Five Surefire Ways to Protect Furniture From Pets

So you’ve decided to upgrade your southeast Michigan home with some new furniture or interior design work. You pay a visit to Sherwood Studios and get the rooms in your home looking better than ever. Then, the nightmare begins, as you helplessly watch your devilish pets tear everything apart.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Your home can have beautiful furniture and happy pets at the same time, despite what an inexperienced past may have told you. Take these steps to minimize the damage your cats and dogs can do.

Behavior

Since any damage done to furniture is the result of a pet’s bad behavior, this is the smartest place to start. As always, it’s important to be stern and consistent, delivering a harsh verbal message to your pet when they act out. It’s also important to make sure they’re getting enough exercise. If your dog is acting out because you haven’t taken him or her for a walk in months, you have no one to blame but yourself.

Cleanliness

While you may be able to train a pet to take it easy on your furniture, it might be a little difficult teaching them to wipe their paws after coming inside. What you can do, however, is make your own wipe-downs a part of their routine. It takes a bit of work on your part, but it’ll keep a whole lot of dirt out of your home in the first place.

Habit

Watch your pet closely. Are they retreating to the same spot every time they lie down to relax? Try disrupting these behavioral patterns by spraying scents or placing annoying objects in those areas. At the very least, rotate the cushions every once in a while to prevent wear.

Diversion

Sometimes, the best way to keep pets off your furniture is by giving them some pieces of their own. Dogs and cats can both come to appreciate their own comfortable beds, and cat scratchers provide a great alternative to the sides of your sofa. Even some well-designed toys can go a long way.

Protection

Finally, covering your furniture with a protective material might not be ideal, but sometimes it’s necessary, especially when your pet is left alone at home. It can also be a temporary solution until your pet is fully and properly trained.