Vinyl or laminate flooring for dogs

Our latest article examines the similarities and differences between vinyl flooring and laminate flooring.

Your choice of flooring in your home will probably be decided upon after you have considered many types of flooring. However as dog owners, it is important to choose a flooring solution that not only satisfies us but is also kind to our dogs. With this in mind, we are going to compare vinyl flooring to laminate flooring.

What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?

There are similarities and differences between the two in several areas, including how they are made (and what from), what they look like, their durability and their water resistance, amongst other things.

What are vinyl and laminate floors made from?

Laminate floors are made from layers fused together through a lamination process, around a central core of HDF (high density fibreboard made of compressed fibres of recovered wood). There is usually a photographic layer that forms the visual appearance of the laminate and a durable protective top layer. Vinyl floors are constructed from synthetic PVC which is heated and pressed into thin layers.

What vinyl and laminate flooring looks like

Laminate flooring is a wood effect flooring, with the laminate boards recreating the look of solid wood floor boards. Vinyl flooring offers a wider choice of aesthetic, supplied in wood- and stone-effect finishes as well as a herringbone or plank finish, vinyl flooring offers homeowners much more choice and versatility.

Durability of vinyl and laminate flooring

Both laminate and vinyl flooring offer good durability, thanks to their hardwearing and protective surfaces. While laminate is more prone to scratch damage than vinyl, vinyl can become dented unless protected against heavy furniture with specialist coasters or floor protectors.

How waterproof are laminate and vinyl floors?

While laminate is water resistant, its wood content prevents it from being waterproof, while vinyl flooring is completely waterproof thanks to its PVC composition.

From the homeowner’s point of view, laminate and vinyl flooring are pretty much neck and neck. But what about from the pet owner’s point of view – which is better for dogs?

Best dog friendly flooring

Dogs of all ages, but particular young puppies and older, arthritic dogs, need a flooring that will help them to feel safe and secure and reduce their risk of slipping. Comfort is also a big consideration – older joints will feel sore when laying on hard solid wood, laminate or ceramic tiled floors and while carpet is comfortable, it is not the dog pee proof flooring that owners need.

Pet-friendly flooring from Floors For Paws

At Floors For Paws, our vinyl flooring offers pet owners that extra something and has been developed in conjunction with CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) to be kinder to dogs than laminate. Unlike laminate and other types of vinyl flooring, our Pawsafe Domestic range and our luxury vinyl range, (both available in plank or tile options) feature a textured, anti-slip surface layer, and have the highest slip rating of any vinyl plank flooring in today’s market. They also have an extra-soft comfort layer that provides better cushioning.

To see for yourself, why not order up to three free samples today, or get in touch with our friendly sales team to see how our flooring can help your dogs. Call us on  01522 300218 or send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com

Waterproof flooring for pets

Establishments welcoming young and old dogs need flooring that will stand up to dog pee, and in our latest guide we look at the most effective waterproof flooring for pets.

 

Commercial premises that have a lot of four-legged traffic, such as veterinarian clinics, dog daycare centres and pet-friendly cafes, need a floor that is hardwearing, durable and attractive (for the two-legged owners!). While a water-resistant floor will cope with small spillages, a waterproof flooring solution is needed to cope with bigger events including dog pee. But, what other features does waterproof flooring need to have?

Features of flooring for commercial premises

Waterproof – as mentioned above, flooring needs to withstand the pee from puppies and old dogs and also be able to withstand regular, deep cleaning without becoming compromised or damaged.

Easy to clean – not only must the flooring be able to withstand urine, it must be easy to clean as it will be exposed to mud, dirt and poop too.

Comfortable and non-slip – dogs of all ages appreciate a softer flooring to lie down on and one that they will feel confident standing on without fear of slipping.

Attractive – one for the owners here! A waterproof flooring doesn’t have to be ugly or boring in its appearance and, for business owners, it is important that their premises are welcoming and attractive.

While undoubtedly comfortable and attractive, carpet is the most impractical and least waterproof flooring for pets. It absorbs spills and will stain easily, and it will provide younger dogs with the perfect chew toy! So what does that leave? Hard flooring is available in four options – laminate, wood, ceramic tiles, and vinyl. Let’s take a look:

Solid wood flooring for dogs

Hard and unforgiving to tender joints, solid wood flooring will soak up excessive liquid and will stain easily. Add to this its slippery surface and the fact that it scratches quite readily, and you can see why this is not the best solution.

Ceramic tile flooring for dogs

Without a doubt practically impenetrable to liquid, ceramic tiles are waterproof. However, they are not pet-friendly, offering a cold, hard and extremely slippery surface to pets.

Laminate flooring for dogs

Water resistant against light spillages thanks to its softwood fibre construction, laminate flooring will not cope with excessive moisture from dog pee and deep cleaning. Moisture entering the joints of the flooring will cause boards to buckle and the floor will become damaged.

Vinyl flooring for dogs

A versatile flooring that can be supplied in a variety of formats to suit the premises, vinyl flooring is completely waterproof when correctly installed. Not only is vinyl flooring waterproof, it is also hardwearing, comfortable and available in a host of finishes, designs and colours to suit any location.

Waterproof vinyl flooring for dogs from Floors for Paws

At floors for Paws, our Luxury Vinyl Range and the Pawsafe Domestic Range are designed with discerning homes in mind. Whether you want to mimic the look of a traditional herringbone pattern solid wood floor or you prefer the aesthetic of ceramic tiles, these ranges have something for everyone. Available as planks (the Pawsafe Domestic Range) or tiles (the Luxury Vinyl Range) and in a choice of wood or stone effect finishes, for every room in the house.

For commercial premises – dog groomers, vets clinics, pet hotels – our Pawsafe Commercial Range is available on the roll and comes in a wide choice of wood- and stone-effect finishes, as well as a good choice of colours. With very few seams, this CAM endorsed, pet-friendly flooring is completely waterproof. When installed by our approved contractors the entire range comes with a 10-year commercial guarantee. To learn more about the Pawsafe Commercial Range, head to our guide to sheet vinyl flooring, or for all other enquiries, send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or give us a call on 01522 300218 today.

How to help your ageing dog

With the average lifespan of a dog being 10-13 years, it is important to understand how to help an ageing dog.

The life expectancy of any dog, just like humans, depends on a number of factors including lifestyle and diet but with dogs, their breed also affects their average lifespan. The RSPCA quotes studies that say crossbred dogs live an average 13.1 years compared to purebred dogs at 11.9 years. The society also tells us that the second main cause of death in older dogs is arthritis (12.4%). So, as responsible pet owners, how can we help our ageing dogs, in particular those with arthritic joints?

What are the signs of an ageing dog?

• Increased drinking
• Inability to enjoy walks/exercise without tiring
• Difficulty with balance
• Lethargy
• Increased tiredness
• Stiffness
• Limping
If your dog is finding it difficult to move around easily, or is struggling to lie or sit down, he is likely to be suffering from arthritic joints. A vet will be able to give a professional diagnosis and may prescribe supplements to help, and the following can be put in place at home.

How to help a dog with arthritis at home

• Try to maintain your dog’s weight at a healthy level. Excess weight will put added pressure on sore joints.
• Keep everything your dog needs within easy reach. Elevated food and water bowls will help them not to overstretch, and placing dog beds wherever they lie down will help them remain as comfortable as possible, but try to place them away from draughts.
• Consider changing their exercise regime – perhaps shorter but more frequent walks would be better than one or two long walks?
• Dogs who are walking less will need you to maintain their claws. Have them trimmed more often and be vigilant that they do not get long enough to cause problems.

Pet friendly flooring

Smooth, slippery floors present a risk to arthritic dogs who may find it difficult to maintain their balance on flooring with no grip. Hard flooring too can be painful for sore joints to lie down on and may even cause sores to develop. Unfortunately, the most popular flooring options in the home are not always the kindest for our dogs – the best and worst flooring for dogs may surprise you but it’s important to understand what your four legged friend needs.

Pet friendly flooring from Floor For Paws

We have worked closely with CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) to develop a range of luxury flooring that will be kind to dogs while ticking all the boxes for homeowners. Our Pawsafe Domestic range and our Luxury Vinyl range combine quality and style in tile or plank form in a wide range of colours and designs that work well in every room of the house.

Hardwearing and scratch resistant, the flooring has a cushion comfort layer that is kind to sore joints, and an anti-slip wear layer to reduce the risk of sliding and falling. We have also added a textured surface that allows your dog to move more confidently without losing their balance.

As if all the above wasn’t enough, our flooring is low maintenance, waterproof (no need to worry about incontinence in your older pet) and easy to clean, making it pet-owner friendly too! But, don’t just take our word for it. Why not choose up to three free samples from the Pawsafe Domestic range or the Luxury Vinyl range, and see for yourself.

If you have any questions or you need any advice on flooring for your ageing dog, our sales team is available to help. Simply give us a call on 01522 300218 or send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com