Looking for the best floor for your pup? Stay with us and figure out your options!
Even if your pups eventually get used to whatever type of flooring you have at home, things can start to be more complicated as they age! If you are curious about finding the best option for every stage of your dog’s life you are in the right place!
The hard truth is that dogs and floors don’t always get along. Think about how many videos you’ve seen where dogs fall because of inappropriate flooring. People post these videos on YouTube and other places as something that is supposed to be funny. The reality is however, that our furry friends can get severely injured because of accidents due to inadequate flooring types. Now, we don’t want to say that people who post these videos don’t love their four-legged best friends. When you have a young and healthy pup, and no injuries occurred during the accident, these situations indeed give us a good laugh. The problem is more when you have a senior or a dog with some sort of mobility issue.
Many times, we first look for a home and later add a dog to the family so sometimes the pooch does not figure into our search for appropriate flooring. If you are thinking about moving into a new home or renovating your own, it is a must to factor in your pup’s needs when choosing flooring materials.
But which option should I choose to make sure my best friend is safe? It can be confusing to choose the best flooring options for dogs! Fortunately, we investigated a bit and asked experts to share some of the flooring ideas that can help us!
The Importance of Flooring for Dogs
It may come as a surprise to find this out, but our beloved woofers prefer when their environment is safe and clean. And flooring plays a pivotal role in this environment you might think, “But my dog loves discovering unsavory things in the carpet that vacuum cleaner somehow fails to catch!” Yes, indeed, many dogs do love that! But the reality is that these things often cause more problems for doggos than pleasure. Carpets, as well as, soft furnishing, can hide various allergens that cause ear infections, sneezing, itching, etc. Then there is a problem with pests. We know that you take excellent care of your beloved pupper, and that includes protection from all types of parasites. Nonetheless, no matter how careful you are, your four-legged friend can get infested with fleas, etc. Indeed, you will react immediately and help the dog. But, what you might not be aware of that plenty of parasites lay eggs in the carpet and thus live there forever. One solution to this can be to get one of the best ultrasonic pest repeller models. The other one can be to get rid of the carpet.
Another reason why it is advised to think about flooring and carpet are the little “accidents.” Whether you have a puppy or an aging or special needs woofer, you have to be prepared that they will sometimes do number one or number two inside. Neither you nor the dog will be happy with the after smell. Hence, it is good to think about flooring that is simple to clean.
Best Flooring Options for Dogs
Cork
Cork flooring works perfectly for dog owners. It is stylish, similar to hardwood, and above it has antimicrobial properties. What does it mean? In general, if we are at home at the time of an accident, will clean it immediately, right? But what if we go out and our pupper has an accident? Or, if we fail to immediately notice it? Well, in case you have cork floors, it is less likely that bacteria mold, or other allergens will develop. Another benefit of cork is that it is soft; hence you won’t be bothered if your furry companion decides to run around the house in the middle of the night. If flooring price is of matter to you, you should know that this is one of the most affordable dog-friendly options out there.
Vinyl
Another budget-friendly material for dog-friendly flooring is vinyl. Generally, it should be simple to set it up if you have proper flooring supplies. You will be happy to know that the designs and the sturdiness of this material have been significantly improved. Dogs will love vinyl because of its capacity to cool in summer and heat in winter. Besides, vinyl is not slippery, which means pups won’t have any problem running around.
Bamboo
Many people think of bamboo as flooring wood, although it is grass. Bamboo floors are an excellent option because of their durability. What makes them durable is the resin that has been added to the grass in the production process. The dog will love bamboo floors as they are not slippery ad they provide warmth even without floor heating.
Laminate
Laminate is an incredibly scratch resistant flooring option. People like it because it is easy to install if you have the right flooring tools. Laminate floors are also quite simple to maintain, and they don’t absorb any odors. They can be slippery, though, which is why some dogs, especially seniors aren’t too happy about them. If you, nonetheless, have laminate in your home, you can use some flooring accessories, which will facilitate your dog’s movements.
Tile and Stone Flooring
Tile and stone flooring is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. All of this makes it ideal for every dog owner. Whether you have a puppy that is still not potty trained or aging or a dog with a disability, these floors are the best option as they are very forgiving. They are, as you can imagine, scratch-resistant, as well, so they won’t get damaged if you forget to trim doggo’s nails. The downside? Well, they are hard and cold, and as such, not the best place for the beloved woofer to sleep on.
Final Word
If you thought that there is something like pet-proof flooring, we have to disappoint you. Such a floor doesn’t exist. There are, however, plenty of options that work pretty well in dog-loving homes. Now, which one is the best for you and your woofer will depend on your specific needs and taste. Do you have a dog? How old is she/ he? Are you satisfied with the type of floor in your home?
Our thanks for this Guest Post by Archie Adams
Archie was a builder for more than 40 years. Mainly after his retirement the enthusiastic electrical works in garden and writes for a blog Homemakerguide.com to keep himself occupied. His many years of experience can get you the right tool reviews whether it is a drill, welding machine or so. An impressive fact to note about him is that almost everything in his house is a representation of his skills made by his hands.
