally. This process is much more effective than simply trying to remove the waste with water, as new bacteria will quickly start to grow and feed on the remaining moisture if they are not removed entirely. By using enzyme-producing bacteria, the BISSELL carpet and upholstery cleaner Pet Formulas are able to provide a deep clean that will leave your surfaces looking and smelling fresh and clean
7.- Tire your pet out
We all know how much our pets love to lounge on the furniture, whether it’s our beds, couches, or chairs. And while we may not mind sharing our space with them occasionally, there are definitely moments when we wish they would just stay off the furniture. After all, pets can carry a lot of dirt and fur with them, and that’s not exactly what we want on our clean upholstery. Fortunately, there is a way to keep your pet off the furniture and make your sofa last longer: by tiring your pet out. A tired pet is much less likely to want to jump on the furniture and much more likely to take a nap. So next time your pet is eyeing your couch longingly, take them for a walk or play a game of fetch. They’ll be so exhausted that they won’t even think about jumping on the furniture!
8.- Offer your pet a playful alternative
Pets are known for being playful, curious creatures; cat owners should be very aware of this. However, this curiosity can often lead them to places they’re not supposed to be, like on your sofa when they are not supposed to. A great solution is to provide them with a playful alternative to keep them distracted and off your couch when you don’t want them to. Offer them a chew toy or a healthy treat, and they’ll soon be occupied and off your sofa. This will help preserve your furniture and provide your pet with much-needed stimulation and exercise. So the next time you see your pet on the couch, you know what to do- get them a couple of chew toys or a healthy treat!
Example:
Brand: Wickedbone
Model: Wickedbone Smart Bone Dog Toy
Why we love it:
Wickedbone is the best bone toy on the market because it offers a variety of features that are sure to keep your dog entertained. The toy features nine different motions that are controlled via the app, so you can play along with your dog.
The toy is also good for indoor and outdoor activities, as it is made from safe and scratch-resistant materials. Additionally, the Wickedbone features an emotional system that adjusts the parameters according to your dog’s mood and reactions.
Finally, the Wickedbone is easy to clean and USB rechargeable, making it a great choice for busy pet parents.
9.- Get your pet properly house trained
While it might sound obvious, one of the most important things you can do for your pet is make sure they are properly house trained. There are several ways to go about this, including hiring a professional trainer, watching videos online, or purchasing online programs. Whichever method you choose, it’s essential to be consistent and patient to help your pet learn the desired behavior. With a bit of time and effort, you’ll be rewarded with a well-behaved pet who makes life much easier for everyone involved.
10 .- Keep your pet well-groomed
Dogs and cats are adorable, cuddly creatures that we love to have around, but there’s no denying that they can be hard on our furniture. Between the shedding, the scratching, and the accidents, it’s no wonder that pet owners often find their sofas looking worn and tattered long before their non-pet-owning counterparts. However, regular grooming is a way to keep your furry friend from wreaking havoc on your upholstery. Frequent baths will help reduce shedding while trimming nails will minimize scratching. And as any pet owner knows, a well-groomed animal is less likely to have accidents. So if you want your sofa to look new for years to come, be sure to keep your pet well-groomed.
Example:
Brand: Pat your Pet
Model: Pat your Pet Deshedding Brush
Why we love it:
The Pat your Pet de-sheddin brush is the best option on the market for a number of reasons. Firstly, its Dual-Head Design means that it can be used on both short and long coats – making it perfect for all kinds of pets.
Secondly, the rounded teeth on the brush are designed to protect your pet’s skin from being damaged during the brushing process.
And finally, the easy-grip handle ensures that you can get even the most stubborn knots out with ease!
So if you’re looking for a brush that will do a great job of keeping your pet’s coat looking its best, the Pat your Pet de-sheddin brush is the ideal choice.
11.- Have Lint Rollers or Packing Tape on Hand for Picking Up Fur
If you have a pet, you know that one of the joys of owning them is finding their fur all over your house. On your clothes, in your food, and yes, even on your furniture. While it may seem like a never-ending battle to keep your sofa free of fur, there are a few things you can do to make it last longer. One is to always have a lint roller or packing tape on hand. That way, when you find yourself covered in fur, you can quickly remove it before it has a chance to work its way into the fabric.
Example:
Brand: Polardo
Model: Lint Roller for Pet Hair
Why we love it:
Polardo lint rollers are not your average lint roller. Not only are they effective on all kinds of surfaces, but they also offer a lot more than meets the eye.
With just a few swipes, you can thoroughly remove pet hair, dust, dirt, and lint from clothing, bedding, curtains, and furniture.
You can also use them to clean lamp shades, empty purses and gym bags, and even remove sparkles from clothing. And because the sheets peel & tear apart easily and evenly, you’ll always get a consistent result. So next time you’re looking for an easy way to keep your home or office clean and clutter-free, reach for a Polardo lint roller.
12.- Pheromone electric diffuser
If you have a pet, chances are you’ve come home to find your beloved sofa damaged by anxious scratching or chewing. But don’t despair! There’s hope for your furniture – and your pet – in the form of an electric pheromone diffuser. This innovative device emits calming pheromones that help pets be relaxed and avoid anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Simply plug it into an outlet and let it do its work. You’ll have a calm, happy pet – and a sofa that’s safe from damage in no time. So why not give it a try? It might be the best decision you ever make for your pet – and your furniture.
Example:
Brand: Thunderease
Model: Thunderease Diffuser
Why we love it:
ThunderEase is a diffuser that helps to calm your dog by mimicking the pheromones that a mother dog emits while nursing her puppies.
The diffuser releases a drug-free, odorless vapor that can cover up to 700 square feet and last up to 30 days. Just plug the diffuser in the room your dog uses the most and watch the difference in behavior.
The Adaptil formula is the #1 Vet Recommended Solution to help dogs adjust to challenging situations and curb unwanted stress-related behaviors. ThunderEase is a safe and effective way to help your dog feel calmer and more comfortable in all situations.
13 .- Use furniture sprays that prevent chewing
If you’re the proud owner of a furry friend, then you know that dogs can be pretty destructive creatures, especially with wood furniture, upholstered furniture, and chair legs. From chewing up your favorite pair of shoes to scratching up your furniture, it seems like they’re always getting into something they’re not supposed to. And while you may love them anyway, it can be pretty frustrating trying to keep your home in one piece. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to protect your belongings from your canine companion such as furniture sprays that prevent dogs from chewing.
Example:
Brand: Hapipet
Model: Hapipet Pet Deterrent Spray
Why we love it:
Hapipet Deterrent Spray contains bitter flavors that discourage dogs from licking and chewing, and they can be easily applied to any area you want to protect. So if you’re tired of replacing chewed-up sofa cushions, give these sprays a try. They just might be the answer you’re looking for.
14.- Get a pet camera
One way to stay tuned to their daily activities is with a pet camera, even when you’re not at home. A pet camera is a great way to do this. It will allow you to see what your pet is up to, but it can also help you keep them out of mischief. For example, if you see that your pup is getting restless, you can toss them a treat to keep them occupied. Or, if you notice that they’re getting on your furniture, you can give them a gentle reminder to stay off.
Example:
Brand: Furbo
Model: Furbo Dog Camera
Why we love it:
The Furbo Dog Camera is a great way to stay connected with your furry friend while you’re away from home. The 1080p Full HD camera provides clear, sharp video streaming, day or night, so you can see what your pet is up to.
The 160-degree wide-angle view ensures that you won’t miss a thing. The two-way audio feature lets you listen in on your pet’s activities and even talk to them, calming them down if needed. And the Barking Alert feature sends push notifications to your smartphone whenever your dog starts barking, so you’ll always know what’s going on.
Best of all, the Furbo Dog Camera is easy to set up with just three simple steps: plug it in, download the app, and start streaming. You can even toss treats to your dog via the app, making it a fun game of catch. Keep an eye on your pet while you’re away with the Furbo Dog Camera.
15.- Pet Gates
If you have a pet, you know that they can be pretty curious creatures. And while that curiosity can sometimes lead to them getting into things they’re not supposed to, it can also be a nuisance when you’re trying to keep them out of certain areas. That’s where pet gates come in. Pet gates are a great way to keep your pet contained in one room while still allowing them the freedom to move around. And they’re not just for dogs – they can also be used to keep cats contained. So if you’re looking for a way to keep your pet safe and your home in one piece, then pet gates might be the answer.
Example:
Brand: CB2
Model: Keep ‘Em Out
Why we love it:
If you’re looking for a way to section off a room without sacrificing style, this acrylic pet room divider is a great option. The sleek, transparent design is perfect for small spaces, and the shiny metal feet add a touch of sophistication.
Plus, the connecting hardware is both functional and stylish.
Simply adjust the width to your desired size and you’re all set. Whether you’re creating a makeshift office in your living room or partitioning off a bedroom for your furry friend, this divider is a chic and practical solution.
16.- Playpens
Another great way to keep your pet contained is with a playpen. Playpens are similar to pet gates, but they’re typically larger and have more sides. That way, you can create a safe space for your pet to play in without worrying about them getting into something they’re not supposed to. Plus, playpens are usually portable, so you can take them when you travel. So if you’re looking for a way to keep your pet safe and sound, then a playpen might be the perfect solution.
Example:
Brand: OYJFAX
Model: Expandable Dog Playpen
Why we love it:
The playpen is a great way to give your pet a designated space to play in, while also keeping them safe from any potential hazards in your home.
The transparent panels allow you to interact with your pet at any time, and the expandable feature gives them plenty of room to run around.
The anti-slip mat helps to keep the playpen in place and protects your floor from scratches. Overall, this dog playpen is a great way to provide a safe and fun space for your pet to enjoy.
17.- Hire a dog walker or pet sitter
If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period, you might want to consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter. Dog walkers are a great way to keep your pup exercised, while pet sitters can provide companionship and care for your pet while you’re away. So if you’re looking for a way to ensure that your pet is well-cared and your furniture safe while out, then hiring a dog walker or pet sitter might be the best solution.
18.- Put your trash cans out of reach
One way that pets can create messes is by getting into the trash. And while it may seem like a small thing, it can actually be a big problem. It is a health hazard for your pet, but it can also be a mess to clean up. So one way to keep your pet out of the trash is to put your trash cans out of reach. That way, they won’t be able to get into them and make a mess.
19.- Keep your food out of reach
Another way that pets can create a mess is by getting into your food. And while it may seem like a small thing, it can actually be a big problem. It is a health hazard for your pet, but it can also be a mess to clean up. So one way to keep your pet out of your food is to keep it out of reach. That way, they won’t be able to get into it and make a mess.
20.- Be consistent with your rules
One of the best ways to prevent your pet from getting into something they’re not supposed to be is to be consistent with your rules. If you want them to stay off the furniture, you need to enforce that rule every time they try to get on. One way to be consistent with your rules is to use positive reinforcement. That way, you can reward your pet when they obey your rules, and they’ll be more likely to obey them in the future.
Conclusion
Let’s face it, accidents happen. Even the most well-behaved pets can have an accident from time to time. And when those accidents happen on your sofa, you need to be prepared.
Therefore, If you want to keep your pets and furniture safe, consider using all of the above tips. Whether it’s a pet camera or gates for dogs, playpens for cats, hiring a dog walker or pet sitter if you’re going out of town, putting trash cans up high so they can’t get into them- there are plenty of ways to keep your home and pet safe.
Just be consistent with your rules, and you’ll be sure to keep everyone happy and safe.
Thanks for reading!
Hire an Online Interior Designer at Havenly
There are several online interior design websites, but Havenly is your best option to hire from a robust list of interior designers that will help you in decorating and creating the perfect dog-friendly home. When you sign up for Havenly, you will take a short quiz about your design style and what you are looking for in a designer. Havenly will then match you with a designer who will help you select paint colors, furniture, and accessories that are both stylish and safe for your furry friend.
In addition, your Havenly designer will be able to provide tips on how to create a space that is both comfortable for your dog and inviting for guests. With Havenly, creating a beautiful and functional home that your dog will love is easy and stress-free.
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