When selecting new flooring, numerous homeowners have mixed feelings. They love their pet but at the same time value their hardwood flooring-and the two aren’t always a great combination.
While you obviously love your pet, it’s doubtful you enjoy the damage that occurs on hardwood flooring.
While dog nails can leave scratches, pet accidents and hair can make your flooring appear dull or leave stains. Nevertheless, you can do a few things to decrease the damage caused by your pets’ paws or claws.
Coating and Cleaning
Ensure you maintain clean wood floors, particularly next to entrances and areas where people visit frequently. Hair and dirt on the ground function as sandpaper, gouging into the floor surface when your pet runs across it.
Hardwood flooring has a durable coating that protects it against wear and tear, but it won’t be very helpful if you don’t reapply after a few years. It’s important you consult the flooring distributor or manufacturer for details regarding coating.
Grooming
Appropriate claw grooming is extremely important in preserving your wood floors. You’re probably aware that dogs have tough claws that grow in a similar manner as human fingernails.
Unless your pet spends time outside, his claws will probably need trimming and shaping to keep them under control. There are various grooming products, for instance claw clippers made specifically for a dog’s nails and files to smooth the nails’ edges.
You can purchase these tools to groom your pet’s claws or you could engage the services of a professional groomer.
Ensure you trim your dog’s nails regularly to prevent them from clicking and scratching the floor when they’re walk. Bear in mind that you shouldn’t trim the claws too short because it could cause the dog considerable pain.
Rugs and Carpet
If you plan to have hardwood floors, chances are that you also plan to use area and throw rugs for filling the space.
While these help complete a room’s décor, they also help sustain the beautiful appearance of hardwood flooring.
If your pet uses the same floor stretch numerous times a day, scratches and wood damage will gradually arise in spite of short nails. In this case, a carpet or rugs can help protect some sections of the floor.
Additionally, they catch debris and dirt before reaching the wood floor. Keep in mind that rug placement is just as vital as having them to begin with.
A doormat for catching debris and dirt when your pet walks through the door will decrease the gradual dulling of wood flooring caused by dirt and dust. You should also consider placing a mat under your dog’s water and food bowls to prevent water damage and spillage.
Claw Coverings
Equipping your dog with thin claw sheaths is an excellent way of stopping your pet’s nails from scratching the hardwood. A number of grooming salons charge a small fee to fit the sheaths on your pet, though you can order and do this yourself.
Accessories
Specialty stores have booties that you can purchase for your dog to prevent him from leaving scratches on the floor and protect the furniture as well.
While some are flannel-made, others have leather soles, which your dog can wear outdoors. Remember, it will take patience and time on your part and your dog’s to adjust to the booties.
If the scratches left by your pet on your hardwood flooring make you cringe, don’t fret. You can adopt some of these measures, which will allow you to keep your pet while maintaining your shiny and beautiful hardwood floor.
For more information on how to protect wood floors from pets, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.