According to recent statistics, over half of Canadians–specifically, 58%–are pet owners. In 2020, Canada’s pet population reached 27.9 million, with cats being the most usual pets in most households. A common challenge for homeowners with pets is dealing with accidental damage to some of their home decor.
One cherished home decor item that often bears the brunt of our furry friends’ antics is the main focal point of any house–the carpet. Whether your pet treats this prized decor like their very own scratch pad, a potty, or a makeshift bathroom to vomit on, there are numerous ways your pets could damage your carpet.
Fortunately, in most cases, the damage is relatively easy to repair since these actions are common pet behaviours. Some of these include:
- Scratching and digging at the carpet
- Peeing or vomiting on the carpet, causing stains and odours
- Chewing up carpets and fraying the fibres
While many of these accidents can cause minor to moderate damage to your carpet, they can be easily repaired with a few simple steps.
The first step is to gather the necessary tools and materials for your repair project, such as carpet patches or leftover fibres, carpet adhesive, a utility knife, a carpet seam roller, stain removers and rug cleaners, and pet odour neutralizers.
After gathering all the necessary materials, it’s important to follow these preliminary steps:
- Clean up any debris and excess pet hair first. This will help minimize the chances of causing further damage to the carpet.
- Remove as much of the damaged area as possible with a vacuum or hairdryer before starting repairs.
- You may use stain or dye removers before re-carpeting to help restore the rug’s original colour and texture.
- Avoid walking over, touching, or putting weight on the repaired area until the adhesives have successfully bonded. Waiting for about an hour would be sufficient for the adhesive to settle.
If your pet damages your carpet in any way, it’s crucial to assess whether this damage is surface level or if it goes deeper than it appears and may have even penetrated the carpet entirely. Be cautious when using carpet cleaners or spray-on stain and odour removers.
Depending on the type of carpet you have, some remedies may help, while others could just worsen the damage. Before proceeding, test a small area first to ensure the remedy won’t further harm the carpet.
Tips for Preventing Future Damage
To prevent future damage to your carpet, simple practices like proactive measures and training your pet, especially while they’re young, can make a huge difference. Here are a few tips to help you maintain a pet-friendly home where your carpet remains a beautiful focal point in the house.
1. Pet Obedience and Behavior Management
- Basic Obedience Training. Despite being the simplest ones, the basic commands like sit, stay, and come will establish discipline within your pet.
- Housebreaking. To reduce accidents on the carpet, make sure to properly house train your pet.
- Positive Reinforcement. Giving treats and praise when your pet correctly follows your command can encourage your pet to constantly follow the rules.
- Behavioural Therapy. If your pet has severe behavioural issues like scratching or digging, behavioural therapy with a professional pet behaviourist may be the best choice.
2. Regular Grooming and Cleaning Routines
- Regular Pet Grooming. Frequent brushing and bathing would help reduce shedding and lessen the transfer of debris and dirt on the carpet.
- Wipe Your Pet’s Paws. When your pets come from outside, make it a habit to constantly wipe their paws before they come inside.
- Regular Vacuuming. Make daily vacuuming sessions a regular habit to remove pet hair and dirt.
- Spot Cleaning. Promptly clean up any accidents or spills to prevent the carpet fibres from absorbing them too much.
3. Consult with a Professional Carpet Cleaner
- Regular Professional Cleanings. To maintain your carpet’s overall freshness and cleanliness, make sure to schedule your periodical carpet cleanings with experienced carpet cleaners near you.
- Discuss Pet-Specific Concerns. Inform your carpet cleaner about your pets and whatever existing stains or odours there are so they can use appropriate cleaning methods and pet-safe products.
Alongside these tips, actively preventing future damage by following these proactive measures can help keep your carpet fresh, clean, and free from hidden stains or odours. Remember that seeking professional help when needed is highly recommended, alongside knowing the quick and easy home remedies we mentioned.
Overall, having a pet-friendly home and a well-maintained carpet can co-exist with just a bit more effort, patience, and care, allowing you to enjoy the company of your furry friends while maintaining the unique aesthetics of your home.
