If you’re looking for a new couch and have a dog (or two), you’re probably wondering what types of material or upholstery are best for pet owners. While not every piece of furniture is suitable for pets, many couches can be made dog-proof with the right care.
We’ll go over how dogs can damage a sofa (so you know what to look for in a fabric), materials that are durable enough to withstand these problems, and examples of pet-friendly couches. Finally, we’ll include a few extra tips to help you protect and maintain your living room furniture so that you and your furry friend can enjoy it for years to come.
We’ll go over how dogs can damage a sofa (so you know what to look for in a fabric), materials that are durable enough to withstand these problems, and examples of pet-friendly couches. Finally, we’ll include a few extra tips to help you protect and maintain your living room furniture so that you and your furry friend can enjoy it for years to come.
4 Best Couch Materials for Dog Owners
It is critical to note that there are very specific types of fabric and characteristics to look for when purchasing pet-friendly furniture.
While this may appear to be a limitation because fabrics such as suede/microsuede, linen, and chenille are not pet-friendly, don’t despair. There are still a lot of great options in the pet-proof category to choose from.
1. Microfiber Fabric & Synthetic Fibers
The most commonly used fabrics for pet-friendly couches are synthetic fabric sofas such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These are also known as microfiber fabrics, owing to the fact that the fabric fibers are extremely thin.
2. Genuine Leather vs. Fake Leather
Leather sofas and faux leather furniture (also known as pleather) are an option for pet owners looking for something a little more sophisticated. Both are long-lasting, easy to clean, and stain-resistant because they do not absorb liquid.
However, leather couches are not scratch resistant from sharp claws, but real leather will outlast low-quality materials.
3. Jeans
Denim is a very strong and long-lasting fabric. It’s easy to clean and stain-resistant. Furthermore, the tight-weave structure makes it resistant to scratches, snags, and rips.
4. canvas
Canvas is another tough fabric that can withstand claw marks, drool, and even urine stains. The one disadvantage of canvas upholstery is that it is more abrasive due to its heavy duty.
The Most Common Ways Dogs Can Ruin a New Sofa
Not all dogs are created equal. Some may leave no trace, while others may cause significant harm.
Many dogs enjoy chewing. They sometimes take that habit to your living room furniture when left unsupervised or without a reasonable substitute, leaving drool and chewed pieces of fabric, frame, or even throw pillows in their wake. While we’re talking about sharp teeth, don’t forget about their claws. Dogs’ claws can often scratch or tear upholstery simply by jumping on and off your couch.
Furthermore, dogs frequently use couches as dog beds and shed a lot of pet hair on them. Finally, urinating on furniture is an issue for some dogs, which can cause stains and odors if not cleaned properly.
Key Features of Pet-Friendly Fabrics
When it comes to pet-friendly fabrics, a tight weave, stain-resistant upholstery fabric in darker colors is your best bet. A tight weave fabric will be more resistant to soaking, so if you have an accident or your dog tracks something in from outside onto the couch, it will be far less likely to seep into the fabric. This makes cleanup a lot easier.
Darker colored fabrics are preferable because they are less likely to show dirt, drool spots, or water rings if cleaning does not go as planned.
A high-quality fabric sofa will be resistant to scratches caused by dog and cat claws, and it will be simple to vacuum the lint, hair, and other debris Fido may bring. You should also consider purchasing a sofa with removable upholstery so that you can wash it on a regular basis.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog-Friendly Couch in Good Condition in the Future
You now know what to look out for when sharing your couch with pets, the characteristics and types of fabric that are resistant to these issues, and some of the best pet-friendly options on the market. Here are a few more suggestions to help you protect and maintain your couch.
Consider purchasing a good, pet-friendly slipcover. These washable (and replaceable) covers are ideal for protecting your sofa from your dog’s wear and tear (or cat for that matter).
Furthermore, keeping your pet’s claws trimmed, paws wiped down after walks, and brushing them regularly with a good grooming brush to keep them from shedding are all great ways to protect your furniture.