You love your pets and can’t imagine life without them. But you have to admit, they can wreak havoc on your carpets. Whether it's pet hair, stains, or general beastly odors, your rugs need extra care when you’re a pet owner. By following these carpet cleaning and maintenance suggestions, you can pet-proof your rugs and flooring.

5 Tips to Protect Your Carpets from Pets

1. Use a Throw Rug

Does your pet have a favorite spot? Perhaps it's a place under the table or in a sunny corner of the living room that your pet has covered in their hair and dirt. To protect the carpets in those areas, lay down a cheap throw rug and encourage your pets to lounge on it all they like.

2. Restrict Food to Hard Surfaces

Never feed your pet or give them treats on carpet. Spilled wet foods will stain, and crumbly kibble, treats, or chew bones will embed themselves in the fibers. Keep all pet food activities on easy-to-clean tile or linoleum floors instead.

3. Use an Enzymatic Cleaner

Any good pet store will carry special cleaning solutions with enzymes that break down organic materials like pet waste or drool to completely eliminate any stains or odors. These are invaluable to pet owners, and you should keep a bottle close on hand. Use generously for best results.

4. Wipe Their Paws

Before you allow your pet to enter the house from outside, be sure to wipe their paws. This is particularly important if conditions are rainy or muddy. This may seem like a hassle, but it will help you avoid tough carpet stains that build up over time.

5. Create Pet-Free Zones

The best way to prevent pets from damaging or soiling your carpets is to keep them off it. Make some areas of your home off-limits to four-legged critters. Close the door or erect a baby gate — the less access pets have, the less carpet cleaning you'll need to do.

The tips above should help you pet-proof your rugs and carpets. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, pets can track in messes and leave odors. If you need professional carpet cleaning, contact Moore's Carpet Specialists in Walton, KY. They've been serving Boone County and the Greater Cincinnati area since 1972. They also specialize in upholstery cleaning and water damage restoration. Visit their website to connect with them online or call (859) 384-4700 to discuss your carpet cleaning needs.