Is the best flooring for dogs really the best flooring for dogs or is it the best flooring for dog owners? And can you have both? Read on to find out!
When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, pet owners face unique challenges. Dogs, our lovable, energetic companions, bring joy to our lives—but they can also bring wear and tear to our floors. From muddy paw prints to scratches and occasional accidents, not all flooring is up to the task. Selecting the best flooring for dogs means balancing durability, comfort, safety, and style. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose flooring that meets your needs and makes life with your pup easier.
The best flooring for pet owners
Before diving into the different types of flooring, it’s essential to understand what features make a floor ideal for the homeowner with dogs
Scratch resistance – dogs’ nails can cause scratches, so your flooring must withstand the wear and tear.
Durability – your flooring must be able to stand up to everyday use and heavy foot traffic without wear.
Stain-proof – where homes have pets and children, flooring will succumb to stains overtime, so needs to withstand these and still look like new.
Water resistance – pet accidents, spills, and wet paws from outdoor play mean flooring needs to resist moisture.
Ease of cleaning – flooring should resist stains and odours, making cleaning and maintenance stress-free.
Good looking – houseproud homeowners want their flooring to look good as well as be low-maintenance, with options to suit every room in the house.
The best flooring for dogs
So now let’s get down to what your dog wants from your flooring! Fido doesn’t care if it will clean easily or even if it will cope with his sharp claws but he does care about the following:
Comfort – dogs spend much of their time on the floor, so it’s important to choose materials that provide some level of comfort.
Traction – slippery floors can lead to accidents, especially for puppies and senior dogs. Textured, non-slip surfaces help your dog maintain stability.
Flooring options for dogs
Once we understand the difference between what we want and what our pets want from our flooring, how do the options generally available stack up?
Laminate flooring – laminate flooring mimics the look of hardwood and is generally more durable and cost-effective. While its tough, scratch-resistant surface seems ideal for active dogs, it is slippery underfoot and paw and will represent a huge risk to dogs who are unsteady on their legs. It is also less water-resistant than other flooring, so spills and accidents can quickly lead to damage and deterioration.
Tile and stone flooring – on the surface, tile and stone flooring seems like a great choice for homes with dogs as it’s virtually indestructible, waterproof and scratch-resistant. But imagine lying on a stone floor to have a nap! Hard and cold, unyielding underfoot and extremely slippery, this type of floor is definitely homeowner friendly but not dog friendly.
Wood flooring – a popular choice with homeowners as it is long lasting and has beautiful looks, adding a touch of elegance to any type of home. But for homes with dogs, a wooden floor will show every scratch, will succumb to damage from spillages or dog pee and it is hard and slippery for pets.
Carpet – if dogs could talk, they would probably choose carpet for themselves! Undoubtedly soft, warm, and cosy to lie on and definitely non-slip but for owners this is a big no! Carpets attract pet hair like a magnet making it high-maintenance and liquid spills and dog pee will soak into it like a sponge, causing staining and smells!
Luxury vinyl flooring – luxury vinyl is a top choice for pet owners due to its durability and versatility. It is highly resistant to scratches and water, making it perfect for dogs of all sizes. Vinyl also has a softer underfoot feel compared to wood or tile, which is gentler on your dog’s joints and many feature a non-slip surface coating to steady young and old alike.
The best flooring for dogs and their owners from Floors for Paws
What if we told you our range of vinyl flooring is a big hit with pets and owners alike? Let’s see why:
The Pawsafe Domestic range – with a textured surface layer to aid traction and the highest slip rating in today’s market, the Pawsafe Domestic range has a generous comfort layer, is waterproof and easy to maintain. The choice of finishes and patterns will please the pickiest and proudest of homeowners and it comes with a 30-year domestic guarantee. The range was developed in conjunction with leading vets and Canine Arthritis Management to give you peace of mind that your elderly pets will be as comfortable as possible – check out your options and choose up to three free samples to see for yourself.
Finding the best flooring for dogs involves considering your pet’s needs alongside your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. With the right choice, you can create a home that’s beautiful, functional, and perfect for your furry family members. At Floors for Paws, we believe that our flooring really is the best flooring for dogs, so why not give us a call on 01522 300218 or email us at info@floorsforpaws.com to find out more?
