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.

 

Vinyl floor aftercare

Our complete guide to vinyl floor aftercare will keep your floors in tip top condition.

At Floors for Paws, our best flooring for dogs is supplied as pet-friendly vinyl plank flooring, LVT, or commercial vinyl sheet flooring. While all our flooring options are low maintenance, they will need the correct aftercare to ensure you get the maximum lifespan from them and they remain in the best possible condition. Here’s how!

What to do after installing vinyl flooring

  • After installation, glue down flooring needs time for the glue to set before furniture is moved back on it. This process is called ‘curing’ and if not given sufficient time, planks and tiles could shift.
  • While the adhesive sets, avoid washing the vinyl (for at least 5 days).
  • Do not replace furniture in the area for 48-72 hours and if possible, avoid walking on it too. If you do need to walk in the room, avoid the seams. If heavy objects are placed on the vinyl before the adhesive has cured, it will leave permanent compression marks.
  • Open windows to ventilate the room and help any odours to dissipate.

Protecting vinyl floors from damage from furniture

  • Heavy pieces of furniture can cause dents and scratches to vinyl flooring so use felt or cotton furniture pads for legs (rubber could mark or stain the vinyl). These are attached to the bottom of the legs and will spread the weight, preventing dents, scratches and scuffs.
  • If you rearrange your furniture on a regular basis, use furniture glides, small discs that attach to the bottom of furniture legs. They protect vinyl floors in the same way as furniture pads but also make it easier to move the furniture.

How to care for vinyl flooring

All vinyl flooring benefits from ongoing maintenance. This should take the form of regular sweeping or vacuuming, and mopping for heavier dirt. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar as this could scratch the vinyl. Establishing a consistent care and cleaning pattern, will extend the life of your vinyl, as dirt or spillages that are left to sit on the vinyl could penetrate the joins and degrade the vinyl.

What to avoid when caring for vinyl floors

  • Avoid abrasive cleaning products that could scratch the floor’s surface.
  • Do not use a steam cleaner as this will loosen the adhesive over time. We recommend the Karcher hard floor cleaner.
  • High heels can leave indentations in the vinyl, so always wear indoor shoes with smooth soles on your floors.
  • Keep floors dry at all times – when mopping, dry thoroughly when you have finished, as excessive water could have an adverse effect on the adhesive if left unchecked.

How to clean vinyl floors

Even with regular maintenance, your vinyl flooring will need the occasional deep clean. Seamless floors like our Pawsafe Commercial range which is supplied on the roll, is tough enough to cope with regular deep cleaning whereas the Pawsafe Domestic range and our luxury vinyl range should only be deep cleaned when stubborn marks appear that cannot be removed with routine mopping. For more detailed help and advice for vinyl floor cleaning, our vinyl floor cleaning blog has lots of articles to help.

If you have any questions about cleaning our pet friendly vinyl floors, contact us by email at info@floorsforpaws.com or give the team a call on 01522 300218.

Pet friendly flooring options – A guide for dog owners

dog on Pet friendly flooring

Best pet friendly flooring options: A comprehensive guide

When it comes to finding the perfect flooring for homes with dogs, there are several factors to consider, such as durability, scratch resistance, ease of cleaning, and comfort. As pet owners ourselves, we understand the importance of choosing flooring that meets both your aesthetic desires and practical needs. Here’s everything you need to know about the best flooring options for dogs.

Why Flooring Choice Matters for Dog Owners AND dogs

Time to switch our thinking from ‘how can my dog damage my floor’ TO ‘how can my floor damage my dog’ Dogs are not just pets; they are family members who spend a lot of time indoors. The right flooring can make a significant difference in their comfort and your home’s maintenance. Poor flooring choices can lead to scratches, stains that will upset you and much worse – joint issues for your pets.

Top Pet Friendly flooring Flooring Options for Dogs

1.Standard Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
Durability: LVT is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches and stains.
Comfort: Provides a softer surface compared to hardwood or tile, which is easier on your dog’s joints.
Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, perfect for households with multiple pets.

2. Laminate Flooring
Scratch Resistance: High-quality laminate flooring is resistant to scratches and dents.
Affordability: More budget-friendly compared to hardwood.
Variety: Available in various styles and colors to match any decor.

3. Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
Waterproof: Ideal for homes with dogs that might have accidents.
Durability: Extremely durable and resistant to scratches.
Cool Surface: Provides a cool surface in warm climates, which dogs may find comfortable in summer.

4. Bamboo Flooring
Eco-Friendly: A sustainable option that’s also durable and resistant to wear.
Scratch Resistance: Comparable to hardwood in terms of scratch resistance.
Maintenance: Easy to clean but may require refinishing over time.

Worst pet friendly flooring options for dogs; What to Avoid

Carpet: While comfortable, carpets can stain easily and trap pet hair and odors.
Softwood Flooring: Prone to scratches and dents from pet claws.
High-Gloss Finishes: These can show scratches more readily and are slippery for pets.

Tips for Maintaining Pet Friendly Flooring

Regular Cleaning: Sweep and mop regularly to keep floors free of pet hair and dirt.
Use Rugs and Mats: Place them in high-traffic areas to protect your floors and your dog’s joints
Nail Trimming: Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to prevent scratches.

Why Choose Floors for Paws?
At Floors for Paws, we specialize in pet-friendly flooring solutions that cater to the needs of both owners AND their dogs. Our flooring options are designed to be durable, easy to clean, waterproof, claw resistant and most importantly; comfortable and safe flooring for dogs. Whether you’re looking for luxury vinyl tiles, laminate, or other types of pet-proof flooring, we’ve got you covered. Our PawSafe domestic and commercial ranges are Vet endorsed and championed by Canine Arthritis management.

Conclusion
Choosing the right pet friendly flooring options for your home is crucial when you have pets. By selecting durable, easy-to-maintain, AND safe/comfortable flooring options, you can ensure a happy home for both you and your pets.

Explore our range of pet-friendly flooring options today and give your furry friends the safety and comfort they deserve and the hassle-free floor that you deserve.

For more information on our Vet endorsed products, visit PawSafe domestic range.

 

Dog Slipping on Floor

Dogs use their paws to try to grip smooth flooring because their instinct is to gain traction and stability. This behaviour is similar to how they would use their paws on natural surfaces, where their claws can dig into the ground to provide grip. However, this instinctive action is not effective on smooth surfaces and can lead to your dog slipping on floors

Lack of Traction of dog paws on Smooth Surfaces

Smooth flooring such as tiles, hardwood, or laminate lacks the texture needed for dogs’ claws to grip. Unlike natural surfaces like dirt or grass, these floors do not provide the resistance required for their claws to latch onto. When dogs cannot garner traction on floors, they revert to nature and try to dig there claws in the surface. This exacerbates the issue as there is now less surface area in contact with the floor.

Dogs on hard Surfaces

On hard, smooth surfaces, the claws of dogs cannot penetrate or find purchase. This makes it difficult for dogs to achieve the grip they naturally seek. The smoothness leads to slipping rather than providing the friction they need and can cause pain and injury, ranging from muscle strains to Canine arthritis.

 https://caninearthritis.co.uk/

Physiological Factors for dogs

Dog paw pads and claws

Dogs’ paw pads are designed to provide traction on rough or uneven surfaces. On smooth flooring, the pads can slide easily because there is no unevenness to create friction. The claws, which help in gripping on softer surfaces, cannot function properly on smooth floors because they slide rather than dig in.

Body Weight Distribution

When dogs walk or run, their body weight is distributed in a way that their claws and paw pads work together to provide stability. On smooth floors, the lack of grip disrupts this balance, making it harder for them to maintain stability, especially at higher speeds or during sudden movements.

Potential Risks and Solutions

Continuous slipping can lead to injuries such as muscle strains or joint issues. Dogs may also develop a fear of walking on these surfaces, leading to anxiety or reluctance to move around the house

Blizzard’s case study – Dog and Floor anxiety

Temporary solutions

Rugs and Mats: Placing rugs or mats in areas where the dog frequently walks can provide the necessary traction. This can be a great solution to provide islands of safe footing, but there will still be many areas of slippery floor to negotiate.

Nail Trimming: Regularly trimming a dog’s nails can help reduce the slipperiness, as shorter nails are less likely to slide. This will only help a little.

Footwear: There are specialized dog booties that provide better grip and can help dogs navigate smooth floors more safely. Many dogs, however, do not move naturally in these boots.

In summary, dogs instinctively try to use their paws to grip smooth flooring, but due to the lack of texture and resistance, this behaviour is ineffective and can lead to slipping.

Permanent solution:

PawSafe domestic range flooring

The Floors for Paws PawSafe domestic range is designed to provide a safer and more comfortable environment for dogs, particularly those prone to sliding on slippery surfaces. These specialized flooring solutions offer enhanced traction and grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls, which can lead to injuries. The PawSafe floors are made from durable, pet-friendly materials that mimic the texture of natural surfaces, allowing dogs to walk, run, and play with confidence. Additionally, these floors are easy to clean and resistant to scratches and stains, making them ideal for pet owners seeking both safety and convenience in their home environments.

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

 Do you want to see our flooring in action?

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8mRgwKt-VX/