6 Ways Pets Destroy Your Home  Clever hacks to protect your property and sanity.

In many ways, owning a pet is like having children. You must pet-proof your home, just like you need to childproof your home when you have a toddler.

We've pulled out six ways that lovable, adorable creature you love snuggling with after a long day at work can destroy your home. The good news is that you can typically correct these destructive behaviors and deter the bad habit by buying the right furniture.

1. Buy high-quality furniture built to stand up to abuse from pets.

Your adorable four-legged companion may melt your heart when you get home, but it can be infuriating when your friend loves to chew the family table.

Opt for replacing that low-quality wood kitchen table with a more exquisite statement piece that adds elegance to your dining room while discouraging chew-happy pets. We suggest choosing a table with stunning materials like the Statuario Venato Calacatta Quartz© Tulip Dining Table.

Stone material, such as the Calacatta Quartz, is highly durable and resistant to cracks, chips, and stains. This is not the material that Fido will find chew-worthy.

2. React quickly on pet stains.

A dog that can't hold its bladder and vomit or hairballs on the most sensitive carpets and furniture can ruin your day. Taking care of these issues ASAP is mandatory.

To fix these issues, grab an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet waste. Don't opt for homemade cleaners. They have their place, but it's not here.

Pay close attention to your pet's natural bathroom cycle to avoid pet accidents in the house. Monitor their food and water intake to determine their natural routine. Make sure to reward them when they go where they're supposed to.

Talk to your vet about any medical conditions they may have that lead to accidents and vomiting in the house. Seeking professional advice may often provide an easy solution to the issues.

Choosing furniture made with materials easy to clean will help you deal with this issue. Low-pile fabrics like synthetic velvet help prevent odors. The tight weave makes cleaning easy and allows it to withstand tearing or pulling.

In addition, using a complimentary throw can enhance your room's decor while protecting your furniture. Choose a decorative, machine washable throw for additional protection.

3. Don’t let your cats sharpen their claws on everything.

Furniture, doorways, table legs, and even your pants are in danger of rips and tears from your friendly feline. You must take action to deter and prevent this destructive scratching.

Your cat scratches because keeping their claws sharp is normal, healthy behavior. It's a form of exercise as well as a type of grooming method.

It's also very instinctive for your cat to seek places to scratch, as well as being one of the ways they relax. You can help your feline friend be natural and protect your home by providing alternative scratching options for them.

If you've provided places for your cat to scratch and they suddenly start clawing your furniture, curtains, and other areas, it may be anxiety. Find the source of this anxiety. Maybe you added another cat to the family, or feral cats outdoors have moved close to your home, or you recently purchased new furniture or redecorated.

When choosing new furniture, opt for puncture-resistant upholstery that your cat will be less tempted to scratch, such as faux suede or velvet. These materials will be easier to clean the allergens and hair off of.

What to do if your cat has scratched your property?

  • - Where possible, use warm water and a simple soap to remove the scent their previous scratching left behind. This scent is their "territory marking" and will encourage them to continue scratching in that specific location.
  • - Relieve anxiety for your kitty by making sure each cat has their own food and water dishes, make time to play with your cat, and shower them with love and attention.
  • - Keep scratching posts readily available and give them their own personal spaces around your home, so they can always find a peaceful area to scratch.
  • - If your feline is persistent, talk to your vet about suitable options on the market to deter your kitty from scratching.

4. Stop your dog from mangling your pillows.

Let's face it. Pillows make nice dog toys. At least, that's what your pet is thinking, but this isn't suitable for your home life.

Fringe, faux fur, sherpa, and other elements look a lot like a toy that excites your playful pooch. In addition, once your dog goes to play with your nice pillow, you react by rushing in to save your pillow, and your dog thinks it's a fun game.

This is a situation that can happen for various reasons. Some dog breeds are predisposed to having high energy levels and excessive playfulness. Other dogs suffer from separation anxiety that causes them to tear things up while you're gone.

For some dogs, it may be best to contact a behavioral specialist or trainer to cure the destructive behavior. Seeking professional help is recommended if you’ve already tried to correct your dog’s issues without success.

Make sure your four-legged friend has plenty of toys to tear up. Shaking stuffed toys, tearing out the squeaker and "killing it," and breaking items apart are all instinctive behaviors that go back to the days when their ancestors would take down prey animals.

Stress and boredom can make dogs want to tear into your pillows more. Keeping your pet adequately exercised before you leave the house and including playtime together as part of your daily life will help deter this destruction.

n5. Clean often to keep furniture looking in top condition.

Pet hair and puppy drool is particularly destructive to your furniture. The hair gets stuck in the material, and when dogs lick or drool on upholstery, it makes the perfect environment for unhealthy bacterial growth.

You can buy covers for your furniture, but you won't always want to cover your favorite chairs and Eternity Modern sofas. You chose your favorite upholstery because you love the look and feel of it.

Top grain leather may be an excellent option for pets that don't scratch or chew. It's hard to stain, easy to clean, won't collect much pet hair, and looks stylish.

Vacuum often and use lint rollers that lift up pet hair. Use factory-safe cleaners for your furniture to keep the fabric clean and healthy. 

6. Maintain your HVAC system.

Pet hair can cause damage to your HVAC system. The pet hair will accumulate and clog up your furnace filters. This not only endangers your HVAC efficiency but also recirculates allergens back into your house.

Vacuum often to catch the allergens before they get to your filter. Inspect your furnace filter monthly, vacuum it, and replace it quarterly.

Choose pet-friendly, durable, and easy-to-clean upholstery for your furniture, and you'll be able to enjoy your home and your pets. Darker colors and patterned designs are highly recommended.