Best Flooring for Dogs

Owning a dog is a wonderful experience. They are part of your family and love you unconditionally. Unfortunately, man’s best friend can cause damage to your home if you do not have the right flooring. Despite being lovable and friendly, dogs can scratch floors, shed, and have the occasional accident. It is estimated that 40% of U.S. homes own at least one dog, so make sure your floors are protected and stay beautiful for many years to come.

You can still have beautiful hardwoods and plush carpets when you live in a home with a dog; there are just extra precautions you have to take. If you would like to go the hardwood route, make sure you install extremely hard, solid woods and use a very tough finish. Oak, Cherry, and Walnut rank very high on the hardness scale, and multiple layers of finish stand up well to wear and tear. If you would like to furnish your home with carpet, it is best to choose pile cut carpet rather than looped. This makes it so claws don’t snag or get caught on fibers. As far as stains and odors go, many manufacturers offer soil and odor resistant carpets, such as polyester or nylon carpets.

Despite all these precautions, there is no guarantee your floors will remain completely intact. Pets, especially dogs, are unpredictable so it’s best to always know the risks and be prepared for repairs. To further preserve quality, train them as best as you can, trim their nails regularly, and clean up any messes as soon as possible.

There are other, safer floor options you can try. Vinyl flooring, for example, is extremely durable. It doesn’t scratch or tear and is easy to clean. It is also a very affordable option. Linoleum is comparable, minimally varying in cost, and is hypoallergenic, making it a safe option for your pup. Laminate also offers many of the same qualities, with the exception of a notable drawback – it can be slippery. Consequently, if you have a dog that likes to run, they could slide and get hurt. It’s best to balance the slip out with area rugs.

If you choose to lay tile or stone, this type of flooring is very durable. It resists moisture, scratching, and stains. It is best for your personal needs; however, it is rather hard and may not be very comfortable for your dog to take his afternoon nap on.

There are many aspects to consider when making your home livable for both you and your dog. Most importantly, your home should be safe and comfortable for all who inhabit it. To start making these choices, contact the experts at Perfect Flooring at (412) 927-1011.