How to Protect Furniture From Pets

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Slip covers, blankets, throws, or comforters
Pet repellent
Baby gates
Scratching posts and chew toys
Dog or cat bed

Step 1:
Cover it up. If your problem is pet hair, cover the furniture with low-cost slip covers, blankets, throws or comforters. This creates a washable barrier between your pets and your furniture. When the pet hair begins to accumulate, remove the cover, wash it and replace it.
Step 2:
Spray pet repellent on the furniture. Pet repellents are widely available at local pet stores. They are not harmful to your pets, but repel them from the furniture with an odor that smells normal to humans but offensive to your pets.
Step 3:
Give your pet physical boundaries. Use baby gates to keep your pets out of certain rooms, especially those rooms that hold your most expensive furniture.
Step 4:
Offer your pet alternatives. Many times your pets chew or scratch the furniture because they need an appropriate alternative. Present your cat with plenty of scratching posts to serves as an appropriate place to scratch. Make sure your dogs have an ample amount of enticing chew toys to keep them busy.
Step 5:
Train your pets. Set the behavior expectation when you first get them. Never allow them on the furniture to begin with. If you catch your pets on the furniture, physically remove them and tell them "No" sternly. Make sure your pet has an alternative, comfortable place to lay, such a dog bed or cat bed.

Tips & Warnings

Brush your pet daily and get him groomed regularly to reduce your pet's shedding.

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