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.

What is herringbone flooring?

what is herrinbone flooring

Our complete guide to herringbone vinyl flooring – what it is and how to lay it.

What is herringbone flooring?

Herringbone is the name of a pattern originally created from traditional solid wood parquet block flooring. The term herringbone flooring is often used when referring to parquet flooring as it is the most popular pattern. Dating back to the 17th century, parquet flooring was expensive and therefore only found in the wealthiest and most extravagant of homes.

The herringbone pattern

Herringbone floors were traditionally created from plank shaped wooden blocks but, now, they can be created with block shaped vinyl tiles. Each plank is arranged at a 45 degree angle to the next to create a V-shape which gives the pattern a strong, geometric design.

Benefits of herringbone luxury vinyl flooring

  • Offering the same classic aesthetic of real wood parquet flooring, herringbone luxury vinyl flooring is a more economical option.
  • LVT herringbone planks are offered in a wide choice of colours and patterns.
  • LVT herringbone flooring is hardwearing and, unlike real wood, is scratch resistant.
  • Requiring nothing more than regular sweeping and mopping, herringbone vinyl flooring is extremely low maintenance.
  • It is also waterproof and slip resistant.

How to lay herringbone flooring

At Floors for Paws, our herringbone flooring is installed by attaching the planks to the subfloor with adhesive, to create a more secure hold. The bond formed between the vinyl planks and the subfloor means there is much less chance of movement in the flooring over time. The adhesive will also prevent warping, making it a great solution for areas prone to changes in moisture levels and/or temperature. As adhesive installation is more complex than click-and-lock systems, we advise using an approved installation specialist, which we are happy to recommend.

What rooms can herringbone flooring be used in?

Herringbone flooring is suitable for any room in the house, but its highly decorative appearance often lends itself to use in entrance hallways and reception rooms. In rooms that are free from clutter and not over-furnished, the flooring can be seen at its best. The herringbone pattern gives the illusion of space, making an area appear bigger, which makes it perfect for smaller rooms or narrow hallways. Where wooden parquet flooring is unsuitable for bathrooms and kitchens, the water resistance of LVT herringbone planks makes them ideal for these areas. A good tip to remember is that lighter coloured planks will make a darker space brighter and more open, while darker planks look effective against paler walls.

Herringbone luxury vinyl plank flooring from Floors for Paws

Our luxury vinyl range is currently available in 12 wood effect planks, perfect for creating herringbone patterns. Our Pawsafe Domestic range is offered in a choice of herringbone effect finishes or wooden plank finishes for the ultimate choice, and you can select up to three free samples from each range to help you find the best for your home. And, of course, all our flooring is safe and kind for pets, offering comfortable cushioning, with an anti-slip wear layer too.

If you have any questions about herringbone flooring, send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or give our friendly team a call on 01522 300218 today.

Best flooring for dogs that pee

Are you looking for dog pee proof flooring? Our guide looks at all your options!

Do you own an establishment that welcomes lots of four legged visitors? Perhaps a pet-friendly café or a grooming parlour? Then you will be looking for a flooring solution that will cope with the inevitable accidents that will happen so that the floor does not succumb to damage caused by excess pee. Here, we look at what that damage is and which flooring will minimise the risks.

Anyone who has ever owned a dog will know that pee accidents do happen, whether from a puppy during training or an elderly pet suffering from age incontinence. Urine can stain flooring surfaces, soak into them to create enduring bad smells and even contribute to the flooring rotting. The finish on the flooring can deteriorate and become discoloured over time. It goes without saying that all accidents should be cleaned up as soon as possible but the following are specific problems that affect different types of flooring.

Dog pee and laminate flooring

Made from softwood fibres, laminate flooring will cope with minimal spillages as it is water resistant. However, excessive liquid from dog pee or water bowls, can cause buckling of the boards and any moisture that penetrates the joins between the boards will cause deterioration and damage.

Dog pee and solid wood floors

Solid wood, particularly if unsealed, will soak up liquid like a sponge and become stained and discoloured; where the floor is a light colour, you will be left with dark patches! The acid in dog pee can cause the finish to break down and where urine is allowed to penetrate the wood, a smell will develop. If a dog pees in the same spot regularly, the wood will ultimately warp.

Dog pee and carpet

While dogs certainly appreciate the comfort and warmth that carpet provides, it is not the best flooring for dogs that pee! The porous carpet fibres will soak up the pee to cause foul odours and stains will quickly appear.

Dog pee and ceramic tiles

Often considered the best flooring for dog owners, due to its water resistance and low maintenance, ceramic flooring is not at all pet-friendly. Cold, hard and uncomfortable for young and elderly dogs alike, ceramic tiles also pose a slip hazard. Where dogs are unable to gain traction underfoot and slip, this can aggravate joint issues, leading to breaks and, in the long term, arthritis.

So what is the best flooring for dogs that pee? Vinyl has emerged to be not only dog pee proof flooring but also dog-friendly flooring. Here’s why: 

Dog pee and vinyl flooring

Encompassing luxury vinyl tiles, vinyl plank flooring and vinyl on a roll, vinyl flooring when professionally installed is completely waterproof, as it is glued onto the sub-floor, which creates an impermeable seal between any joins. In the event that urine is left unattended, it will not penetrate the vinyl, remaining on the surface.

Floors For Paws vinyl flooring

Working closely with Canine Arthritis Management, we have developed a range of vinyl flooring specifically for commercial settings.

Pawsafe Commercial range

Designed for commercial premises with a high volume of four-legged traffic, including veterinarian clinics and day care centres, our Pawsafe Commercial sheet vinyl on a roll can be installed with no, or very few, joins. To make your premises more appealing and welcoming to visitors, the vinyl is available in wood- and stone-effect designs while the thicker than average wear layer is comfortable for dogs of all ages. When installed by one of our approved contractors, the range comes with a 10-year commercial guarantee. Our guide to sheet vinyl flooring has lots more information and if you like what you see, you can request up to three free samples.

For any questions about our dog pee proof flooring, give our friendly team a call on 01522 300218 or send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com

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.

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 pet-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 pet-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.

https://www.floorsforpaws.com/pawsafe-domestic-range/

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 pet-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 pet-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.

How to clean vinyl floors – a guide for pet owners

Luxury vinyl flooring is a popular option for homes but how should you clean it and what should you avoid? Our helpful guide will help you keep your vinyl flooring looking beautiful.

Regular maintenance of luxury vinyl flooring

All vinyl flooring requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best. If the flooring is not well cared for, it will look dull and tired. The following tips are recommended:

  • Vacuum or sweep vinyl flooring regularly, and always before mopping.
  • Deal with spillages and stains straightaway. Wipe up any spills as soon as they occur and deal with stains with a damp mop; stubborn stains can be tackled with a paste of baking soda mixed with water. Gently rub the paste into the stain until it disappears and rinse away the paste residue thoroughly.
  • Mop regularly with a damp mop and plain water.

Deep cleaning vinyl flooring

How often you deep clean your vinyl flooring will depend on foot and paw traffic! After vacuuming or sweeping the floor as usual, check for scuff marks – these can usually be buffed out with a damp microfibre cloth. For hard to reach places (along skirting boards for example) use a soft damp brush, a baby’s toothbrush is fine, and baking powder paste. Remember to remove any remaining paste.  Mop the floor with a microfibre mop and a solution of white vinegar (one cup of white vinegar in one gallon of warm water). If you like suds, or if the flooring is particularly grubby, add a couple of drops of washing up liquid to the solution. Your mop should be damp, not dripping wet, and you should replace dirty water with a fresh solution as often as necessary. Always rinse the floor well after cleaning, with plain water and a mop, and always dry the floor thoroughly to reduce the risk of moisture penetrating any seams in the vinyl.

Dos and don’ts for maintaining your vinyl flooring

Do:

  • Use a vinyl backed doormat at entrances to reduce the amount of dirt and debris being brought onto the flooring from outside. Rubber backed mats are not recommended as they can cause a reaction with the vinyl that may leave marks.
  • Use vinyl coasters/floor protectors under furniture legs to prevent damage such as scratches or dents.
  • Lift furniture when moving it.
  • Keep pets’ claws well-trimmed.
  • Wipe pet paws thoroughly after walks.

Don’t:

  • Use floor polish on vinyl flooring – it will damage the floor.
  • Use abrasive cleaners or stiff brushes – they can remove the shine and damage the surface of the vinyl.
  • Leave freshly cleaned floors wet.
  • Use a steam cleaner on vinyl flooring – the heat and moisture will cause damage and may invalidate your warranty.
  • Drag heavy furniture across vinyl flooring – it will cause scrapes and tears.
  • Wear high heels, particularly heels that come to a point like stilettos.

Once luxury vinyl flooring becomes damaged, it has to be replaced so following these simple steps will keep your flooring in tip top condition for as long as possible.

Our range of luxury vinyl flooring is available in wood effect vinyl floor planks and in stone effect luxury vinyl tiles so why not order some free samples today and see which you prefer? For any questions on how to clean vinyl flooring, our experienced sales team is available to help on 01937 830948 or by email at info@floorsforpaws.com

Cleaning and maintaining your Floors For Paws

Cleaning and maintaining your Floors For Paws

Once you have had your beautiful new flooring laid you will want to keep it in tip top condition. 

The first piece of good news is Floors For Paws is ‘factory finished’ which means you never need to polish, seal, wax, re-sand, or apply any special maintenance techniques. 

The day after the installation give the flooring a clean with a flat head mop and a light detergent (We recommend a PH neutral floor cleaner if possible. It’s better for the dogs 😊) Be sparing with the floor cleaner for two reasons;

  1. It’s better for the environment and your dog
  2. Excess cleaning fluid can cause the floor to become slippy

Despite the grooves in the flooring, which aid your dog with grip, the floor can be cleaned the same as a smooth floor system. 

  1. Vacuum the floor regularly. All vacuums are compatible with our flooring but from experience we recommend animal friendly vacuums – some vacuums will clog up with dog hair! If you prefer you can sweep up loose debris (keeping it old school) 
  2. To remove muddy paws marks and spills you can spot clean with Floor wipes. Don’t worry if you don’t catch them straight away – Floors For Paws won’t stain from household marks such as mud, coffee, wine, spilt water bowls etc. 
  3. Overnight wee and poo stains are no problem, although it is best not to leave dog wee on it for days at a time due to the production of ammonia (as if you would wait that long to clean up!) All nasties will stay on the top surface of your flooring and not impregnate beneath or into the flooring itself so you can be sure your new floor is 100% hypo-allergenic and there will be no bad odours from your floor. 
  4. A flat head mop and your mild floor cleaner will lift any marks on your floor. Work up and down the length of the planks (wood effect only) for the best results. You do not need to pour a bucket of water on your flooring. A damp mop with some floor cleaner is enough. 
  5. During winter and the unavoidable mud baths your dog will want to take, you may want to give your flooring a deep clean. You can use a nylon medium bristled brush on Floors For Paws without damaging or marking the floor. 
  6. Steam cleaners will eventually loosen the adhesive used to secure your flooring. We do not recommend them. They were designed to lift stubborn stains and dirt impregnated into flooring. You will not have either of these with Floors For Paws. 

Please do not drag heavy furniture over your flooring. This is tough stuff, but as with any flooring heavy furniture should be placed into position to avoid marking. 

If you do mark/damage your flooring by accident the good news is you can replace individual planks/tiles by heating it with a hair dryer or heat gun, lifting the incriminating plank/tile and replacing it with a fresh one. Be sure to clean off the old adhesive underneath and apply some fresh adhesive before replacing the new. 

The Floors For Paws team x

Does Dog Pee damage laminate flooring?

Unless you are a quick draw on the mop; dog urine will damage laminate flooring, real wood flooring, engineered wood and tile grout.

Dog pee generally has a PH neutral reading at first but if left it will become acidic. This is what damages certain types of flooring. (It is also what causes the strong odour)

Unfortunately with a lot of flooring the pee will be absorbed into the floor itself or underneath and this is what can make the issue very difficult and expensive.

If you have these types of floors you need to clean the spill/accident immediately to prevent damage to your flooring.

Laminate:
The effect it will have on a laminate floor is that it can cause swelling of the planks, and create a nasty odour once it seeps through to your sub-floor. Once the pee has penetrated the top of the laminate you will need to lift the whole floor in order to clean up the mess.

Real wood/engineered flooring:
Without immediate attention dog pee will damage your wood flooring, so you must wipe up spills as soon as they occur. If this is not possible you will need to sanding down the top layer of the  flooring to remove stains/damage.

Tile Grout:
If dog pee is absorbed into the grout lines you will need to apply a bleach solution to bring the grout back to white. If you are a dog owner it is advisable to use a dark coloured grouting, however  the smell will impregnate all unsealed grout lines so cleaning can become a chore.

The solution: Floors For Paws
Floors For Paws is 100% waterproof and hypo-allergenic. It will not absorb pee or allow it to seep through. You can rest assure that however long it is left on our flooring it will not stain or mark.

Wherever your dog goes; go Floors For Paws https://www.floorsforpaws.com/free-samples/

Best waterproof flooring for pets

Pet owners rejoice! Laugh in the face of upturned water bowls, puppy/older dog accidents, post rain walks, bath time shenanigans and drool that used to make you run for the mop…..

Floors For Paws is 100% waterproof. Why?

Floors For Paws is waterproof because it is glued down to your sub-floor leaving fluids nowhere to go. Spills, wees, drips and drool will stay on the top surface of our floor and will never go below the top surface. It wont stain, warp or discolour your new floor.

Pet owners know the challenges of wood and laminate flooring with pets. Liquid will find a way into any permeable or semi-permeable surface, and any crack or joint – no matter how small. This can cause damage to your floor.

Floors For Paws top surface is impermeable to liquid and the glue acts as a weld to ensure nothing can seep between the joins.

Imagine if it’s possible that you left dog wee on your floor overnight without mopping it up! Of course you wouldn’t, but if for any reason it happened on Floors for Paws you would get up the next day to find it still on the top of the floor, without staining, without damaging, without warping the product below.

Stress free, easy maintenance for pet owners? Floors For Paws; The best waterproof flooring for pets and pet owners.

Click here to order your free samples

Dog wary of smooth flooring

Our four legged friends develop the same mental associations as us. If you slipped on a certain flooring you would be vary careful when approaching this flooring again. The difference between human and canine recognition is dogs may consider any similar looking flooring as the one they originally slipped on. This can develop into an anxiety for the dog and make taking them to certain homes, shops etc difficult and even wary of your own flooring in the home.

Over the last few years we have met many dogs who have a fear of smooth flooring due to an incident from the past, and this was one of the reasons we decided to find a flooring that would be resilient, easy to maintain and waterproof for our benefit, but more importantly safe for dogs.

The process of building up a dog’s confidence with flooring requires a few things;

  • Time
  • Patience
  • The right flooring
  • Encouragement
  • Re-assurance

In situations when dogs with this condition first see Floors For Paws they may associate it with a similar colour/type of flooring that has been an issue previously, and as such will need a lot of encouragement to step onto the floor in the first instance. This can’t be rushed and doing so will make the situation worse. We start by letting the dog have a good look & sniff of the floor before stepping on it. Then we use a favourite toy to encourage the dog to step onto the floor.

Once this stage is achieved it is important to give lots of positive encouragement. Once the dog realises it is not slippery then we spend some time slowly walking with the dog around the whole floor.

In all but extreme cases; after 10 minutes the dog will have built up confidence on the floor.

Floors For Paws has been installed in vets and recommended by animal physios. With an 85 PTV slip rating you can be sure you are giving your dog a safe, clean, hypoallergenic environment.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR DOG FRIENDLY FLOORING