Many people believe that having a dog and a hardwood floor is an impossible combination. Except for one minor issue, they are correct. Having pets, a pet-friendly wooden floor, and a sensible maintenance regimen is a mission that is feasible, time-tested, and completely successful! One of the most common misconceptions about wood flooring that we’ve heard and want to debunk today is that pets, particularly dogs, don’t get along with it.
Although we have real-life examples and bad experiences from a variety of homes to back us up, we believe the root of the problem is poor maintenance and generally inappropriate flooring and finishes, which frequently result in distressed wooden boards and all the blame being placed on the poor dog, when their responsibility is only a fraction of the entire problem!
Many homeowners who are considering acquiring and installing a hardwood floor avoid it because of their dog. All of the reasoning that leads to the denial of one fantastic home improvement and a desire for many people who enjoy the natural and exquisite beauty of wood is simply seen and understandable. Scratches, stains, and other flaws are a regular source of frustration for many people who own at least one dog and use a natural product.
Own a dog or have a hardwood floor?
Often, the choice is between keeping your pet and replacing your hardwood floor but It doesn’t have to be like this!
There is no need to choose between the two, which is why we are sharing a few successful and efficient ways to keep wooden floorboards in perfect condition and appearance, even if you have a dog who enthusiastically runs around the house every time the doorbell rings, or who has yet to learn proper toilet and hygiene habits.
Only a few easy principles, neither complex nor time-consuming, can save the day and give you the joy of owning both – a happy pet and a happy wood floor!
Scratches
When you think of a combination of a wooden surface and a dog’s or cat’s nails, the first thing that comes to mind is scratches and dents, and you’re right to be concerned. In fact, there isn’t much you can do to prevent your pet from scratching the floor and other exposed surfaces in your home, but having your pet’s nails clipped on a regular basis will go a long way toward preventing serious scratches and dents.
Urine and sick
Let’s get down to business! Urine and sick stains / spills are something that all dog owners are familiar with. Rather than shaking your head in disappointment and despair, gather your strength, prepare yourself, and handle the problem as soon as you see it to avoid permanent stains, odours, and damage.
Your dogs eating area
Your pet’s feeding area is frequently a source of a lot of trash and major harm. Try to move your pet’s feeding place from a room with a hardwood floor to a room with carpet or vinyl to avoid stains and a damaged hardwood floor. If this is not possible, or if your entire house is covered in wood flooring, make sure your dogs’ food and water dishes are always covered with a thick mat.
The larger the better, because the more surface area you can cover, the more scratches and marks you can avoid. Because the mat can trap moisture and debris, causing harm to the floor beneath it, it should be replaced on a regular basis.
Bathing your dog
Bathing your dog might be a difficult task. If your bathroom has solid wood flooring and your pet isn’t a big fan of long, soothing baths, make sure you cover the entire floor with towels and mats to minimise water damage.
As dog owners ourselves JG flooring we will only be too happy to offer advice on the best flooring for your home with pets.
