Our latest guide examines why dog-proof flooring isn’t always good for dogs.
At Floors for Paws, we always prioritise the needs of our four-legged friends, without forgetting the needs of our two-legged customers, so here we’re going to explain the difference between dog-proof flooring and dog-friendly flooring, and why they aren’t always the same!
What is dog-proof flooring?
The definition of the term dog-proof is ‘something that can withstand dogs’. Dog-proof flooring, then, means any flooring that can withstand the effects of dogs. But what does dog-proof flooring have to withstand exactly?
Dog pee – just as puppies have accidents while they are being trained, so too do senior dogs as they begin to age and develop age-related incontinence.
Muddy pawprints – dogs returning from wet, winter walks will often have muddy paws and unless you’re quick enough to wipe them down before they venture very far into your home, that mud will travel round your house in the blink of an eye.
Sharp claws and teeth – dog-proof flooring needs to be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear, and damage, inflicted by sharp teeth and claws.
Noise – dogs make noise, and so do their paws! Your flooring needs to be able to limit how much this noise will be heard in other rooms of the house, and even by neighbours.
Dog-friendly flooring
Now we’ve looked at what dog-proof flooring needs to withstand, let’s look at what flooring that is good for dogs, or dog-friendly, needs to offer.
Comfort and cushioning – most family pets spend the majority of their time on the floor. For puppies whose bones are developing, and older dogs who may be suffering from canine arthritis, flooring needs to be soft and comfortable.
Stability – just like human toddlers and seniors, dogs need to feel steady and secure on their paws, and to be able to keep their balance at all times to avoid injuries.
Which dog-proof flooring is good for dogs?
Tile flooring – certainly easy to clean, ceramic or porcelain tiles are water resistant to a point but repeated exposure to dog pee will lead to discolouration and deterioration of the grout in time. Tiles are also extremely slippery for anyone walking on them and hard to the touch.
Carpet – clearly comfortable and warm for dogs, carpet will not tolerate spills or dog pee, and very rarely comes out on top against teeth and claws. It will absorb noise.
Laminate floors – certainly more robust against claws, laminate is slippery and can degrade quickly with regular or prolonged exposure to moisture and pee. It is also uncomfortable.
Hardwood floors – although durable and moisture-resistant, solid wood floors are susceptible to sharp claws and teeth and hard to lie on for prolonged periods of time.
So, should we give up trying to find a dog-proof floor that is also good for our dogs? The answer is an emphatic no! At Floors for Paws, we have developed our vinyl flooring ranges to keep dogs and their owners happy!
The best flooring for dogs from Floors for Paws
We offer three ranges of quality vinyl flooring that tick every box – the Pawsafe Domestic range, the Pawsafe Commercial range and our Luxury Vinyl range.
Stylish, to satisfy the most houseproud among us, our flooring is made up of 5 separate layers for durability with a scratch resistant top layer that will stand up to scratches and scrapes. The cushioned layer will be a big hit with your dogs while the non-slip, textured coating will help to keep them steady on their legs. Completely waterproof and low maintenance, and offering great sound absorption, our flooring is also manufactured from sustainable materials using eco-friendly processes.
To find out more, call us today on 01522 300218 or contact us by email at info@floorsforpaws.com
