Why dogs slip on smooth floors

why dogs slip

Why dogs slip on smooth floors 

As an owner, you’ve likely seen your dogs slip on smooth floors. Whether it’s a quick sprint down the hallway or a playful dash in the kitchen. While humans might find these smooth, hard surfaces easy to navigate, for dogs they can be hazardous. At Floors for Paws, we understand the struggles pets face when navigating slippery floors, which is why we provide flooring solutions that combine style and safety. But why do dogs slip on smooth floors more than humans? And how our specialised flooring can prevent these accidents.

According to veterinary experts, the primary reason dogs slip on hard flooring like hardwood or laminate is due to their anatomical differences compared to humans. Dr. Lauren Davis; For dogs with joint issues or arthritis, slipping on smooth floors exacerbates their pain, making it harder for them to move comfortably. Although hardwood or laminate can be visually appealing, they can be slippery for arthritic dogs.’

Despite popular belief, dog’s paws are relatively hard compared to human feet and cannot gain as much traction. This means that, unlike humans who have more natural grip on these surfaces, dogs can find smooth floors treacherous. Their paws don’t have the same gripping ability, especially on surfaces like hardwood, tile, or laminate, where they might slide unexpectedly.

The impact on older or larger dogs

The issue is especially pronounced in dogs with mobility challenges, such as older dogs, overweight dogs, or larger breeds. Dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia, for instance, can experience increased pain when trying to walk on slippery floors, leading to falls, joint strain, and further discomfort.

Dogs are more likely to experience sprains and strains due to these sudden movements on slippery floors. This is a significant concern for dog owners, as it can lead to higher veterinary costs and affect the overall well-being of the dog.


The benefits of Floors for Paws flooring

What is the solution? At Floors for Paws, we provide a range of flooring options designed specifically to address this issue. Our floors are designed to give dogs the traction they need while also maintaining a stylish and durable finish for you.

1. Enhanced traction and grip for them

As noted by Canine Kinetics, ‘slippery floors can be a safety hazard for dogs, but there are various anti-slip methods that you can use to help your furry friend navigate them safely.’
Our LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) and roll vinyl options provide a textured surface that increases friction between your dog’s paws and the floor, reducing the chances of slipping.


2. Joint protection and comfort for them

Unlike smooth floors, our PawSafe ranges of flooring are cushioned, reducing the shock impact on your dog’s joints when they walk or run. This is especially important for older dogs or those with arthritis. As Dr. Harris explains, ‘Softer, shock-absorbing flooring can relieve stress on a dog’s joints, which is important for all dog and especially dogs with mobility issues. This can make a world of difference in improving their comfort while moving around the house.’

3. Easy to clean and maintain for you

Not only does Floors for Paws provide the necessary traction, but it’s also easy to clean. Our flooring is designed to be non-porous and resistant to stains, so whether your dog is tracking in mud or an accident happens, cleanup is simple and quick and the floor is maintenance free.

4. Durability and longevity for you

So we can protect your dog from floors but can we protect your floor from the dogs? Another key benefit of our flooring is its durability. Floors for Paws is designed to withstand the wear and tear that comes with having pets. The durability of our products means they’ll look great for years, even with the paws of active dogs running over them.


Why smooth floors like hardwood or laminate are risky for dogs


While hardwood and laminate floors are popular for their aesthetic appeal, they present a number of challenges for dogs.
These floors are typically too smooth, offering little grip and a high potential for slipping. Additionally, they are hard, meaning that if your dog does fall, the impact could cause injury. Hardwood and laminate floors can also become slick when wet, whether from a spilled drink, rain, or even from your dog’s paws after coming inside.

In comparison, Floors for Paws flooring options, such as our LVT and roll vinyl are designed to be more slip-resistant and provide that necessary grip. These floors help maintain your pet’s stability, reducing the risk of falls, slips, and joint pain.

Conclusion

You and your dog deserve a home that is both safe and stylish. At Floors for Paws, we combine the best of both worlds by offering flooring solutions that protect your pet’s health and improve their mobility but also offer you the durability and longevity you need with dogs. Our textured, cushioned floors ensure that your dog won’t have to deal with the painful and dangerous effects of slipping on smooth surfaces. Whether you’re dealing with a playful pup all the way through to an older dog with mobility issues, our flooring is the perfect solution.

Investing in Floors for Paws is investing in your dog’s comfort, safety, and long-term health. We believe that every pet should be able to roam freely in your home without worrying about slipping or falling. Visit us today to discover how our pet-friendly floors can transform your home.

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


Explore our range of flooring options today. Contact Floors for Paws for a free consultation or to learn more about how our floors can improve your dog’s quality of life.

Why is your Floor so important to Dogs?

Best flooring for dogs

If your head was a foot away from the floor at all times you’d be pretty interested in it too!

As you know Dogs rely on scents to navigate, to rest and to play. As we understand the needs of our greatest companions more and more we realise that we can help them by providing them with a clean, safe environment.

Flooring is a huge part of that environment; While they love to find unsavoury elements hidden deep in our carpets we know that this is not healthy for them. Allergens that can become stored in soft furnishings such as rugs, carpets and curtains can cause them symptoms that include regular ear infections, sneezing, itching and skin inflammation.

Another element to consider is slippery floors such as polished ceramic, laminate and smooth tiles. This type of flooring has kept Animal physios busy for the last 15 years. Strains, concussion, sprains and ligament damage are common injuries for dogs slipping on floors.

Then there is the little accidents; Although our beloved woofers amaze us with what they will actually put into their mouth when out on walks, just like us they do not like the scent of ones and twos in their home. Carpeting and rugs can retain the nastiness in their fibres and linger to the chagrin of humans and dogs.

‘Hey; that’s a lot about our Dogs; What about us?’

Well said; What do we want? Personally I want a safe flooring for my dogs, but your damn sure I want it to be easy to maintain and I don’t want my dog to ruin it! Mrs FFP and
I have had wooden flooring in the past which we love the look of, however it became stained, scratched and scuffed very quickly thanks to our Dogs. As you know; not cheap to replace!
So hopefully something to bear in mind for dog owners when choosing your next floor covering.

M

Floors For Paws Luxury planks are Hypo-allergenic, wipe clean, non-absorbent and Anti-slip, and Anti-scuff, and with its realistic wood effect finish it really is the World’s Best flooring For Dogs’

For more information on our products and to browse our selection, click here to explore our PawSafe Domestic Range.

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