Our pets are a part of the family.
And yet, dogs can cause an incredible amount of wear and tear to a home – particularly when it comes to the floor. When picking a new floor for your home, it’s important to take the habits and needs of your furry friends into consideration as well.
Today, we’re going to outline everything you need to know about how to keep your pets and home taken care of.
First, let’s review the things pet owners need from a floor.
What do dog owners need from their floor?
Allergen Resistant
Pets are covered in fur. Unfortunately, not all their fur stays securely glued to their body. Even when indoor pets are brushed regularly, it’s likely you’ll notice that fur still sheds around the house. To prevent your indoor air quality from becoming stifled from pet fur, invest in an allergen resistant floor like Bamboo or hardwood.
Resistant to Moisture
New pets occasionally have accidents in the house. Even once pets are potty trained, however, it’s not uncommon for wet paws and damp fur to leave tracks across flooring. If you expect to teach housetraining to pets or have animals that enjoy playing in the water or mud, it’s best to pick a floor that is resistant to moisture.
Muffles Noise
Homeowners with active pets know that the sound of running paws and scratching nails can be disturbing during quiet hours or low-noise activities.
Easy to Clean
Even the most well-behaved pets make messes. Shredded toys, paw prints, and tracked in dirt are just a few of the pet messes dedicated animal owners find themselves cleaning. To avoid spending more time cleaning your floor than enjoying it, install a floor that’s easy to clean like bamboo or vinyl.
Dog-Friendly Floors We Recommend:
If you’re shopping for a new floor and aren’t necessarily sure which type of material is best for you, take a look at the top flooring materials we recommend for pet owners:
Vinyl
Easy to clean, install, and replace, vinyl is great for pet owners on a limited budget.
Bamboo
A naturally allergen resistant floor, bamboo gives homeowners all the beautify of having a wood floor without the elevated cost of purchasing authentic timber. It should be noted, though, that bamboo can be sensitive to moisture and should be covered with rugs to prevent damage from scratching nails and moisture.
Hardwood
The classic flooring choice, hardwood floors are incredibly durable if protective measures are put in place to protect them from the day-to-day habits of pets. When cared for properly, hardwood can last anywhere from 80-100 years, depending on the species of wood used. On the downside, hardwood is incredibly sensitive to moisture and can be prone to scratches.
Tile
Durable, easy to install, and resistant to moisture, tile is a great choice for homeowners with active pets. The only cons to go with tile is that it is particularly expensive compared to the other flooring options we’ve mentioned, and can be quite cold to the touch in cooler months.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood flooring is an affordable alternative to traditional hardwood, and is generally easier to install because it can be placed directly on subfloors and in basements. That said, it is also sensitive to moisture and will require the same maintenance as hardwood flooring.
9 Tips for Keeping Floors Protected
Use Rugs
Whatever type of floor covering you choose for your home, rugs will keep a protective layer between your floor and your pets.
Keep Pet Nails Trimmed
Trimming your pet nails is a critical part of protecting your floors from scratches. Take your dogs to the groomers regularly to prevent their nails from growing long enough to scratch your floors.
Housetraining is Key
There’s no point to installing a new floor if it will become stained by pets that aren’t housetrained. If you don’t have an outdoor space for your pets, consider changing to a new floor after your pets have been housetrained properly.
Clean up Indoor Accidents Immediately
Sometimes, pets just can’t make it outside when they have to go. While this is more common in puppies and new pets, older animals can sometimes have indoor accidents. Clean up any indoor accidents immediately to prevent stains and smells from ruining your floor.
Prepare for the Dirt
Pets love getting dirty. Mud, dust, and anything else that can easily dirty your home seem to be the top choices for pet playgrounds. As a pet owner, you know that pets will track dirt indoors – be prepared for the mess by adding protective rugs to your entryways or by cleaning off your pet before they’re allowed back in the house.
Spills from Food and Water Bowls
Over eager pets can accidentally tip their food and water bowls over as they rush to consume their breakfast and dinner. Prevent food debris and water from dirtying your floor by placing place mats underneath your pet’s food and water bowls.
Vacuum and Sweep Often
Even with a pet-friendly floor like hardwood, it’s likely you’ll have quite a regular supply of fur on your floors. To prevent your house from being overcome by pet hair, vacuum or sweep regularly. For homes with carpet, it’s recommended you vacuum daily to prevent fur from becoming trapped in the fibers.
Brush your Pets Regularly
Prevent fur from going everywhere by brushing your pets regularly.
Demolish Destructive Behaviours
Some pets have a lot of anxiety when their owners are gone, which causes them to go into a destructive frenzy. Don’t let your new floor be destroyed by beloved pets due to poor training – teach your pets that destructive behaviour (like digging and chewing) is not allowed indoors.
With a little time, training, and preparation, you and your pet can live together flawlessly in your home. If you’re shopping for dog friendly flooring in Sydney, contact our showroom to get information on the most durable pet-friendly flooring brands we carry.