We've independently reviewed this article to make sure it's as accurate as we can make it.
To find out more about our article creation and review process, check out our editorial guidelines.
Have mischievous dog claws made a mess of your carpet? Don’t worry; you won’t have to put up with the sight of scratched-to-death underlayment for much longer. This article will help you repair your carpet today at little to no cost!
To fix a dog-torn carpet, you can start by cutting away loose threads and repairing seams. If you’re dealing with a noticeable hole, prepare a new carpet patch by cutting out an easy shape – ideally a square or rectangle. When you’re ready to fix the carpet, cover the damaged area with the matching patch then blend it in.
The steps mentioned above will help you fix your carpet without a professional. Are you ready to get started in detail? Then let’s dive in.
Fixing a Dog-Torn Carpet in 3 Simple Steps
Elaborate carpet repairs are expensive. So how can you fix a dog-torn carpet without breaking the bank? In my experience, there are many options at your disposal when it comes to restoring your carpet back to normal condition. Here are my favorite solutions:
#1 Cut Away Loose Threads
My usual advice to start repairing a dog-torn carpet is to cut away loose threads and analyze the damage. Is there an unmissable gaping hole in your carpet? Or are there just a few loose threads that need to be tidied up? If your carpet has been badly damaged, you should jump straight to steps 2 and 3 of this guide.
Does your carpet have any of the following?
- Fizzy loops.
- Loose ends.
- Pulled-out threads.
If so, then you’re in the right place. General wear and tear can make your carpet show threads that can get caught in your dog’s claws when it walks on them.
Here’s what you can do to solve the problem:
- Use sewing shears to trim away the loose threads.
- Trim back frizzy loops and loose ends to be the same height as the rest of the carpet.
- Ensure all loops are secure, so you don’t vacuum half the carpet up in the next step.
- Vacuum over the repaired area to blend the carpet fibers together.
#2 Repair Loose Seams
Another easy way to repair a carpet damaged by pets is to check loose seams. Dogs love to tug on things, and unfortunately, your carpet is one of those things. Anywhere there is a loose end, dogs will find it, and up the carpet comes.
Check whether your carpet has the following:
- Loose seams.
- Loose ends.
If so, please grab a hot-melt carpet tape and a clothes iron to get started with the steps below!
- Cut the hot-melt carpet tape to the length of the carpet flap.
- Place the tape under the seam of the carpet. If it’s against a wall, allow a fraction of the tape to slide under the skirting board. If not, place the tape in the seam where the two carpet ends meet.
- Heat the iron and run it back and forth over the carpet. The iron will melt the tape to seal the carpet into place. Keep the iron moving or rest it upright, as polyester carpets can melt quite easily.
#3 Replace a Ripped Patch With Matching Carpet
If there’s an entire patch missing from your carpet, you’ll want to replace it. Repairing a torn carpet your dog has damaged can be challenging when not even a strategically placed pot can hide the damage.
But don’t worry; I often find that getting a matching carpet for replacement is not too difficult when dealing with missing carpet patches.
To find matching carpet, look for some spare sections or sections that are being used in a closet or other underused areas. Hopefully, you can still find the matching carpet in a big box store. If not, the patch may turn into a much bigger DIY job!
For the job, you’ll need:
- A carpet knife
- Cardboard
- A steel square (optional)
- A pen
- A piece of matching carpet
- Hot-melt carpet tape
Let’s get started!
- Use the carpet knife to cut a square around the damaged part of the carpet. You can use a steel square to help you keep the lines straight if you need to. Apply pressure, but not so much that you cut through the underlay.
- Remove the square piece of carpet you cut in the first step.
- Cut a square of cardboard slightly bigger than the square you just took out of the carpet. Then place the cardboard square under the hole.
- Carefully trace around the hole in the carpet onto the cardboard with a pen.
- Cut the cardboard to the shape of the square you traced.
- Turn the matching carpet piece upside down. Use the pen to trace around the cardboard.
- Carefully cut the square you traced onto the back of the cardboard with the carpet knife.
- Line the edges of the new carpet piece with hot-melt carpet tape. Flap the edges of the tape under the carpet square.
- Push the carpet square into the hole in the carpet.
- Iron over the patch to melt the tape and seal the carpet together.
- Vacuum over the area to blend the carpet fibers.
It’s worth noting the effect of different piles and materials of carpets. A carpet with a higher pile (think of it like the height of your carpet’s grass) is much easier to patch well, as the carpet will blur the repair line. Alternatively if you’re dealing with a carpet that has a low pile, a repair will be much harder – you might want to think about a replacement (or a rug!).
Why Do Dogs Dig Carpets?
While there’s still much we don’t know about dogs and their behavior, there are a few popular reasons why your dog might be tearing into your carpet, such as:
- Instinct.
- For comfort.
- To leave its scent.
- For entertainment.
- Anxiety.
Did I pique your interest? Great! Here’s some additional information:
1. Instinct
One of the reasons dogs dig is because of their instincts. Digging is one of the things dogs know how to do best. Dogs may dig because wild dogs or their ancestors once dug to build a den. Dogs also dig to protect their puppies from predators.
2. Comfort
Another reason why dogs dig is for comfort. Is it hot outside? Then your dog may be digging to access cooler ground to lie on. Your dog may also dig to make the surface it wants to lie on more comfortable.
3. Scent
Dogs are territorial animals, so leaving scents around is an important part of their day. Digging into a surface helps them to leave their scent behind. By digging, dogs can claim spots as their own and ward off other dogs.
4. Entertainment
We all have things we love to do, and so does your dog! One pastime that dogs love is digging. Your dog may dig just for the fun of it! Your dog may also dig to bury things that are valuable to it and stop anyone from taking them.
Note: You must be wary of carpet tears, as humidity can seep through and cause mold.
5. Anxiety
Your dog’s digging could also be a silent cry for help. Your dog could be digging because it’s seeking attention or is bored. Try to engage your dog in more outdoor activities. Are you away from home for long periods throughout the day? Then try getting a dog walker to take your dog out and get some exercise while you’re not around.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Hole in a Carpet?
The average cost to repair a carpet damaged by pets is anywhere between 150 and 300 dollars. But there are a lot of factors that affect how much it will cost to get the work done, such as:
- The size of the carpet
- The carpet material
- The extent of the damage
The following information will help you to work out more accurately how much you will pay for a professional carpet repair.
The Size of the Carpet
How big is the damage on your carpet? Carpet repairs normally cost $1.85 per square foot of damaged carpet. But don’t forget; the cost will vary with the carpet’s material and the extent of the damage.
The Carpet Material
Which material is your carpet made of? Take a look at the following list of carpet materials. The table will tell you how much each material usually costs to repair per square foot.
| Type of Carpet Material | Average Cost |
| Polyester | $1 |
| Polypropylene | $1 |
| Nylon | $1.25 |
| Triexta | $3 |
| Wool | $3 |
The Extent of the Damage
Just how bad is the damage on your carpet? Take a look at the following list of carpet problems. The table will tell you how much each type of damage usually costs to repair.
| Type of Carpet Damage | Average Cost |
| Tears and Rips | $150 |
| Hole | $170 |
| Heat Damage | $100 |
| Furniture Dents | $45 |
| Patching | $160 |
| Pet Damage | $175 |
Conclusion
Repairing a carpet damaged by pets can be challenging. However, it’s often preferable rather than paying top dollar for professional work, especially if the damage isn’t too bad. Fixing a patch in the carpet doesn’t have to be an expensive job if you can DIY. I hope this article has shown you some ways to repair a dog-torn carpet on a budget.
If this article has helped you, why not check out some of our other resources and free guides below? You could even sign up for our email list!
On the site, you can find all sorts of solutions for DIY projects and everyday appliance issues such as a dishwasher smelling like sewage.
Have a great day!
-Craig.
Designing Modern Living Rooms from Iconic Movies
7 Tips for Heating a Room with High Ceilings (On A Budget)
