For those families that own a dog of some kind, they will be well aware that you need to consider their needs in all decisions that you make in all aspects of your life.
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So when it comes to choosing a new type of flooring for your home, the same is also true here. This is because if you put the wrong stuff down, your Miniature Schnauzer or Basset Hound, can easily damage it to a point that is far beyond repair. Some of the best options that are worth your consideration for flooring in your home include:
Tile Flooring
If you want a highly durable option that will stand up to the test of time then tile flooring is a great option to go for. This is because not only are tiles water proof, but also the fact that they are so hard makes them pretty much scratch proof. Should your pet dog have an accident on the tiles or walk on them with muddy feet, it is easy to clean away. Having a textured tile with the rough grout provides a bit of grip and so stops your dog from sliding all over. The down sides to having tiles on your floor is that they are a relatively expensive option compared with other ones and that during winter months they can get uncomfortably cold.
Hardwood Flooring
Great for adding some real beauty and a touch of warmth to any space where it is used, hardwood flooring can become easily damaged by your pet dog’s claws. Laying down this type of flooring is an expensive option, more so than many of the other options out there. Should you go with hardwood flooring in your home then it is important that you treat it with a special coating, which protects it from stains and scratches from occurring. However, these do make the floor somewhat slippery for your dog. When it comes to choosing the type of wood to go for, then you should choose something like Ironbark or Spotted Gum.
Hybrid Flooring
An inexpensive option for those people who are on a tight budget, hybrid flooring can be installed pretty much anywhere in your house and can be easily replaced when that time comes. With it being strong enough to withstand damage and waterproof, it is a great choice for puppies and young dogs that are not yet house trained and that like chewing on things. It is made up of several different layers and so not only is it quiet, but it is also comfortable for your pet dog to walk and lie on. This type of flooring comes in a whole range of different styles and patterns so you should always be able to find something that you like, regardless of what your own personal style is.
Laminate Flooring
This is made up of a layer of particleboard that has another durable print layer that is glued on to the top of it. This gives laminate flooring a good amount of strength, thus making it perfect for walk on, lay on, run on, and scratch at. Some of the finishes that this type of flooring comes in means that dents and scratches caused by your pet dog are less visible than normal. When it comes to cleaning and keeping it in good condition, this is a good option to use. It is also much cheaper than the likes of hardwood and tile flooring.
Bamboo Flooring
With it being highly durable and, so, resistant to scratches, bamboo flooring is a great option for dog owners. If your dog ever walks through the house wet, then you need to make sure that you wipe up the moisture as soon as possible, as this type of flooring is very sensitive to moisture. You should always go for a lighter color because it is better at hiding any scratches that your dog may make into the floor. This is because the darker that it is, the greater the amount of light that it reflects, thus showing up the lightered colored scratches.
How to keep your flooring in good condition
Regardless of what type of flooring option that you go for, there are a number of things that you can do to ensure that it stays in good condition for as long as possible. These include:
Using Rugs
Any scratches in the flooring that your pet dog makes can be easily covered up by putting down some sort of rug on it. Not only that, but they can also act as a protective barrier against your dog and the flooring. They are particularly helpful for protecting natural hardwood flooring. Finally, a rug can provide your dog with a nice and comfortable spot to lay down and relax on.
Cleaning up Spills
The best way to ensure that your flooring is kept in tip top condition is by clearing away any spills that occur as soon as they happen. This is because moisture can work its way through the flooring, causing damage to the layers below your home. With dog urine being so highly acidic, it can almost burn through the floor and discolor it in the process.
Looking after it
You should regularly wipe down the flooring with a soapy damp cloth. This will help to lift stains and ground in dirt. If that does not work on those more stubborn stains, then you are OK to use a remover spray, providing that it contains white vinegar and baking soda. That needs to be wiped away and rinsed after doing so.
Using Mats
For those dogs that love to go outdoors on a walk and get really dirty, then you may want to seriously consider placing a door mat at each and every entry point to your property. These will work to pick up any in wanted things off of your pet dog’s feet and / or fur. This will then minimize the need for you to clean the floors inside of your property.