pet sitting on a rug

Chewing and Scratching Damage to Area Rugs

Area rugs offer comfort to both people and their pets. However, owning pets and having rugs can present challenges. Dirty or damaged rugs are not only unpleasant for everyone in the home but can also be further damaged by pets. Chewing and scratching are common ways pets can harm or damage rug fibers. If you have pets and rugs, it's essential to be aware of this potential problem to avoid costly damage and maintain a peaceful home. In this blog article, Heirloom Rug Cleaning explores the issue in more detail.

How Pet Chewing & Scratching Damages Area Rugs

damaged rug on floor

Chewing on rugs can cause the fibers to unravel, instantly ruining the rug's appearance. Pets may also leave saliva or vomit on the rug, creating stains that often require professional cleaning to remove. Pet-related rug issues can also include soil, bacteria, or allergens imbedded into rug fibers, potentially affecting indoor air quality and causing health problems. Pets rarely chew or claw in just one spot, so damage can be widespread and more difficult to address.

Pet claws or scratching can easily snag and pull out rug fibers, compromising the rug's structure and leading to snags, tears, and holes. This damage makes cleaning more difficult, diminishes the rug's appearance, and can even lead to unpleasant odors. Ultimately, this type of damage reduces the rug's value. Heirloom Rug Cleaning offers rug repair expertise, but damage to fibers and designs can be costly. In severe cases, a pet-damaged rug can be irreparable. Because pets can damage rugs in multiple ways, professional pet care services are essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home.

a cat scratching a rug

Why Pets Chew, Scratch, or Claw

Pets don't chew on rugs because they're hungry. While that might seem like a simple explanation, several other factors contribute to this destructive behavior. Often, chewing and scratching stem from a lack of physical activity or mental stimulation.

This behavior is more common when pets are left alone for extended periods. Boredom and pent-up energy can lead to destructive activities like chewing or scratching area rugs and other surfaces. Sometimes, even noise sensitivity can trigger these behaviors.

Certain breeds have a natural digging instinct, making scratching on rugs a normal activity for them. Boredom can exacerbate this tendency. In some cases, underlying health issues, such as dental problems or nutritional deficiencies, may also contribute to chewing and scratching.

clean red rug on floor

Tips to Prevent Pet Rug Scratching

Here are some tips to prevent or reduce pet damage to your area rugs:

  • Use scratching posts
  • Rug runners and grippers
  • Chewing or interactive pet toys
  • Nail trimming and grooming
  • Strategic placement of rugs
  • Training or managing pet anxiety

Rely on Us for Expert Pet Damage Rug Repair or Care in Calgary & Edmonton

Rug care for pet owners doesn't have to be stressful or difficult to manage. Rug damage can be repaired or restored, and professional cleaning goes far in solving issues. Heirloom® Rug Cleaning is a phone call away for our expert rug repair services. We're family-owned, experienced, and utilize the best rug cleaning and repair facility. We specialize in rug cleaning for all types of area rugs. We assist customers in CanmoreLouiseStrathmore, and more Alberta cities. Rely on us for rug underlays or pads and other rug protection options. Call or contact us online to speak with an Heirloom rug cleaning, repair, and care specialist. We also provide rug pickup, drop-off, and shipping options.

587-857-5553

Read What Our Customers Say

  • 5 Stars

Highly recommended! I had an oriental rug that had been used in a public setting for 25 years and had only ever been cleaned on-site. It wasn't needed any more so I decided to try to get it cleaned properly so I could take it home. They did a fabulous job of cleaning and repair (new fringe and binding), so worth the cost, it now looks new.

  • 5 Stars

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value We had a very good experience with Greg at Heirloom Rug Cleaning. We mistakenly used an improper cleaning solution on our wool rug and he was willing to take on the job.

  • 5 Stars

I absolutely loved how clean my rugs were after Heirloom Oriental Rug Cleaning had them. My two very expensive silk on silk carpets are so soft and the colours are so vibrant now!

Awards & Affiliations

  • Colorful Carpets Dye Tech Logo
  • ARCS Logo
  • Rug Ranger Authorized Badge
Call Us for Area Rug Cleaning Today!
587-857-5553
Arrow