Dogs are family, but they are not always kind to the furniture. Between shedding, muddy paws, drool, scratching and the occasional accident, a new couch can look tired in a few months. The good news is that protecting your couch does not mean banning your dog from it. A few simple habits and the right cover will keep your furniture clean and your dog comfortable.
5 ways to protect your couch from your dog
1. Use a waterproof cover, not just a throw
A regular throw rug soaks up spills and lets liquid pass through to the cushions underneath. A cover with a waterproof layer stops drool, wet paws and accidents from ever reaching the fabric. This matters most for puppies that are still toilet training and senior dogs that may have accidents.
2. Measure before you buy
A cover that is too small leaves gaps, and one that is too large bunches up and slides around. Measure the width and depth of your seat and the height of the backrest, then compare with the size guide on the product page. Covers come in sizes from armchair up to king bed, so there is a fit for most sofas and beds.
3. Make sure it stays put
Dogs love to dig and rearrange. Choose a cover with a non-slip backing so it stays in place when your dog jumps up and settles in, and tuck the edges into the gaps around the cushions for a neater fit.
4. Choose something you can wash easily
Whatever you pick will get dirty, so it needs to go in the washing machine. Wash it regularly, shake off loose hair outdoors first, and follow the care label. A machine-washable cover turns couch cleaning into a quick weekly job instead of a big deep-clean.
5. Reduce the hair at the source
Regular brushing removes loose fur before it ends up on your couch, and keeping nails trimmed cuts down on scratches. A double-sided grooming comb makes weekly brushing quick, and giving your dog their own comfy bed nearby gives them a spot that is just as inviting as the sofa.
Which PawfectFriend cover is right for you?
- Waterproof Non-Slip Pet Bed & Couch Cover (Grey) and Light Blue: soft, waterproof, non-slip and machine-washable, in sizes from armchair to king bed. A good all-rounder for sofas and beds.
- Waterproof Sofa Slipcover for Pets: made for 1 to 4 seater sofas when you want full sofa coverage.
- Waterproof Reversible Dog Blanket: a triple-layer blanket with a waterproof membrane designed to be crinkle-free. One side is warm Sherpa fleece and the other is smooth flannel. It comes in Medium (75 x 100 cm) and Large (127 x 150 cm), and works on the couch, the bed or the back seat of the car. It is machine washable and can be dried on low.
You can browse the full range in our Pet Blankets & Furniture Protectors collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to keep dog hair off the couch?
Combine a washable cover with regular brushing. The cover catches the hair that falls, so you wash it off instead of vacuuming it out of the upholstery, and brushing means less hair is shed in the first place.
Do waterproof covers feel crinkly or uncomfortable?
It depends on the design. Look for a waterproof layer sandwiched between soft outer layers, as in our reversible blanket, which uses a membrane designed to be crinkle-free.
Can I machine wash a waterproof pet cover?
Most can be machine washed, but always check the care label. Our covers and blanket are machine washable. Shake off loose hair first and avoid high heat when drying.
How do I stop a pet cover from slipping?
Choose one with a non-slip backing, pick the right size and tuck the edges into the gaps around your cushions.
Travelling with your dog too?
The same ideas apply to the car. Our car safety checklist for travelling with pets is a good place to start, and you can see our dog car seat covers and travel range if the back seat needs protecting too.
Ready to protect your furniture? Shop waterproof pet covers and blankets, shipped from Australia.