How To Protect Your Sofa From Pets

 For most of us, pets are a very important part of our lives. They provide companionship and unconditional love. But, when they share your home they can also be very destructive on your furnitu...

For most of us, pets are a very important part of our lives. They provide companionship and unconditional love. But, when they share your home they can also be very destructive on your furniture. Pets naturally shed and they like to chew and claw. And, even the most well behaved pet can have an accident now and then. Here are five tips to save your sofa from a pet cat or dog.  

Train Your Pets to Stay Off the Furniture

If you are really worried about your sofa, the Belga Malinois  way to protect it is to not allow pets on your sofa. Start teaching them to stay on the floor at a young age. It will take some time and you will need to be consistent with the training. But, the pet will learn that it's not allowed on your furniture. If you do teach your pet to stay off the furniture, make sure that you provide them with a cozy bed where it can snuggle. 

Use a Pet Throw

There are a lot of different types of pet throws that you can purchase to protect your furniture from pets. Pet throws are specifically designed to cover the seat, back and arms of your living room sofa. They come in a variety of colors and styles and some are even quilted. They are very easy to use and will allow your pet to safely curl up with you on the sofa. And, they are machine washable for easy care.

Provide Your Pets With Lots of Toys

Often, pets start destroying furniture and other items simply because they're bored. Make sure that you provide your pet with a lot of toys to keep them occupied and happy. Cats can sometimes be deterred from scratching furniture simply by giving them a scratching post. Just like kids, pets need toys to give them something to do when they're in a playful mood. 
 
Use Spray Repellents

You can purchase pet repellent at your local pet store and a lot of discount stores even carry it. Pet repellent comes in an aerosol can and you simply spray it on the items that you don't want your pet to get on. If you prefer a more natural remedy, use water combined with citrus or mint. You can even find some air freshener sprays with scents that are very unappealing to pets.

Supervise Your Pets

If you like to have your pet on the sofa with you, supervise them. Don't allow them in the living room unless there is someone there to watch them. You can purchase a child gate to block the entrance to your living room. Of course, if you have a cat, the only way to keep them out of a room is with a closed door.   

Keep Your Pet Well Groomed

Giving your pet regular baths is one of the best ways to avoid pet odors in your sofa. If your pet still has a pet odor after a bath, try using some of the fragrant sprays made especially for pets. Brushing your pets coat on a daily basis will keep a lot of hair out of your home and off your furniture. And, be sure to keep your pets nails trimmed and filed so they won't be ripping your sofa to shreds.