Please use a supported version for the best MSN experience.(Image credit: Ashley Poskin) When that luxurious velvet sofa catches your gaze for the first time, it's easy to think, "I can totally do this, Fido will learn that he is not allowed up. We've all been there, but let's get real. Even if you become the dog whisperer and are indeed successful in keeping him off the sofa, it doesn't necessarily mean it will stay clean. No matter what kind of animal you have, their hair magically finds its way through the air and onto your fabric, so it's best to decide on an upholstery fabric you know you can work with before you even go out shopping. No matter what kind of animal you have, their hair magically seems to find its way through the air and onto your fabric, so it's best to decide on an upholstery fabric you know you can work with before you even go out shopping. Consider how their hair show up on the upholstery as well as whether it will embed itself in the weave and be difficult to clean.

Consider how the fabric will react to their nails: will it show scratch marks or become easily damaged? Additionally, you'll want to make sure you choose a fabric that is fairly easy to clean, as drool marks and paw prints are a possibility. Pattern is a DO but Tweedy Textures are a DON'T: Fabrics with patterns are a good option to consider for hiding evidence of pet hair. Patterns can help to camouflage the hair as well as marks or stains. This works especially well if a predominant color in the pattern and the pet hairs are similar. It's tempting to go with a tweedy fabrics to help to camouflage pet hair but the weave can allow the hair to become wedged in the fibers which makes it difficult to clean. Consider Synthetic Fiber (Ultrasuede/Microfiber): It's not always easy to get excited about this choice aesthetically (that said, there are always exceptions, especially if the shape of the sofa or chair is super stylish), but it's about as close to "pet proof" as you can get.

Cats don't seem to like scratching it (especially if there is a scratching post nearby) and even if they try, it's easy to brush away, if it even shows up. Cleaning is easy too, especially if the upholstery code is "W": you can use a simple solution of soap and water. Lots to Love with Leather: The allure of leather is that it is mostly resistant to odor and it doesn't attract pet hair. If by chance some actually happens to find its way onto the cushions, it wipes off easily with a dust cloth. Cats seem to avoid leather as long as there is a scratching post nearby, and if your dog leaves a scratch you can usually buff it out. If it's an option, choose distressed leather, it will draw less attention to scratches and scuffs. Embrace Outdoor Fabric: Widely available and intended for (surprise) use outdoors, this fabric is extremely easy to clean and can be found in beautiful colors and prints and natural materials. While it might not always be as soft as the synthetic fibers mentioned above, it's got more going for it in the way of patterns and prints.

If your pet has found a favorite chair or spot on a specific sofa, it might be worth the effort to get a slipcovers made out of this fabric. Fabrics to Avoid: chenille, velvet, wool, linen, silk, and tweedwindows and doors galway For additional protection: If your sofa came into your home before your pet, protect what you've got by scotchgarding the upholstery. wooden garage doors chesterfieldYou can also take protective measures by purchasing slipcovers that are easy to remove and clean, or simply throw a blanket over your sofa.garage door brush seals uk Have an upholstery fabric success story? chamberlain garage door opener service

Share it with us below! More helpful links for keeping your upholstery clean: → Suggestions for Pet Friendly Fabric & Couches? → How To Remove Pet Hair Everywhere: From Furniture, Floors and Moremagnetic door lock circuit diagram25 Dog Friendly Stores Beyond Service Animalsfrench door refrigerator 33 inch width By Heidi Renee Mason, June 2nd, 2015 | pocket door hardware san diego There are a lot of great reasons to own a dog, but one area that could cause problems was if you wanted to take your dog to a store. It wasn’t long ago that dogs weren’t allowed in a retail setting unless they were service animals. The times are changing, and today, many mainstream retail chain stores welcome your dog to come inside and shop with you.

This relaxed pet policy has dog owners everywhere rejoicing. The convenience factor is wonderful, not to mention that you can avoid leaving your pet at home unattended for long periods of shopping time. Although some stores still uphold a strict no-pet policy, more and more retail chains have amended their rules to welcome both you and your dog. PetSmart and Petco are the obvious choices for pet owners who want to shop with their pets. These stores have always welcomed pets on leashes that are well-mannered. Home Depot and Lowe’s were once known for their pet-friendly environments, however, they have both recently changed their policies and now ban pets of all kinds. Don’t be discouraged, though, because there are plenty of other stores where Fido will be welcomed with open arms. Barnes & Noble is one establishment where pets are often welcome, but not always. The company leaves it up to the individual store managers to make the call on the degree of pet-friendliness. It is best to call the store which you plan to visit and check with that manager to see his policy.

Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel are both fairly accommodating with pets. Each store has an individual policy, though, so a quick check ahead of your visit is recommended. While you may value your pet’s input on home goods, the amount of breakable merchandise in these types of stores may have dog owners thinking twice about bringing their pets along. Macy’s is well-known for being an animal loving establishment. Macy’s loves pets and pets love Macy’s. Although individual locations may vary, most Bass Pro Shops are notoriously pet-friendly. Again, it is left up to each store manager, so be sure to check first. Neiman Marcus has a policy of allowing leashed and well-behaved pets in standalone stores. If the Neiman Marcus that you plan to visit is part of a mall, however, it is advisable to call ahead and see if the mall has rules against bringing pets along. Nordstrom allows pets on a case-by-case basis, but they always allow service animals. Some local Saturn car dealerships are pet-friendly, but be sure to call ahead to check it out.

It might be fun to let your dog help you with your choice of a new car. As you can see, more and more retail establishments are realizing that pet owners enjoy bringing their furry friends along on shopping sprees. It is a great way to break up the monotony of always walking your dog on the same trails and sidewalks. It is also a wonderful tool for pet socialization and introducing your dog to new people and environments. You may also enjoy getting your dog’s expert opinion on a new pair of shoes he can chew, or even a new couch for his daily naps. Shopping with your pet just might become your new favorite pastime. Stores That Are Dog-Friendly It’s important to note that the final decision on whether or not dogs are allowed at certain stores is ultimately left up to the individual store manager, so even if a chain is dog-friendly, your local store may not be. It’s always best to call ahead and ask before going with your dog. Stores That Are Not Dog-Friendly It’s important to note that stores which are not pet and dog-friendly will still allow service dogs to enter their retail space.

They won’t, however, allow pet dogs on their premises. We would love to make this list comprehensive so that dog lovers know where they can and can’t take their pets. If you know of a store that is pet-friendly or isn’t which isn’t currently on this list, please leave a comment so we can add it. We’d also love to hear about your experiences with specific stores and your pets. (Photo courtesy of Anders Porter) What did you think about this article? (10 votes, average: 4.40 out of 5) 25+ Pet Friendly Stores and Restaurants Beyond Service Animals Five Ways Employees Should Act Dog-Friendly Restaurants with Free Pet Treats Macy’s Christmas Store Hours 2016 What Stores are Open and What Stores are Closed Christmas Day 2016? What is the Costco Return Policy? The Value of a Smile What Stores are Open and Closed on Christmas Day 2014? What’s Open and What’s Closed Columbus Day 2016?Taylor Swift Net Worth (2016)Regulators Propose Restrictions on Payday Lenders (2016)Credit Karma Alternatives for a Free Credit Score (2014)Free Breakfast Tipping: Day 141 (2013)Knowing Yourself is the Key to Financial Success (2011)Entrepreneur Profile: Mark Nava of JNAVA Clothing (2010)A Life Without Debt: You Can Be Debt Free and Still Use Credit Cards (2009)Don't be Mr. Cheap (2008)Options When You Don't Need Your Gift Cards (2007)