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Need a Durable Area Rug that Will Withstand a 100-lb. Dog

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

I'm having a really hard time finding an area rug for our living room that will hold up to my sweet yellow lab.

Most reviews of rugs for pets focus solely on handling accident, which is an issue, but not my main problem. We have an area rug there now that I bought at Lowes a couple of years ago and it been absolutely destroyed -- it's actually threadbare in some places. What kind of rug to need to get to prevent this from happenings. Bonus points for something that fits with our aqua/gray coastal decor.






Comments (30)

  • 6 years ago

    The right rug pad will go a long way in protecting a rug from this kid of wear. Whatever you end up doing, call rugpadsusa and get them to advise you. Their pads are definitely more expensive than what you get in a big box store, but totally worth it. FWIW I have 3 German Shepherds, and 4 Lancashire Heelers.

  • 6 years ago

    I have 3 German Shepherds and I buy rugs that have a really low pile. I don't go into it expecting them to last a really long time. I have also on occasion had to throw them on the driveway and powerwash it. I bought the multicolor version of this rug. It's pretty durable and didn't cost too much.

    https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Monaco-Shiloh-Abstract-Watercolor-Grey-Light-Blue-Rug-5-x-5-Round/13311661/product.html?recalg=923,873,839&recidx=3&recset=0b2c4106-fba7-4078-9611-99d6bc3d8a48&refccid=SHKPA2ZUFGIJFSCDUFTNX2ZQDM

  • 6 years ago

    This rug is only two years old, believe it or not.

  • 6 years ago

    Unfortunately I believe it.

  • 6 years ago

    suedonim75: That's a cute option.

  • 6 years ago

    I have dobermans ... have always had oriental carpets (with quality pads) and rugs have stood up well .. no tears, stains etc

  • 6 years ago

    I thought the link would take you right to the grey and blue one, but I see it takes you to the multicolor. I have the multicolor one in 9x12. My dogs wrestle and act like total a-holes on it and its holding up pretty good. It's also pretty forgiving as far as showing dirt.

  • 6 years ago

    Karin -- are your rugs wool?

  • 6 years ago

    paula B... yes they are

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I've been happy with the durability of the Safavieh polypropylene rugs, several of which you can find on Overstock. Avoid wool. Here's an example.

    I just saw that suedonim75 and I posted the same grey and blue one!

  • 6 years ago

    Ha! jay06, I posted the same rug.

  • 6 years ago

    Why is wool not recommended?

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    The heart of the problem is the dog's behavior that led to a threadbare rug.

    -What observable dog behaviors led to the rug's threadbare condition? Nesting- where doggie walks in circles and scratches? If so, then know this is an instinctual behavior and will not extinguish, and will pose a problem regardless of rug material.

    Other reasons for scratching rug: 1-Excess energy & wants to play 2-Temperature- seeking cooler or warmer surface (rug warmed by the friction of scratching)


    -Has dog chosen the living room to rest because it is near the front entrance, as he wants to protect you?

    -What type of flooring do you have? Is the living room rug the only floor covering?

    -Does dog have its own dog bed that is big enough for him her to lie down on its side? https://www.caninejournal.com/dog-beds/

    RUG SUGGESTION:. Choose a washable cotton flat weave CHINDI or DHURRI rug. They will fit with your coastal scheme. Some have fringed tassel trim and I highly suggest that you trim the frimge because 1) the tassels can tangle in the washing machine and 2) If swallowed, long loose threads are dangerous for doggie -can cause intestinal constriction or obstruction


    dhurri rug example

    Agra Blooms - sustainable carpets med from up-cycled materials · More Info


  • 6 years ago

    Paula, in my experience with wool rugs and dogs, not only do the dog's claws and activity make wool rugs shred more than they already tend to do, but wool also holds in the smell when a dog as an "accident", no matter how much you clean it. I never get wool rugs anymore.

  • 6 years ago

    KENNEL.

  • 6 years ago

    My poor boy has some stress issues related to our hardwood floors. I have throw rugs throughout the house so he goes from safe space to safe space, which means he spends a lot of his time on the area rug. He also paces when he gets stressed -- when there's a storm or fireworks in the area.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Look at indoor/outdoor rugs, they tend to have a low pile and be easy to clean.

  • 6 years ago

    The downside of the low-pile rugs is that my hubby likes to sit on the floor a lot -- but maybe with some good padding it would be more comfy.

  • 6 years ago

    "He also paces when he gets stressed -- when there's a storm or fireworks in the area." When this situation occurs....

    Do consider giving him a safe space to retreat, like a cubby under an office desk or a closet or bathroom or laundry room with fans turned-on. Laundry room is good- as he might take comfort as the laundry scents of you.

    My little boy (30lbs). likes to retreat under the desk or a bed. I give him a warm towel from the dryer -or a tshirt that I've worn

  • 6 years ago

    Dr. Bach Natural Stress Relief for Pets; a little miracle that works a lot like catnip does on cats - they just get laid back and calm. I agree that having one of your old pieces of clothing that smells heavily of you can be comforting to your pet. Perhaps you regularly catch your pet sleeping on something of yours and can give it up for him. You may want to look into ruggable.com for washable pet/kid friendly rugs. Many styles, colors and sizes.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    FFS, she just wanted rug suggestions, she doesn’t need unsolicited pet care advice. Big dogs are hard on everything, I don’t care what you give them they all have their quirks. They play hard and then they get old and have accidents. Area rugs are disposable in my opinion. If I can’t hose it off I go buy another. I care more about my dogs than I do about my rugs.

    Mine spend most of their time on the area rug too because it’s closest to us. They want to be where we are.

  • 6 years ago

    Does anyone have experience with Ruggable? I've seen lots of great reviews about how well they clean up, etc. but haven't seen a lot about their durability.

  • 6 years ago

    We have an 80 pound Shepherd and have a polypropylene rug in the entry. She too lands on the rug from the stairs!! Keeps her from sliding all over as she is tearing down the stairs or running circles thru the house!!

    So, I vote for polypropylene. We got ours at Wayfair. Did not spend a lot and if it is destroyed, I will get another. We had a cheap wool oriental before this one that lasted for at least a decade and 3 years of our Shepherd. But, it was cheap and out it went!!

  • 6 years ago

    I've just purchased a ruggable for the "kids' kave" at the vacation rental cabin I manage. Not had enough time to evaluate, but I like the way it looks and provides a place for kids to be on the floor but not directly on the cold concrete of this basement area.


  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Paula, Is there a chance you might have an empty space under the stairs, where your doggie could have a hideaway?

    . re: FFS...unsolicited pet care advice. (Sue's comment)

    Please do not be so foolish as to think there is a magical rug that withstands a dog's stress behavior. The problem will continue with any new rug, unless the situation for the dog changes.



  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    You should re-read my posts, at no time did I say there was. I've owned 100+lb German Shepherds for 20 years. There is no magical anything when you own dogs. I stated that I treat area rugs as disposable items because they take a lot of abuse.

    DK Haas tried to chastise me, but when called out, edited their post.

  • 6 years ago

    Actually, Sue.... iI had not seen your post until now. I thought your abbreviation FFS was tacky and rude. I edited my post so as not to solicit a fight with you -. But I guess it is "on" anyway... Don't have time for you, sorry

  • 6 years ago

    No, it's not really "on", I responded to the post you directed towards me. You called me out on something that I never said. Instead of saying you mis-read my post, you escalate it. And I'm calling BS on your claim on not seeing my post. I wouldn't have responded had you not tagged me.