Compare the shape and construction
Watch where the dog actually rests and how they get onto the furniture. Measure that area, including the edge where paws land. A small throw over the cushion may leave the front unprotected, while a full cover can be unnecessary if only one seat is used. Sketch the seat, arm and back dimensions before comparing product photographs.
Consider movement. A loose blanket is easy to lift, but may gather when the dog turns or someone sits down. A fitted cover has attachment points or elastic that must suit the particular sofa. Check whether those attachments remain accessible and whether the maker permits the intended installation. Do not use improvised straps where the dog could reach or become caught in them.
Ask whether the product is a single washable layer, a laminated fabric or an assembly with backing and inserts. Descriptions such as water-resistant should be checked against the seller's actual explanation and care instructions. They do not tell you how seams, edges or repeated washing behave. Avoid treating a cover as a guarantee that the furniture underneath will stay dry.
Look closely at the reverse side and edge binding. A thick backing may make a large cover harder to fit into your washing machine. A loosely woven surface may collect material differently from a smooth one. These are comparison questions rather than promises about performance: request detailed photographs and measurements where a listing only shows the printed face.
Plan for the hours it is off the sofa
Read the washing and drying directions before ordering. CDC advises following item care instructions; do not assume a cover can take the same cycle as ordinary bedding. Measure drying space as well as machine capacity. If the furniture is used daily, two manageable covers may fit the routine better than one oversized item that remains damp for a long time.
When removing the cover, fold the used surface inward so loose hair and crumbs stay contained. Inspect the furniture underneath before replacing it. Keep a clean cover in a dry cupboard and return the used one to a clear washing place. Reassess the fit after washing, checking that the edges and fastenings still lie as the maker intends.
