3 Ways to Protect Your RV Furniture from Pets

You've invested a lot of time and money into picking out the perfect furniture for your rig. Everything is exactly where you want it, you've achieved the 'look' you were going for, and you're ready to hit the road with your family, friends, and four-legged friend.

But, what happens when your cat or dog sees your furniture as a chew toy or scratching post? We tend to take the time to train our pets at home. Whether your pets are allowed on furniture or not doesn't mean they should be able to destroy any of it. Sometimes, those rules don't seem to carry over in a dog or cat's mind to RV furniture.

So, if you want to keep your road home furnishings as pristine as possible, follow these protective tips.

1. Take Proactive Steps

If you're driving long distances with your pet in an RV, be proactive ahead of time. Tire them out before you hit the road with a long walk. Give them something to keep them occupied while you're driving. After all, a tired pet is a happy pet.

When you do stop to rest or set up camp, make sure to keep your dog as active as possible. Take them hiking with you and give them a lot of attention.

Finally, try giving them their own 'space' within the RV itself. You don't necessarily have to bring a crate onto the rig, but you should create an area where your pet can feel comfortable and content, so they can go there if they are ever anxious and wanting to chew or claw at something.

1. Train, Train, Train

You may have trained your cat or dog not to claw at or chew on furniture at home. But, the RV is a different world. You should re-train them based on the furniture in the rig itself, and you shouldn't wait until you're heading out on a road trip to do so.

If you're planning on taking your pet with you on a trip, get them used to the RV weeks ahead of time. Bring them on board and let them walk around. If they show signs of clawing or chewing, top them just the way you would at home. You can even set up small, short 'practice trips,' and put your training techniques to the test. Never let up on training or 'let it slide' even once, or you could confuse your pet and cause big problems for both of you.

1. Cover Your Furniture

Protecting your furniture in the literal sense is always an option if you're still worried your pet might cause some damage. RV furniture has come such a long way that there are plenty of protection options. Take the old plastic slipcovers of the past out of your mind – there are stylish options on the market today!

But, you don't even have to invest that much to keep your couches and chairs protected. Oftentimes, something as simple as a blanket or throw can keep specific areas of your furniture protected from animals who like to claw or chew.

It's normal to want to travel with your pet. They'll love spending time with you, and you'll love including them as part of the family. But, if you're worried about the furniture in your rig, be sure to take the necessary steps for protection. With consistent training and making sure your pet knows their limits, you soon won't have to worry about their desire to 'destroy' your furniture, and they can ride along with you across the country.