Protecting Solid Wood Furniture From Dogs

Tips on protecting your fine wood furniture from furry friend damage.

There are a few minor risks that any dog owner may have to keep in mind around the home depending on the size and aggression of their pet(s), and one common example here is protecting your home’s furniture pieces from any damage caused by your furry friends. When it comes to solid wood furniture, there are a few particular areas to keep in mind if you have one or more pups running around on a regular basis.

At Amish Crafted Furniture, we proudly offer Tulsa’s top showroom of solid wood furniture, from bedroom and living room furniture to office furniture, dining room furniture and more. We’re also happy to offer basic care and upkeep recommendations for any of our products, including for any homes with dogs. Here are some general approaches for ensuring there is no damage risk to your solid wood furniture from any dog activity in your home.

Dog Training

Firstly, especially if you are bringing a new dog into your home, be sure to train them properly. This should include teaching limits and boundaries in certain areas of the house, such as by keeping them off furniture pieces unless invited.

The younger dogs are, the more easily they can be trained – but even older dogs can learn new behaviors with patience and consistency. There are also professional trainers you can hire or online resources available if you need help with this process.

Protective Covers

One simple strategy for protecting your solid wood furniture from dog activity is using protective covers. These can include slipcovers, blankets, or even plastic covers for couches or chairs. While these may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, they can offer significant protection against scratches or stains from dog claws and accidents.

For instance, placing a blanket or cover over your furniture when you are not using it can prevent any unwanted damage. You can also use protective covers while your dog is still in the process of learning boundaries and limits around certain furniture pieces.

Regular Cleaning

Another important strategy for protecting solid wood furniture from dogs is regular cleaning. This not only helps to maintain the appearance of the furniture, but it can also prevent any buildup of dirt or debris that may attract dogs to chew or scratch at the furniture.

Be sure to use non-toxic cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals that could be harmful to your pets. You can also use natural solutions like white vinegar or lemon juice for cleaning, which are safe for both humans and pets. Additionally, regularly vacuuming around and under furniture can help remove any dog hair or debris that could lead to damage.

Proper Nail Care

It’s essential to keep your dog’s nails trimmed and filed regularly. Long nails can cause significant scratches on solid wood furniture, so be sure to maintain proper nail care for your pet. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, consider taking them to a professional groomer or veterinarian for regular nail trimming.

Dog-Friendly Repellent Sprays

In any case where you have a particularly stubborn pup who can’t seem to stop scratching or chewing on furniture, you may want to consider using a dog-friendly repellent spray. These sprays are designed to have an unpleasant taste for dogs, which can help deter them from damaging your furniture. Just be sure to use a pet-safe product and test it in a small area first before applying it to the entire piece of furniture.

Chewing Toys

Particularly for dogs who keep chewing on furniture, especially wood furniture, the issue is often that they are lacking appropriate chewing toys. Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of safe and durable toys that they can chew on instead of furniture pieces.

For instance, rubber toys or ropes are great options that can keep your dog entertained and away from wood furniture. Additionally, regularly rotating their toys can help prevent boredom and reduce the likelihood of them turning to furniture for chewing.

Overall, it’s important to remember that some level of wear and tear on solid wood furniture is inevitable when you have dogs in the house. However, with proper training, protective measures, and regular care, you can minimize any potential damage and enjoy your furniture for years to come. Additionally, keeping up with these strategies can also help ensure a safe environment for both your pets and your furniture.

At Amish Crafted Furniture, we understand the importance of both quality products and responsible pet ownership, and our furniture is built to last with these considerations in mind. We hope these tips will help you continue to enjoy your solid wood furniture while keeping your furry friends happy and well-behaved at home. Contact us for help with this, or with any need for fine wood furniture from our top builders in Tulsa!