Pet-friendly vs Pet-owner friendly flooring: The best flooring for dogs or owners?

When you search for the best flooring for dogs, you’ll find a long list of materials described as “pet friendly”, but don’t be misled.

They are marketed with the owner in mind: easy to clean, waterproof, scratch-resistant. But when it comes to your dog’s long-term health and comfort, the question isn’t just “will it mop well?” It’s “is it safe under paw?”

Common Smooth Flooring Types That Can Be Hazardous for Dogs

Laminate Flooring

• Very slippery surface
• Can be loud and echoes, which may cause stress
• Lacks cushioning — tough on joints

Smooth Vinyl Flooring

• Smooth, hard finish provides little grip
• Often installed without underlay for comfort
• Prone to causing slips, especially in older dogs

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

• Extremely hard and cold
• Little to no shock absorption
• Can be dangerous if wet — major slip risk

Polished Concrete

• One of the hardest and unforgiving flooring materials
• Very smooth and slippery, even when dry
• Harsh on hips, knees, and elbows

Engineered Wood or Hardwood

• Often sealed with a shiny surface that’s slick
• Easily scratched, yet slippery under paw
• Not suitable for aging or mobility-challenged dogs

What makes flooring truly pet friendly?

- Traction: Prevents slips and falls
- Shock Absorption: Reduces joint strain
- Hygiene: Easy to clean and non-porous
- Noise Reduction: Quieter underpaw = calmer pets
- Durability: Handles claws, zoomies, and accidents

Why Floors for paws leads the pack

At Floors for Paws, we go beyond the marketing. Our flooring is engineered with your dog’s health in mind, not just your mop bucket.

Our flooring features:

• Leading slip resistance rating in the pet flooring industry
• Cushion-backed core reduces impact and supports joint health
• 100% waterproof and antibacterial: vet and animal physiotherapist approved
• Sound-dampening underlay reduces anxiety in noise-sensitive dogs

Run by dog lovers for dog lovers. Approved by Vets and Animal physios

We work with veterinary professionals and animal physiotherapists to ensure every product meets the real needs of dogs; not just the cleaning checklist of owners.

Whether your dog is a bouncy pup, a tripawd warrior, or gracefully aging, Floors for Paws offers flooring that protects their paws, joints, and safety.

Looking for the best flooring for dogs?

You're in the right place. Floors for Paws is the UK’s leader in genuinely pet-safe flooring, combining:

- Health benefits for your dog
- Style and practicality for your home
- Confidence for you as a responsible pet owner

Our dog always struggled on regular…

Our dog always struggled on regular hard floor but Floors for Paws made such a big difference. We self installed and was impressed at how easy the flooring is to work with. Will use again.

Explore our PawSafe ranges today