What can I do at home to help my dog with arthritis?

Canine arthritis friendly flooring

Just as we would help a relative with mobility issues and painful joints so we do with our pets too. Here, we show you what you can do at home to help a dog with arthritis.

 

The parallels between the challenges facing humans with arthritis and dogs with arthritis are remarkable. Where arthritis causes pain, limitations on everyday life thanks to reduced mobility, and anxiety about slipping and falling, we can assume that our beloved four-legged friends experience the same. So, as loving pet owners, is there anything we can do at home to help our arthritic pets?

Fortunately the answer is yes, we can make some small additions and changes in the home that will help!

Access to comfortable resting places

Consider increasing the number of dog beds in your home, positioning one in each of your dog’s favourite places to stop and have a lie down. Lying down eases joint pain so providing soft bedding such as blankets, duvets or specialist orthopaedic dog beds that offer extra cushioning , will go a long way to helping make your dog more comfortable.

Maintain a consistent temperature

Our wellbeing and state of mind is greatly affected by changes in environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity levels, and so are our dogs’. Cold affects joint mobility and heat can causes discomfort, so try to maintain a consistent temperature in your home throughout the year. Keeping your home warm in winter and well-ventilated in summer are just a couple of things that can easily be implemented that will help your pet.

Shorter walks

While our focus in this post is changes we can implement in the home, it’s important to remember that arthritic dogs should still be walked wherever possible. Simply reduce the length of time they are walked – two or three shorter walks are much kinder to an older dog than one very long walk. And always remember to follow even, well surfaced paths.

Flooring

Perhaps the biggest change we can make as dog lovers, is to consider the flooring in our homes. Where your dogs are older and perhaps suffering from the occasional accident, you need a hardwearing and durable option that will be easy to maintain and keep clean. Unfortunately for arthritic joints, these types of flooring – laminate, ceramic tiles, solid hardwood – can be hazardous at the least and downright dangerous at the worst.

Non-slip flooring for dogs

Non-slip flooring for dogs is essential in minimising the risk of falling and therefore potential injuries. Tiles, laminate and wood flooring are slippery in the extreme so look for a flooring solution that offers a textured surface. This will provide traction that will allow unsteady dogs to move more confidently.

Cushioned flooring

Cushioned flooring is great underfoot for humans and for arthritic dogs, offers comfort to painful joints. The shock absorbing qualities of cushioned flooring will let your dog move between lying, standing and sitting easier and more comfortably.

Best flooring for dogs from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws we put the needs of your pets first in everything we do. Whether you are looking for luxury vinyl plank flooring (our Pawsafe Domestic range), or LVT (our Luxury Vinyl range), you will find a wide choice of modern designs with the most realistic wood effect finish in today’s market. Both ranges offer a textured, non-slip surface layer with the best slip rating of any vinyl flooring on the market, plus an extra-soft, cushioned layer for comfort. When installed by a Floor for Paws approved contractor, our domestic flooring options come with a 25-year domestic guarantee.

To find out more send an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or give us a call on 01522 300218 today.

The pros and cons of LVT flooring for pet owners

LVT for pet owners

The choice of flooring available in today’s market can be daunting but, for pet owners, it’s vital to choose the best flooring for dogs. Here, we look at the pros and cons of LVT flooring in particular.

 

What is LVT flooring?

LVT flooring is the abbreviation for luxury vinyl tile flooring, a synthetic flooring solution that, thanks to advances in production techniques, mimics the look of natural wood, stone, and ceramic.

The benefits of LVT flooring

Beautiful designs – LVT flooring offers the look and style that discerning homeowners demand. Innovative 3D printing techniques produce tiles that replicate the aesthetic of natural wood and stone, making this flooring suitable for anywhere in the home.

Strength and durability –  at Floors for Paws, our luxury vinyl range comprises several layers, including a high density fleece backing, a reinforcement layer and a coated anti-slip wear upper layer. Layers are heat fused together and this composition ensures maximum strength and durability, while protecting the design integrity of the floor.

Low maintenance –  stain and scratch resistant, LVT flooring is easy to maintain and will continue to look its best with a basic level of care. How to clean vinyl floors includes lots of dos and don’ts for regular maintenance as well as deep cleaning advice.

Waterproof – luxury vinyl repels moisture and when professionally installed it is virtually waterproof.

LVT lifespan

The average lifespan of LVT is around 25-30 years and at Floors for Paws, we are so confident in the quality of our products that, when they are professionally installed, they will come with a 30-year domestic guarantee. Manufactured to stand the test of time, luxury vinyl is a great option for busy homes.

The cons of LVT flooring

Compared to the benefits it offers, luxury vinyl flooring has relatively few cons. It can be difficult to remove once it has been glued down, and it can dent easily so furniture coasters/floor protectors should be used under heavy furniture.

Luxury vinyl flooring is the best flooring for dogs

Our luxury vinyl range is offered in a choice of finishes to suit every home and offers all the features and benefits outlined above. However, it is where a home has pets that this flooring really comes into its own. The range is endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) and has been designed with your pets’ comfort in mind. With a non-slip surface and extra layer for comfort, our LVT also features a textured surface to enable older, infirm dogs or even gangly puppies, to maintain their footing and therefore reduce the risk of injury, allowing them to move safely.

Free samples available

If you would like to see for yourself what our luxury vinyl range can offer you and your pets, order up to three free samples, or more for a small charge. If you like what you receive, ordering with us couldn’t be simpler. Send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or give our friendly team a call on 01522 300218, and we will do the rest.

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

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

How to keep pet-friendly flooring clean

How do you keep pet-friendly flooring clean? Our guide has all the answers you need.

Here at Floors For Paws, we make a clear distinction between pet-proof and pet-friendly flooring and what the differences are. We believe that while flooring can be pet-proof, i.e. able to withstand wear and tear, scratch resistant, waterproof and low maintenance, it isn’t necessarily pet-friendly or, in other words, kind to our pets. So, we have developed three separate ranges of vinyl flooring that is dog-proof and dog-friendly, manufactured from quality materials. But what is the best way to keep this pet-friendly flooring clean?

Vinyl flooring requires regular maintenance

Adopting a regular maintenance schedule will go a long way to keeping the vinyl floor looking its best and will prevent it from becoming dull and tired.

Spills and stains – these should be dealt with immediately and not allowed to sit on the vinyl. Spillages should be wiped up and stains removed with a damp mop

Do not allow dust and debris to build up – get into the habit of sweeping or vacuuming a vinyl floor regularly, and always prior to mopping.

Regular mopping – if the steps above are followed, your vinyl floor will require nothing more than regular mopping with plain, warm water.

Where your flooring is exposed to high volumes of traffic, for example in commercial premises, it will need a deep clean; how often you deep clean the floor will depend on the amount of traffic, but there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of dirt being brought onto the floor in the first place.

How to minimise the risk of dirt on a vinyl floor

  • Positioning vinyl backed mats at points of entry will reduce the amount of dirt brought in on paws and feet. Avoid rubber-backed mats though as the rubber may react with the vinyl to leave marks.
  • Use of an effective entrance mat will reduce 70% of dirt ingress.
  • Protect the vinyl under the feet of heavy furniture with coasters, to reduce damage from scratches and dents which will attract dust and dirt.
  • Always wipe paws after walks.

How to clean vinyl floors

After vacuuming the floor, buff out any scuffs with a clean microfibre cloth. For stubborn stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water, rubbing it in gently until the stain disappears before wiping the residue off.

Then, using a microfibre mop and a solution of one cup of white vinegar in one gallon of warm water, mop the vinyl. For particularly dirty floors, add a drop of dishwashing liquid to the water. Make sure your mop is damp only and not dripping wet and replace the water as soon as it becomes too dirty, as often as necessary. Rinse the floor by mopping with plain water and always dry the floor afterwards to prevent moisture entering any joins in the vinyl.

Things to avoid when cleaning vinyl flooring

  • Floor polish – this will damage vinyl.
  • Abrasive scourers – they will damage the surface of the floor, and remove the shiny appearance.
  • Steam cleaners – damage can be caused by the steam and heat which in turn could invalidate any warranties.

Vinyl flooring is low maintenance but it does require a regular cleaning regime to ensure it looks its best for as long as possible.

Pet-friendly vinyl flooring from Floor For Paws

Our choice of pet-friendly vinyl flooring is suitable for domestic and commercial properties and consists of:

Pawsafe Commercial range

Sheet vinyl on a roll, our Pawsafe Commercial range is designed for commercial premises and requires no or very few joins when installed, providing an impenetrable surface ideal for veterinarian clinics, day care centres and pet-friendly cafes and restaurants. Choose three free samples using our sample picker to see the choice available.

Luxury vinyl range

Choose from stone-effect tiles or wood-effect planks in our Luxury Vinyl range. This durable and attractive flooring is both practical and stylish. Click here to see the available options and to pick your three free samples.

Pawsafe Domestic range

Supplied in a selection of plank sizes, the Pawsafe Domestic range offers a wide selection of designs to choose from, and is ideal for domestic settings. Use the sample picker to explore the designs available and to choose up to three to see for yourself.

For any questions about how to keep your pet-friendly flooring clean, call us on 01522 300218 or send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com

Canine Arthritis Management

Canine arthritis

Find out all about Canine Arthritis Management, their ethos and our association with them.

At Floors For Paws, we prioritise the needs of your dogs while making sure that our flooring ticks all the boxes for you too. All our team members are devoted dog owners who understand the challenges of having beautiful flooring with dogs in the home.

To this end, we have worked hard to develop a range of flooring solutions that are hypo-allergenic, easy clean, slip resistant, anti-stain, and waterproof. They also feature a unique comfort backing to provide better cushioning for your pet’s older or arthritic joints.

We are justifiably proud of the endorsement for our products that we have received from Canine Arthritis Management but, who or what is Canine Arthritis Management?

What is Canine Arthritis Management?

Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) provides online resources for both caregivers of dogs and veterinarian professionals. Their aim is to raise awareness of, and educate people about, arthritis in dogs. The driving force behind the organisation is Dr Hannah Capon, a veterinary surgeon with over 20 years’ clinical experience. Having euthanised arthritic dogs who were otherwise completely healthy (canine arthritis is the main reason for euthanising dogs in the UK), Hannah took it upon herself to educate people in early diagnosis of the condition and multi-modal management of it. As a result of her tireless work and commitment, Hannah has won the CEVA Vet of the Year Award (2019) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Impact Award (2020).

How to access CAM resources

Canine Arthritis Management has a huge social media presence with profiles on all major platforms. Across their combined Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram accounts, the organisation has tens of thousands of followers around the world. More information about the work that CAM does and details of how to get in touch with them and access their resources, can be found here.

Floors For Paws and Canine Arthritis Management

At Floors For Paws, we believe that quality and style does not need to be compromised in favour of a dog-friendly flooring, and our ranges have been developed in line with the ethos of CAM, to provide customers with both. Our Pawsafe Domestic range is a luxury vinyl flooring that is fully endorsed by CAM and which offers an extensive choice of designs to suit every home, and every dog owner! With a comfort layer that is gentle for canine joints, the range is non-slip with a textured surface to support safe movement. For commercial premises that experience a high level of four-legged traffic such as veterinarian practices, doggy day care centres and pet cafes, the Pawsafe Commercial range (CAM endorsed) is perfect. Supplied as sheet vinyl off the roll, the range is available in a choice of wood- or stone-effect designs and is durable enough to cope with high traffic volumes, thanks to its thicker than average wear layer.

If you care passionately about the welfare and wellbeing of your pets but still want an attractive and appealing flooring solution in your home or commercial premises, give our expert sales team a call on 01522 300218 or send us an email at info@floorsforpaws.com

Flooring for older dogs

The needs of an older dog are different to that of a puppy – here we look at the best flooring for older dogs.

Difficulties facing older dogs

Just as an elderly human has difficulties brought about through old age, so do our four legged friends. The most prevalent of these challenges are:

Arthritis in senior dogs

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints. The connective cartilage will degenerate through loss of lubrication, resulting in bones rubbing against each other causing swelling and pain. Signs to look out for include reduced activity or reluctance to play, difficulty in getting up after a period of rest, lameness, hesitation in climbing stairs or onto furniture, and audible signs of pain such as whimpering.

Age-related incontinence

As a dog ages, bladder muscles weaken causing loss of bladder control and, while this is seen in dogs, it is more widely seen in bitches who have birthed a litter. A decline in cognitive function in older age can also mean that fundamental skills are forgotten, such as house training. Look for wet patches on bedding, skin irritation, dribbling urine and dampness at the back end.

Kidney issues

As kidneys age, they suffer loss of function, which can manifest in loss of bladder control and incontinence, and vomiting.

Ligament and disc deterioration

Ageing ligaments are susceptible to tearing and if a cruciate ligament tears in the knee, an older dog will experience stability problems. If two knees are affected, for example in the back legs, serious weakness will occur leading to lameness and falls.

How pet owners can help older dogs

In addition to ensuring older dogs are checked regularly by a vet, the main way a pet owner can make life easier in the home is by managing floor surfaces that the dog comes into contact with, choosing a pet-friendly flooring option wherever possible.

Features of pet-friendly flooring from Floors For Paws

At Floors For Paws, our Pawsafe Domestic range is pet-friendly and pet owner friendly, offering the following benefits:

  • Dog owners will love the durability of our luxury vinyl flooring; hardwearing and scratch resistant, it will withstand age-related toilet mishaps, while being low maintenance and easy to clean. It is available in a choice of plank sizes and a herringbone design option, allowing owners to maintain an attractive aesthetic in their home.
  • Older dogs (and puppies!) will love the cushion comfort layer of our Pawsafe Domestic range that is gentle on ageing joints, and they will appreciate the anti-slip wear layer that will help prevent sliding and falls. Endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management), the flooring also features a textured surface layer to allow pets to move on it with confidence.

If you would like to discuss new flooring that will help your elderly dogs in their later life, our dog-mad team is on hand to help! Simply call us on 01937 830948 or email us at info@floorsforpaws.com Or, if you would like to try before you buy, why not order up to three free samples (or more for an extra charge) to see for yourself.

Best pet-friendly flooring

Welcoming a furry friend into your home is a joyous occasion, but it also comes with unique considerations, especially when it comes to your flooring choices. As pet lovers ourselves, we understand the importance of finding durable, pet-friendly flooring options that can withstand the wear and tear caused by paws, claws, and occasional accidents. In this blog article, Floors for Paws Ltd. is delighted to present a comprehensive guide to help you make the best flooring decisions for your pet-friendly home. So, what are the key factors to consider when selecting pet-friendly flooring?

  • Durability: To withstand scratches and wear.
  • Moisture Resistance: To resist accidents and spills.
  • Sound Absorption: to reduce noise caused by pet movements.
  • Hygiene and Cleanliness: Choices that are easy to clean and maintain.

Top Pet-Friendly Flooring Options:

a) Tile Flooring:
Tiled flooring is a popular option for homes with dogs due to its durability, moisture resistance, and ease of cleaning tile floors. You do need to bear in mind however that dog wee can affect grout in between tiles and lead to discolouration and decay over time.

b) Laminate Flooring:
Laminate flooring is another popular option due to scratch resistance and affordability. It is important to note though that laminate can be slippery for dogs and because it is not secured to the sub-floor it can be very loud under paw. It can also be prone to warping from spilled water bowls and pet wee.

c) Engineered Hardwood:
Engineered hardwood has good durability and resistance to moisture, however it is not immune to scratching from pet claws so it is important to check with the manufacturer prior to purchase if it is guaranteed against pet claws.

d) Luxury Vinyl Flooring:
Luxury vinyl flooring, has excellent scratch resistance, waterproof properties, and realistic designs and can offer you a maintenance free floor for many years.
Floors for paws has all the benefits of luxury vinyl flooring as well as an enhanced slip-rating to ensure your pets benefit as well as you.
The Floors for paws PawSafe ranges are endorsed by Dr Hannah Capon and Canine arthritis management due to its high slip-ratings and cushioned backing making it the best flooring for dogs and dog owners.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right flooring for your pet-friendly home is crucial for maintaining a beautiful, safe, and pet-friendly environment. With this comprehensive guide by Floors for Paws Ltd., you can confidently select the flooring option that best suits your lifestyle and keeps your pets happy. Remember, a pet-friendly floor is a pawfect foundation for a harmonious home where both you and your furry companion can thrive.

At Floors For Paws, we offer three ranges of vinyl flooring. Our luxury vinyl range is available as planks or tiles and is perfect for anywhere in the home, our Pawsafe Domestic range is ideal for creating the look of a traditional herringbone solid wood floor in any room, and our Pawsafe Commercial range, available as vinyl sheeting is hardwearing enough for high traffic commercial premises such as veterinary clinics and doggy day care.

If you have any other questions not covered here, our friendly sales team is waiting to help. Simply call us on 01522 300218 or email us at info@floorsforpaws.com

The best and worst flooring for dogs

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 pets

We look at flooring options for pet owners and examine the best waterproof flooring 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 Vs. water resistant

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!

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

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 our waterproof flooring for dogs, send us an email to info@floosforpaws.com or call us on 01937 830948.