Best flooring for veterinary clinics – supporting fear-free practice and optimal care

best flooring veterinary

Our latest guide to the best flooring for veterinary clinics, considering durability, cleanliness, noise reduction, and how they align with fear-free practice principles.

Choosing the best flooring for veterinary clinics is crucial for creating a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment for both animals and staff. Flooring needs to endure heavy foot traffic, animal claws, and regular cleanings, while also fostering a fear-free atmosphere for pets who may be anxious. There are many options for vets, including:

Sealed concrete

Sealed concrete is an excellent choice for clinics seeking a durable, long-lasting flooring option. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, chemical spills, and constant cleaning, all while providing a modern, clean aesthetic. Concrete can also be treated with epoxy or urethane coatings to improve resistance to scratches, stains, and microbial growth.

However, for fear-free practices, concrete is far from ideal due to its hardness and potentially noisy echo. It is also cold and unwelcoming for pets and humans alike, and can represent a slip hazard.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) combines the practicality of vinyl with the visual appeal of natural materials like wood or stone, offering clinics a way to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere without sacrificing durability. LVT is waterproof, stain-resistant, and relatively sound-absorbent, making it a fantastic choice for fear-free practices.

The aesthetics of LVT can be particularly helpful in reducing stress for pet owners, who often transmit anxiety to their pets. Creating a calm, beautiful space can set both owners and pets at ease. LVT also allows clinics to incorporate colours that are known to calm pets, such as softer earth tones. At Floors for Paws, we offer the CAM-endorsed Pawsafe Domestic range plus a choice of luxury vinyl planks or luxury vinyl tiles in our luxury vinyl range.

Commercial vinyl flooring – practical and hygienic

Sheet vinyl is perhaps the best flooring for veterinary clinics due to its durability, low cost, and easy maintenance. High-quality vinyl flooring resists scratches from claws, is water-resistant, and can be cleaned quickly—a critical feature in any environment handling pets and medical procedures. Our guide to sheet vinyl flooring has lots more information.

For fear-free practice, vinyl’s ability to reduce noise is especially beneficial. Loud noises, like footsteps or shifting furniture, can contribute to a pet’s anxiety. Sound-dampening vinyl options can help minimise these disturbances, creating a quieter, more comfortable space for animals. Additionally, slip-resistant vinyl options makes it safer for pets, particularly older or injured animals who may struggle on slick surfaces.

Flooring for a fear free veterinary practice

Incorporating fear-free principles in veterinary clinics extends beyond gentle handling techniques; it’s also about creating an environment that reduces anxiety triggers. Flooring plays a key role in this strategy, as it influences noise levels, safety, and the overall ambiance of the clinic. To find out more about fear free vets, read What is a fear free vet?

Best flooring for veterinary clinics from Floors for Paws

Choosing the best flooring for a veterinary clinic not only improves functionality and cleanliness but also supports a fear-free approach to veterinary care—creating a happier, calmer experience for pets, owners, and clinic staff alike. At Floors for Paws, our Pawsafe Commercial range has been developed with the support of veterinarians and endorsed by Canine Arthritis Management (CAM). Offering the highest slip rating of any commercial vinyl flooring on the market currently, this sheet vinyl flooring comes in a choice of wood- or stone-effect finishes, making it ideal for both consultation and reception areas. Completely waterproof, the Pawsafe Commercial range will withstand daily, deep cleaning too.  Constructed from multiple layers, the sheet vinyl has an anti-slip layer, a cushion comfort layer, an insulated backing layer, and a UV-cured polyurethane top layer for long lasting durability and protection. With a 10-year commercial guarantee, it’s easy to see why Pawsafe Commercial is popular with vets around the country. But, to see for yourself, you can order three free samples and find out what all the excitement is about!

For more information, email us at info@floorsforpaws.com or give the team a call on 01522 300218 today.

The best hard flooring for dogs is soft!

hard flooring for dogs

The Best hard flooring for dogs is soft!

Discover the comfort and durability of our PawSafe domestic range

As dog owners, we know that choosing the right flooring for your home means more than just finding something that looks great—it needs to stand up to the demands of daily life with your dog, too. Traditional hard flooring like tile or wood might offer durability, but they’re not always the most comfortable option for our dogs. That’s why at Floors for Paws, we’ve developed our PawSafe domestic range, a revolutionary flooring solution that combines the toughness of hard flooring with a soft, cushioned backing that’s easy on your dog’s joints and paws.

Why soft Flooring matters for Dogs

Have you noticed how dogs love soft things? Well, guess what; they want the floor to be soft and comfortable too. All Dogs, but especially those with joint issues or older dogs, can really feel the impact of hard, rigid floors. The continuous pressure from walking, running, or simply standing on unforgiving surfaces can lead to discomfort, and over time, even contribute to more serious conditions like arthritis.

The best hard flooring for dogs has traditionally been rigid and very stiff, which h can be hard on joints. Our PawSafe domestic range is designed to tackle this issue head-on. The soft, cushioned backing provides just the right amount of give, absorbing impact and offering a much gentler surface for your dog. It’s a flooring option that truly cares for your dog’s well-being while still giving you the durability you need in a busy household.

Safety first with superior slip Resistance

We understand that a slippery floor can be a real hazard, particularly for energetic dogs. That’s why we’ve ensured that our PawSafe range offers superior slip resistance, providing your dog with the traction they need to move around safely. Whether they’re dashing to the door to greet you or simply walking around the house, our floors help prevent those dangerous slips and slides, keeping your beloved dogs safe and sound. For that reason; it is endorsed by Dr. Hannah Capon of Canine arthritis management.

Durability that doesn’t compromise comfort

At Floors for Paws, we believe that comfort doesn’t have to come at the expense of durability. The PawSafe domestic range is tough enough to handle the everyday wear and tear that comes with having dogs. From the scratch-resistant surface, the waterproofing to the cushioned backing that protects against heavy foot traffic, these floors are built to last.

Easy to clean and maintain

Dog ownership comes with its share of messes, but the best hard flooring for dogs shouldn’t be a hassle. PawSafe flooring is incredibly easy to maintain. Whether it’s muddy paw prints or the occasional spill, our floors can be easily wiped clean, ensuring your home stays as beautiful as the day your flooring was installed.

Why choose the PawSafe domestic range

When you choose the PawSafe domestic range, you’re choosing a floor that’s designed with your dog’s comfort and safety in mind. It’s the perfect blend of durability, comfort, and style. Receive peace of mind that your floors will stand up to whatever life with dogs throws your way.

See today how our PawSafe domestic range can make your home a safer, more comfortable place for your dogs and your family. Remember: The best hard flooring for dogs is soft.

 

What flooring is best for dogs?

A guide to what flooring is best for dogs.

At Floors for Paws, we believe that the best flooring for dogs should be suitable for the setting, the dogs and their humans. Here we tell you why we believe a Floors for Paws solution is the best for everyone!

Dog friendly flooring

As our four-legged friends spend the majority of their time on the floor, it’s vital we understand what they need from it. We also need to understand that what they need from flooring isn’t necessarily what we, as owners, need. We have discussed the difference between pet-proof and pet-friendly flooring previously but here is a quick recap.

What do dogs need from flooring?

  • Dogs need a flooring solution that allows them to move around with confidence, while feeling safe and secure on their paws. Pups finding their feet are prone to joint damage and dislocation on slippery floors, and need stability while developing muscles gain strength. Likewise, elderly dogs risk pain and breakages if they fall. So, a non slip flooring for dogs that offers them good grip, is essential.
  • What flooring is best for dogs is one that is safe and comfortable. This means a forgiving surface that isn’t hard and one that remains at a consistent temperature – cold surfaces will exacerbate joint pain. All dogs deserve to lie down and be comfortable, especially older dogs who may have canine arthritis.

What do owners need from flooring?

  • We know that our customers want to know what the best flooring for dogs is to meet their needs?
  • Easy to clean – this is especially true in high traffic areas of the home or anywhere that will encounter muddy paws and shoes.
  • Tough and durable and resistant to claws and scratches – unless you opt for a tiled surface, other flooring will succumb to claws, with wood, carpet and laminate quickly showing signs of damage.
  • Waterproof is important. From toilet accidents caused by training puppies or age-related canine incontinence, to upturned water bowls, our floors need to be waterproof.
  • A great aesthetic – let’s face it, we want our floors to look good, whichever room they’re in. For businesses that welcome dogs it’s important that human visitors get the right impression as soon as they cross the threshold too.

Why Floors for Paws offers the best flooring for dogs in the UK

At Floors for Paws, we offer a choice of three dog-friendly flooring solutions that are also dog owner friendly! So, whether you need a stylish yet traditional floor in your dining room, or a hardwearing floor for your veterinary practice, we have the floor for you. We have carried out research into which

Pawsafe Domestic Range

  • A textured surface layer gives dogs a secure footing
  • Offers a consistent temperature year-round
  • Sound absorption 15db
  • Will withstand scratches from dog claws
  • Low maintenance and waterproof
  • Approved by Canine Arthritis Management
  • Vet endorsed
  • Offered in a choice of plank size
  • Suitable for any room in the house and ideal for commercial reception areas
  • 30 year domestic guarantee/10 year commercial guarantee when professionally installed
  • See the entire range here

Pawsafe Commercial Range

  • A textured non slip surface layer
  • Offers a consistent temperature year-round
  • Will withstand scratches from dog claws
  • Low maintenance and waterproof
  • Approved by Canine Arthritis Management
  • Offered as a continuous piece off the roll (like carpet)
  • Perfect for high traffic commercial areas (veterinary consultation rooms, dog day care centres, canine cafes)
  • See the entire range here

Luxury Vinyl Range

  • Textured surface
  • Double wear layer
  • Choice of wood- or stone-effect finish
  • Offered as tiles (great for creating traditional floor patterns)
  • Low maintenance and waterproof
  • Durable and scratch resistant
  • 30 year domestic guarantee when professionally installed
  • Perfect for hallways, living rooms and dining rooms, kitchens and bathrooms
  • See the entire range here

So the answer to thew question; what flooring is best for dogs is; Floors for paws. For information about any of our ranges, email the team at info@floorsforpaws.com or give us a call on 01522 300218 today.

A guide to choosing the best flooring for dogs: everything you need to know

Best flooring for dogs

Searching for the best flooring for dogs can often seem a daunting task as you want something stylish and durable, but also comfortable and safe for your furry friend. When you search ‘Best flooring for dogs’ or ‘Pet friendly flooring’ you will mainly see results that point you to flooring options that are best for dog owners. That is not always the same thing.

In today’s comprehensive guide, we deconstruct what dogs want in a flooring as opposed to what most dog owners prioritise.

Let’s take Jenny. She has just bought a new puppy. She currently has carpets throughout but wants something that will be more appropriate for the onslaught the flooring will take with a news puppy in tow!

What are her initial needs? Scratch-resistant flooring for dogs, waterproof flooring for dogs, easy to clean flooring for dogs.

Scratch-resistant best flooring for dogs

This will be essential in order to maintain an attractive floor. What would be good floor options for scratch resistant flooring for dogs?

  • Laminate flooring
  • Tile flooring
  • Luxury vinyl flooring with a PU layer of over 0.55mm
  • Stone flooring

Waterproof best flooring for dogs

Young pup is bound to have some accidents, so this is a no brainer. What would be good floor options for waterproof flooring for dogs?

Easy to clean best Flooring for Dogs

High on the list of Jenny’s priorities is likely to be easy to clean flooring for dogs. What floor options does she have?

  • Laminate flooring
  • Tile flooring -ceramic or porcelain
  • Luxury vinyl flooring
  • Click LVT

So, Jenny has researched her options and the one that ticks all the boxes is vinyl flooring.

Now let us look at what her puppy would prioritise.

Pup wants the following:

  • Secure footing/good grip
  • Comfortable under foot
  • Cool in summer and not cold in winter
  • Hypo-allergenic

What is the best option for your dog?

Estimates suggest that around 1 in 3 dogs will develop arthritis in their lifetime, with the percentage increasing significantly in older dogs (80% of dogs over 8 years old might have some degree of arthritis). As with everything, prevention is better than the cure. By giving your dog safe flooring from an early age, it can help to prevent slips that can lead to joint issues, injuries and osteoarthritis in dogs.

But let’s not forget Jenny. She is the one who pays the bills after all! Her priorities are:

  • Scratch resistance and durability
  • Waterproof
  • Ease of cleaning and maintenance

If only there was a dog-friendly and pet-proof flooring that could tick all the boxes…

Floors for paws PawSafe domestic range

  • Secure footing/good grip for dogs
  • Comfortable under foot
  • Cool in summer and not cold in winter
  • Hypo-allergenic
  • Scratch resistance and durable
  • Waterproof
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Vet endorsed

Ready to find the perfect balance for you and your furry friend in your home? Order your free samples from the PawSafe Domestic range today.

If you want the best flooring for your dogs, simply call us today on 01522 300218 to find out more, or  drop us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com

Pet-friendly floors – What is best for your beloved dog?

dog on luxury vinyl flooring

As a nation of dog lovers, we prioritise the needs of our pets but often confuse pet-friendly flooring with pet-owner friendly flooring! Here we look at the best flooring for dogs that’s also great for their owners.

 

Flooring that sees a lot of four-legged traffic has to live up to a lot of expectations but what exactly do we, as pet owners, want from our flooring?

Features of pet friendly floors for owners

We demand a lot from our floors. They need to be:

  • Hardwearing and durable to withstand the wear and tear our pets will put it through, not to mention the scratches.
  • Waterproof – from toilet training puppies to incontinent older dogs, our flooring needs to cope with the inevitable accidents it will experience. Then there’s the spills from water bowls, and the wet, muddy paws after a winter walk.
  • Low maintenance flooring suits us pet owners down to the ground. We need something that we can keep clean and that requires the minimum of fuss to keep it looking great.
  • They need to be stylish and complement our interiors.

Best pet friendly flooring for pets

Let’s face it – Fido doesn’t care whether the floor looks good, or even whether it’s easy to maintain. So, what do our dogs require from their flooring?

  • Dog friendly non slip flooring is a must for dogs of all ages but particularly the very young and the very old. Puppies that are finding their feet need flooring that will stabilise them and not have them slipping all over. Likewise, an older dog may be unsteady on their legs and need stability to help them feel safe. Injuries from falls in both these dogs will be painful and, for their owners, costly.
  • Comfort and warmth – our dogs spend a lot of time lying down! They need a comfortable flooring solution that will support them that isn’t cold to the touch. A cold solid bed will contribute to pain in conditions like arthritis too, so it’s vital to get your flooring right.

What if we told you that at Floors for Paws, we have developed a range of the best pet friendly flooring – vinyl flooring that ticks all the boxes for pets and their owners?

The best flooring for dogs (and their owners) from Floors for Paws

Our Pawsafe Commercial range has been developed in conjunction with Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) and when weighing up the best and worst flooring for dogs, it’s easy to see why so many people love this floor. For humans, the range is durable and hardwearing and waterproof when professionally installed. This vinyl flooring is easy to maintain, scratch resistant and comes on a roll in a choice of colours and finishes to create individual looks in any style of interior.

For dogs, this flooring is second to none. It has the highest slip rating of any vinyl flooring currently on the market with a textured upper surface to aid traction. What’s more, its high density, fleece comfort backing gives better cushioning for older, painful joints.

Our Pawsafe Domestic range offers all the same features and benefits and is perfect for use in any room of the home. Available in two plank sizes and a choice of patterns and colours, this is ideal for use alongside the Commercial range and is often used in reception areas to give a warm welcome to clients and their owners.

Try before you buy at Floors for Paws

With such a wide choice of options available, choosing the perfect pattern can be tough. To help narrow your search, we can offer up to three free samples – or more for a small charge – to experience the quality of the Pawsafe Commercial range in the comfort of your own setting. Likewise, the Pawsafe Domestic range is offered in sample sizes too. For any other enquiries, our friendly sales team is happy to help. Simply call us on 01522 300218 or send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com

Why vinyl flooring is the best flooring for dogs

Vinyl flooring is the best for dogs

At Floors for Paws, we believe the best flooring for dogs is vinyl flooring and here’s why.

 

As pet owners, we have the pick of flooring solutions for our four legged friends, from deep pile carpet to real wood floors and lots in between but which is the best flooring for dogs and why?

Carpet – obviously comfortable and warm for pets to lie down on but not the best flooring for dogs that pee! Carpet fibres will retain odours, take a long time to dry out and can discolour easily.

Solid wood floors – hard, solid wood floors are uncomfortable for dogs to lie on and can be unyielding to older dogs with arthritic joints. Wood will absorb liquid (think puppies who are still being house-trained and older dogs who may have incontinence) and will stain easily. For dogs who are unsteady on their feet, wood flooring offers no traction and will succumb to claws easily, becoming scratched and damaged.

Tiles – ceramic tiles are undoubtedly waterproof but are cold and uncomfortable in the extreme. For dogs and owners alike, ceramic tiles can pose a real slip risk which can cause serious injury too.

Laminate floors – while laminate will withstand small spillages, excess liquid will penetrate the fibreboard construction of the flooring damaging it and causing it to buckle. Extremely slippery underfoot and paws, laminate will scratch easily and its hard surface is uncomfortable for dogs.

Vinyl flooring

Offering a choice of luxury vinyl sheet flooring, LVT flooring (luxury vinyl tiles), and luxury vinyl planks, vinyl flooring is popular with pet owners. As pet friendly flooring goes, vinyl flooring can’t be beaten. It’s durable and hardwearing and, when professionally installed, is waterproof. Additionally, vinyl flooring is easy to maintain and will resist scratches and dents, making it perfect for any room in the home.  For business or industrial use, vinyl flooring comes with a commercial-quality wear layer with fiberglass reinforcement and has a textured surface layer to help reduce the risk of slipping. A super soft comfort layer makes this extra comfortable for dogs of all ages too.

The best flooring for dogs from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws, we have worked with Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) to develop a flooring solution that is pet-friendly and budget-friendly.  Our Pawsafe Domestic Range is available as luxury vinyl planks and our Luxury Vinyl Range is supplied as tiles, allowing homeowners to choose from a wide selection of stylish patterns, both contemporary and traditional to suit every home.

We also supply a range of luxury vinyl sheet flooring – the Pawsafe Commercial Range – which is perfect for any commercial premises, including veterinary clinics, grooming parlours and dog daycare centres. Indeed, many of our commercial customers will choose from the Pawsafe Commercial Range for areas of high traffic that require thorough cleaning, for example in consultation or surgical rooms at vet clinics, and from the Pawsafe Domestic Range for reception areas to offer their own clients a warm and friendly welcome.

To see for yourself just why we believe vinyl flooring is the best flooring for you and your dogs, why not order up to three free samples today? Alternatively, our friendly sales team is on hand to help answer any questions you might have – simply send an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or give us a call on 01522 300218.

Best flooring for pet owners

best flooring for dogs

At Floors for Paws, we know our customers need flooring that works not only for their pets but for them too. Here we look at the best flooring for pet owners and their pets!

 

Our blog contains lots of posts about the best flooring for dogs and we pride ourselves on the work we do with Canine Arthritis Management in helping to provide comfortable and kind flooring solutions to help your ageing dog. However, we understand that customers who are pet owners have high expectations when it comes to their flooring and at Floors for Paws, we deliver solutions to keep everyone happy.

Pet friendly flooring from Floors for Paws

Pet friendly flooring prioritises the needs of your pets and our Pawsafe Domestic Range does just that. A unique comfort backing gives better cushioning, particularly important for older dogs with arthritis while the textured, anti-slip surface layer helps prevent young pups not yet steady on their feet, and older dogs to retain their balance. Indeed, the Pawsafe Domestic Range currently has the highest slip rating of any vinyl plank flooring available.

So, we know our pet friendly vinyl flooring is kind to animals, but what does it offer to owners?

Best flooring for pet owners

In addition to our Pawsafe Domestic Range, we offer the Pawsafe Commercial Range and a Luxury Vinyl Range and all are manufactured from the highest quality vinyl. This gives our customers the confidence that they are choosing flooring that is pet-friendly and pet-proof!

Features of dog proof flooring from Floor for Paws

Durability – our vinyl flooring is made up of 5 separate layers making it hardwearing and durable. When professionally installed by an approved contractor, our Pawsafe Commercial Range carries a 10-year commercial guarantee and our Pawsafe Domestic Range carries a 30year domestic guarantee.

Scratch resistance – no one wants to see their flooring damaged by sharp claws or teeth so at Floors for Paws, our vinyl is given a scratch-resistant surface layer to withstand scratches and scuffs.

Waterproof – whatever age your dog is, accidents will happen so owners need dog pee proof flooring. Our vinyl flooring is glued to the sub-floor to create an impermeable seal between any joins, making our ranges completely waterproof.

Stylish – who says pet-friendly flooring has to be dated and unattractive? At Floor for Paws, we know our customers want flooring that is aesthetically pleasing and stylish to suit every type of home. Available in a wide choice of styles, colours and patterns, our flooring caters for every taste to suit any style of décor.

Eco-friendly – our flooring is manufactured from sustainable materials using environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes to ensure a product that is kind to the planet.

Low maintenance – vinyl floors are extremely low-maintenance requiring little more than regular vacuuming and mopping. Deep cleaning can be carried out easily and frequency will depend on the foot traffic your floor has to deal with. How to maintain vinyl flooring has all the information you need to keep your flooring in tip top condition.

To discuss any aspect of our flooring, please contact our sales team by email at info@floorsforpaws.com or by phone on 01522 300218.

Best pet friendly flooring – Which is best for your dog?

Dog and cat on floors for paws

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, the best 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.

Best 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 you find the best pet friendly flooring. Simply call us on 01522 300218 or email us at info@floorsforpaws.com

The best and worst flooring for dogs

Dog lying on Floors for paws

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 dogs

Dog in bath with bubbles

We look at flooring options for pet owners and examine the best waterproof flooring for dogs 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 flooring for dogs

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, so carpet is definitely not the best waterproof flooring for dogs.

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 – best waterproof flooring for dogs

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