Tips for Choosing Rugs in Homes with Dogs

If you have a dog at home, you'll know that finding the best rugs for dogs is not an easy task. When we live with dogs, it's common to see fur accumulating in every corner or stains from their muddy paws after a walk. In this post, we'll tell you everything you need to know to choose a rug that is compatible with your dog, without having to give up having a beautiful and comfortable home.

Why it's important to choose the right rug for your home and your dog

When we live with pets and want to have a decorated house, the choice of rug determines the aesthetics, but it also directly affects the hygiene of your home, your dog's well-being, and, of course, your peace of mind.

If we don't think about what the best rug is, it's easy to make a wrong decision. Fabrics that retain odors make your house constantly smell like a dog, no matter how much you clean it. Delicate fibers quickly deteriorate with your pet's claws, not to mention rugs that get stained just by looking at them or that get wet with water from our pets' bowls.

When we take all these factors into account, we can choose a rug that is practical and suitable for everyone. This way, we will not only keep our house beautiful but also provide a comfortable and clean space for our dog. By choosing durable, easy-to-clean materials that don't absorb bad odors, we not only extend the life of the rug but also achieve a more pleasant and healthy environment for everyone who lives in the house.

Features a rug must have to be pet-friendly

When you're looking for a rug to put in your home with dogs, there are certain non-negotiable features you need to consider. These properties determine whether your rug will withstand living with your pet or if it will become another victim of their antics.

• Stain resistance: Look for rugs with stain-resistant fabrics or made with synthetic fibres that repel liquids. Avoid natural fibres at all costs, as they act like sponges and absorb both liquids and odors.

• Ease of cleaning: The best rugs for pets should be able to be cleaned with soap and water without problems, and some washable rugs are even machine washable if they are small in size. Rugs with short pile or flat-woven ones are much easier to maintain than long-pile ones, where more dirt and pet hair accumulate.

• Durability: Your dog walks, runs, crawls, and possibly scratches on the rug daily. That's why you need materials that can withstand wear and tear. The weave also matters, as rugs with tighter knots and higher fibre density are more durable.

• Ease of drying: This is important if you live in cities with high humidity or if your dog brings moisture from outside into the home. Flat-woven rugs dry much faster. This prevents the formation of mould and mildew which can be harmful to health.

Recommended rug types for homes with dogs

Polypropylene rugs top the list of recommendations for homes with pets. This synthetic material is extremely stain-resistant, does not absorb liquids, and is very durable. In addition, it is hypoallergenic and resistant to sun fading. They are easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner and, if stained, can be cleaned with household cleaning products without fear of damaging the fibres.

Jute-effect rugs are also a good alternative. The natural fibres are resistant to wear and regain their original shape after each use. They are recommended for highly trafficked living rooms where the dog spends most of its time. Kilim rugs are another option for homes with pets. Their construction prevents hair from accumulating and greatly facilitates cleaning. Many of these rugs are made of resistant synthetic materials and can even be washed in the washing machine if they are the appropriate size. They are ideal for rooms like the kitchen or near the pets' feeders.

Rugs not recommended for homes with dogs

It's important to mention what types of rugs you should avoid if you have a dog. Long-pile rugs are very beautiful, but we do not recommend them if you live with pets, as they trap dirt and hair more easily than the ones mentioned above. Rugs made of untreated materials retain odors more and can get stained easily.

Tips for keeping your rug in good condition with dogs at home

With the right maintenance habits, your rug can last for years, even if you have dogs at home. The secret is to prevent and act quickly. Establish a daily cleaning routine that consists of vacuuming the rugs. This removes your dog's loose hair and other dirt. If your dog sheds a lot, consider vacuuming twice a day during the shedding seasons.

Always keep specific pet products on hand that neutralize odors and remove stains. First, absorb the liquid with paper towels, pressing gently, never rubbing. Then apply the cleaning product. It's important to do this during the first few minutes, before the stain penetrates the fibres.

You can also place doormats at each of the entrances to the house, which will make it difficult for the animal to bring in moisture from outside. These doormats should be washed regularly so that they fulfill their function. In addition, you can use waterproof rugs under their food and water bowls to protect the other rugs from stains and splashes.

A well-brushed dog sheds less hair on the rugs, and what it does shed is easier to vacuum because the hairs are not tangled. During shedding seasons, brush it more often throughout the day. Keep your dog's nails short and filed so they don't get caught in the rug fibres and end up damaging it.

What rug colours help make dog hair less visible?

Choosing the colour of the rug, while it won't make it cleaner, can help you disguise the presence of hair and stains. Believe it or not, the colour can make the difference between a rug that always looks dirty and one that maintains its appearance better despite your pet's hair.

Choose colours that contrast as little as possible with your dog's coat. Although if you have several dogs with different hair colours, or if your dog has a multicolour coat, you will have to opt for other methods.

Dark Colours

Dark colours are excellent options if your dog has black hair. These shades visually hide hairs of this colour, making them practically invisible at first glance. Grey rugs and black rugs in medium tones are versatile because they can hide different pet hair colours. The hairs of a German Shepherd, a Labrador Retriever, a Doberman, or a French Bulldog will practically disappear on a dark grey rug. Brown rugs are ideal if your dog has golden, coppery, or beige tones, as is the case with some Cocker Spaniels or Poodles.

Light Colours

If your dog has white hair, light colours disguise it better. Beige rugs hide this light hair better. This shade is recommended for homes with Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Pugs, Pomeranians, or Chihuahuas. White hairs like those of Maltese or Jack Russells are less noticeable on white rugs. These colours provide a perfect background that makes white hairs practically disappear.

What to do if your dog has multicolour hair

Patterns and textures are your best bet if you live with several pets or one whose coat is multicolour. Geometric rugs with speckled or mottled patterns are especially effective. A rug with grey, beige, and white specks perfectly hides hairs of different colours.

It's important to remember that, regardless of the colour you choose, maintenance is still essential. The colour can make the hairs less visible, but it doesn't eliminate the need to vacuum regularly and maintain good hygiene. Now that you know how to choose the best rug for your dog-friendly home, why not take a look at our rug collection? They are waiting for you at Atticgo.