Dogs are man’s best friend and floors’ worst enemy. If you have one of these furry creatures, having scratch-free floors feels like an impossible dream though it’s not unachievable. With some effort and dedication, you can protect your floors from your four-legged companion. Below, you’ll learn how you can keep your floors in great condition even when you have a dog.
Do Daily Sweeps for Grit-Free Floors
Whether it’s you or your furry friend tracking debris into your home, the debris, such as tiny stones, can cause micro scratches on the floor. To avoid the micro scratches, you should sweep daily with a soft microfiber broom.
Dry Your Dog and Wipe Their Paws
Just gave your dog a bath? Or came home from a walk in the rain or snow? You’ll want to dry off your dog and wipe down their paws to prevent moisture damage to the floors. Placing towels near the door or investing in a dog blow dryer will also make life easier when it comes to keeping your pet dry.
Keep Your Dog’s Nails Trimmed
Speaking of clean paws, you should also keep your dog’s nails trimmed. Not only will weekly nail trims prevent scratches on your floor, but it will also keep your pet happy and comfortable as long nails can be painful.
Try Nail Caps
Alternatively, you can apply nail caps to your dog’s paws. Nail caps can help protect your floors, walls, doors, and furniture.
Invest in Some Dog Booties
If you want to keep your floors scratch-free, consider training your dog to wear booties inside. Booties can also help prevent injury on slick floors, especially for breeds that are more prone to slipping than others.
Add Rugs to High-Traffic Pet Zones
Think about the places in your home where your dog usually frequents. Hallways, doorways, the area with their water and food, and where their crate is. These are all scratch hotspots that could use a runner or a rug. You can even find options that elevate your home’s style as well as washable ones. Just make sure to add skid-free liners underneath to lock them in place.
Use a Mat or Tray Under Water and Food Bowls
Instead of using a rug for the area with your dog’s water and food bowls, you can opt for a waterproof mat or tray that will make clean up a breeze. Not to mention, a waterproof or absorbent mat can also avoid moisture damage to the floors.
Add Felt Pads or Anti-Scratch Glides to Your Furniture
When your dog gets the zoomies or playing indoors, chances are bumping your furniture. You can add felt pads or anti-scratch glides to any piece of furniture that your pet bumps into, such as chairs and tables, to protect your floors.
Use Puppy Pads When Potty Trainings
If you are potty training your puppy, you can save yourself the hassle of cleaning up the mess when you use puppy pads, aka pee pads. For even more protection, use absorbent materials with backing in the area in case your pup didn’t quite make it to the pads. Pro tip: Shop for puppy pads with attractant to encourage your pet to use them.
Get Protective Coating on Hardwood Floors
If you want to protect and seal every inch of your hardwood floors, you should get a maintenance coat every 12 to 24 months
Invest In Pet-Friendly Flooring
Is it time for new floors? If you’re in the market forflooring services, you should consider a harder wood or stronger grain. Pet-friendly options include:
- Matte-finish hardwood floors
- Textured or wire-brushed hardwood floors
- Scratch-resistant laminate floors
- Wide-plank floors
From adding rugs to investing in pet-friendly flooring, you can take several measures to protect your floors from scratches even with a dog. With consistent upkeep, you can prevent wear while sharing the space with your furry friend.
AUTHOR BIO: Renan Santiago is the Owner of JCB Flooring, a hardwood flooring company serving the North Metro Atlanta area with installation and refinishing services. He has years of hands-on experience in the flooring industry and focuses on delivering high-quality craftsmanship and reliable service on every project. Santiago works closely with homeowners to ensure each job is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
RESOURCES
https://www.softpaws.com/questions-answers-soft-paws-for-dogs/
https://www.jatcwoodfloors.com/blog/articles/the-scratch-prevention-routine-every-pet-owner-needs
https://www.diggs.pet/blogs/posts/how-to-protect-hardwood-from-crate