The best and worst flooring for dogs

Dog lying on Floors for paws

Man’s best friend deserves the best flooring so here’s our look at the best and the worst on the market.

We have previously discussed the difference between pet-proof and pet-friendly flooring and in this article, we look at the difference between the best and worst flooring for dogs, and the best and worst flooring for dog owners, as well as looking at the different needs of individual dogs at the various stages of their lives.

When we hear flooring companies talk about the best flooring for dogs, they often mean that the flooring will be easy to clean and maintain, or that it will be tough and hardwearing. But is that the best flooring for dogs, or for dog owners and is there a solution to keep everyone happy? Let’s look at each common flooring type in turn.

Laminate and solid wood flooring

For older incontinent dogs and puppies still being trained, both laminate and wood floors are not the best flooring for dogs that pee or for their owners! Excessive liquid will be soaked up by each, causing discolouration in wooden floors and buckling in laminate floors. When we consider canine mobility too, both of these floor types can present problems for our four legged friend. Young dogs who are developing muscle and strength in their legs will slip and slide which can cause injury, while older, perhaps arthritic dogs could fall causing serious joint damage. While relatively easy to keep clean for owners, neither of these floors and particularly comfortable for dogs of any age to lie down on.

Ceramic tiles

Arguably a great flooring for pet owners, ceramic tiles offer a gorgeous aesthetic, are almost completely waterproof and are easy to clean and maintain. But they are far too cold for our furry friends, extremely hard and uncomfortable, and they pose a major slip threat.

Carpet

The opposite to ceramic tiles, carpet is warm and comfortable for dogs but represents a nightmare for pet owners! A sponge for any liquids, carpet will retain odours and the pile will wear quickly where pets are lying down on it.

So is there a flooring that offers everything our dogs need, while ticking all our boxes too?

The Pawsafe Domestic range from Floor for Paws

The Pawsafe Domestic range is vinyl flooring available in a choice of plank sizes. Offering the aesthetic demanded by pet owners, it is easy to clean, waterproof, strong, durable and scratch resistant. And for our pets, the range has been endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management). Designed with the comfort of our dogs in mind, this is non-slip flooring with an extra soft layer of protection for pets, and it has a textured surface to enable animals to move on it safely.

But don’t take our word for it, why not try before you buy? Order up to three free samples to see for yourself, or more for an extra charge. Then if you have any questions, simply get in touch with our experienced sales team by telephone on 01937 830948 or email at info@floorsforpaws.com to discuss how we can help you.

A complete guide to the best waterproof flooring for dogs

Dog in bath with bubbles

We look at flooring options for pet owners and examine the best waterproof flooring for dogs on the market.

When you’re a pet owner, whether you have a puppy still toilet training or an older dog with age related incontinence, liquid accidents are an inevitable part of life. Add in to the mix muddy post-walk paws or bath time and it’s easy to see why waterproof flooring for pets is essential.

Before we look at the options available to pet owners, let’s examine the different factors to consider before choosing your flooring.

Waterproof flooring for dogs

People use these phrases interchangeably but they are in fact two different things. Water-resistant flooring will resist certain small spillages but waterproof flooring is designed to withstand spillages and bigger events such as full spilt dog bowls and lakes of dog wee!

Where the flooring will be installed

The setting for your flooring will impact your choice. For example the best living room flooring for dogs may not be the best flooring for a dog grooming salon or a veterinarian surgery. Consider whether your flooring will be subject to constant mopping in a commercial environment (think doggy daycare or pet-friendly cafes) or lighter daily maintenance in your kitchen.

Now you’ve considered what you need and where it will be, let’s look at your flooring options.

Ceramic or porcelain tiles

While ceramic and porcelain tiles are recognised for being almost impenetrable to liquids, they are one of the least pet friendly flooring options. Cold and hard and extremely slippery underfoot, this type of flooring can make old and young dogs feel unstable and affect their confidence. To find out more about the risks to dogs of slippery flooring see our article Non-slip flooring for dogs.

Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is constructed from softwood fibres so while it will withstand light spillages, making it water resistant, it will not tolerate anything more without running the risk of buckling and becoming damaged. While it is easy to clean, laminate is not waterproof and can be prone to moisture entering the joints between the boards.

Solid wood flooring

While they offer a traditional aesthetic for your home, solid wood floors soak up liquid causing them to stain quite easily. A lighter wood could therefore end up with dark patches if you have a dog that has frequent accidents.

Carpet

Undoubtedly warm and comfortable for our canine friends, in terms of its ability to withstand liquids and moisture, carpet is a poor choice if you’re looking for a waterproof floor covering for pets. Carpet is porous, turning it into a sponge for any liquid spillages and the fibres will retain smells which will not go unnoticed by visitors for long, so carpet is definitely not the best waterproof flooring for dogs.

Vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring, including luxury vinyl tiles, vinyl plank flooring and vinyl on the roll, is completely waterproof. It is offered in a range of finishes to suit every taste and setting and is resilient and hardwearing. Finally, with the exception of carpet, vinyl flooring is the kindest option for pets as it is more comfortable underfoot than tiles, laminate or solid wood.

Vinyl flooring from Floor For Paws – best waterproof flooring for dogs

At Floors For Paws we offer a choice of waterproof vinyl flooring for every home and commercial premises.

Luxury Vinyl Range

Our Luxury Vinyl Range is available as luxury vinyl planks which offer the look of a wooden floor, or as luxury vinyl tiles that mimic stone tiles. Hardwearing and durable, LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is ideal for anyone looking for a stylish flooring option. To see the options available , or to order your 3 free samples, click here.

Pawsafe Domestic Range

Endorsed and approved by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management), our Pawsafe Domestic Range is available in a choice of plank sizes to offer more design options and a popular design is the herringbone pattern which can be installed in a variety of ways to mimic a traditional solid wood floor. This is an ideal flooring for domestic settings and commercial premises thanks to its strength and durability, and comes with a 10-year commercial guarantee. Your three free samples can be chosen here.

Pawsafe Commercial range

Sold as commercial sheet vinyl on the roll, the Pawsafe Commercial Range is perfect for businesses as it can be laid with no, or very few, joins creating a waterproof surface that is impenetrable to liquids. Endorsed and approved by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management), the Pawsafe Commercial Range is recommended for commercial environments that welcome a lot of four legged paw traffic, such as veterinarian clinics, day care centres and pet-friendly cafes and restaurants. Use our sample picker to choose up to three free samples and see our Guide to sheet vinyl flooring.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the best waterproof flooring for dogs, send us an email to info@floosforpaws.com or call us on 01937 830948.

Canine arthritis – everything you need to know

Canine arthritis management

Just as humans develop arthritis with age, so do our four legged friends. Our latest guide tells you what to look out for, and how to help a dog with arthritis to have the best life in his later years.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical condition that affects joints. It occurs over time as the cartilage between the joints becomes thinner and damaged. This results in bones rubbing together leading to stiffness, swelling and pain.

What causes arthritis in dogs?

Although one of the main causes of canine arthritis is simply old age, there are other reasons a dog may develop the condition.

  • Injury can be sustained at any age and where a dog suffers torn ligaments or has a wound that becomes infected, damage can occur within the joints causing inflammation and arthritis.
  • Being overweight can also trigger arthritis as excess weight places stress on the joints to carry the extra load which increases the natural wear and tear on the joints.
  • Some breeds of dog may be more prone to arthritis than others where they are predisposed to bone conditions such as hip dysplasia. Breeds include Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Springer Spaniels and German Shepherds. For these breeds, there are screening schemes available.

Signs of arthritis in dogs

There are several signs to look out for if you think your dog may be suffering with arthritis, both physical and behavioural.

Physical signs of arthritis in dogs

  • Stiffness
  • Limping
  • Becoming slower or reluctant on walks
  • Difficulty getting up after sitting or lying down
  • Finding stairs more difficult

Behavioural signs of arthritis in dogs

  • Licking painful joints (look for stained fur around joint areas)
  • Irritability – arthritic dogs may dislike being touched which can lead to them being grumpy
  • Being less playful
  • Preferring to be by themselves

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, a trip to the vet is needed for a correct diagnosis and treatment. However, there are steps you can take to help make life easier for your dog.

How to ease arthritis in dogs

  • A firm, new bed that will support painful joints will help, and consider positioning several around the home to give your dog plenty of choice as well as the opportunity to rest wherever they are.
  • Elevating food and water bowls will stop your dog lowering their head which pulls on joints and there are lots of suitable stands available.
  • Take shorter walks – three or four shorter walks a day will be kinder on painful joints than two long walks – and think about the ground you are walking on. Concrete and tarmac might be too hard and your dog will prefer softer grassy paths.
  • Avoid muddy ground too as this may lead to dogs slipping, and try to pick flat, level routes.
  • Ensuring your flooring at home is not slippery is very important too; sliding and slipping is not good for arthritic joints, so ensure nails are kept trimmed.

Non-slip flooring for dogs

Carpet is undoubtedly soft and warm but it isn’t practical, particularly for younger pups and older dogs who are prone to accidents. The alternatives of wood, ceramic or laminate flooring may be more durable for humans but is far too slippery and dogs falling on it are in for a hard landing. At Floors for Paws, our Pawsafe Domestic range offers the best of both worlds! Easy to clean, water- and scratch-resistant, the range has been endorsed by CAM, Canine Arthritis Management. Its unique comfort backing gives cushioning for painful joints, and dogs will find it comfortable to lie on as it is not cold to the touch.

Offering a wide choice of contemporary and classic designs, the Pawsafe Domestic range is suitable for all styles of home and if you can’t decide, why not order three free samples. Our experience and friendly team is available to help answer any questions and can be contacted by phone on 01937 830948 or email at info@floorsforpaws.com

Dog friendly flooring – A guide for dog owners

dog friendly flooring

Are you a pet owner in the UK struggling to find the perfect flooring that can withstand the wear and tear of your furry friends? Look no further; Floors for Paws is here to provide you with the ultimate solution for dog friendly flooring in the UK. Our high-quality, durable, and stylish flooring options are specifically designed to cater to the needs of pet owners, ensuring that your floors remain paw-friendly and look great for years to come with our 30 year product guarantee.

As pet owners ourselves, we understand the challenges that come with having pets at home. From scratches to spills, pet accidents to odours, our furry friends can wreak havoc on our floors. That’s why we have carefully curated a range of flooring options that are not only pet-proof but also aesthetically pleasing to enhance your home’s overall look.

One of the key features of our pet-friendly flooring is its durability. Our floors are specifically engineered to withstand the wear and tear that pets can cause. With superior scratch resistance, our flooring can stand up to even the sharpest claws, ensuring that your floors remain pristine and scratch-free. Whether you have a playful puppy or a senior cat, our floors are designed to handle their activities without showing signs of damage.

Accidents happen, and when they do, our dog friendly flooring is up to the task. Our floors are waterproof, making them resistant to spills, stains, and accidents. You can have peace of mind knowing that any messes can be easily wiped away without leaving behind any stubborn stains or unpleasant odours. Say goodbye to the worries of pet-related accidents ruining your floors, and enjoy a clean and fresh living environment with Floors for Paws.

In addition to durability and waterproof features, our flooring options are also designed with the comfort and safety of your pets in mind. Our floors are slip-resistant, providing an extra layer of protection for your pets, especially for senior animals or those with mobility issues. Our textured surfaces ensure that your pets can move around comfortably without the risk of slipping, keeping them safe and secure. Two of our ranges are endorsed by Dr Hannah Capon MA Vet MB MRCVS, CCRP.

Click here for safe flooring for your dog

At Floors for Paws, we also believe that style shouldn’t be compromised when it comes to pet-friendly flooring. Our flooring options come in a variety of styles, colours, and patterns to suit your aesthetic preferences and complement your home decor. We have a wide range of options to suit any interior design style. You can now have dog friendly flooring that not only performs well but also adds a touch of elegance to your home.

In addition to the functional and aesthetic benefits, our pet-friendly flooring is also environmentally friendly. We strive to use sustainable materials and manufacturing processes that are eco-friendly, ensuring that our flooring options are not only safe for your pets but also for the planet.

When it comes to installation, Floors for Paws offers professional and hassle-free services. Our team of experts can guide you through the entire process, from selecting the right flooring option to installing it in your home. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service, and we are committed to ensuring that you are satisfied with your flooring choice.

In conclusion, Floors for Paws offers the perfect solution for dog friendly flooring in the UK. Our durable, waterproof, slip-resistant, stylish, and eco-friendly flooring options are specifically designed to cater to the needs of pet owners, ensuring that your floors remain paw-friendly and beautiful. Say goodbye to scratched floors, dirty carpets and pet-related accidents, and hello to a pet-friendly home that is both functional and stylish. Trust Floors for Paws for all your pet-friendly flooring needs in the UK. Contact us today to find the perfect flooring solution for you and your furry friends.

Once you have requested your three free samples, ordering can be done quickly and easily. Simply call us on 01937 830948 or email us at info@floorsforpaws.com for a no-obligation quote. With a network of approved contractors across the UK, we can arrange for a full installation service or you can arrange your own installation. Once you have placed an order, delivery is between one and six weeks, depending on your installation preferences.