How do I protect my sofa from dog hair and claws?

A machine-washable throw specifically sized for the sofa, rather than a decorative blanket that slides around, protects the underlying fabric from both hair and light scratching while being easy to strip off and wash weekly. Fitted furniture covers, designed specifically for sofas, offer a more thorough layer of protection for households with a dog that spends significant time on the furniture.

Keeping nails trimmed to just above where they would touch the ground when your dog is standing reduces the pulling and snagging that causes visible damage to fabric over time, particularly on looser weaves. A trim every three to four weeks, or as needed based on how quickly your specific dog's nails grow, makes a noticeable difference to fabric wear.

If you are furnishing with a dog in mind, tightly woven fabrics like microfiber, canvas, or a performance weave resist both hair embedding and claw snagging far better than looser weaves such as boucle, chenille, or velvet. Leather and faux leather also wipe clean easily, though they can show claw marks more visibly than fabric in some cases.

Regular brushing outside or over a bin, two to three times weekly and more during shedding seasons, reduces the amount of loose hair that ends up on furniture in the first place. A pet-specific vacuum attachment used on the sofa weekly, alongside washing throws and covers, keeps hair from building up between deeper cleans.