You’ve probably seen funny videos of dogs sliding around on hardwood floors, but how safe are they for your pup? You may even be asking yourself, “Are wood floors bad for dogs?” Luckily, the answer is no, wood floors are not necessarily bad for dogs. However, there are certain precautions that you should take when deciding whether or not to install wood floors in your home.
At G3 Hardwood Flooring, we’re a Colorado Springs hardwood flooring company that specializes in installations, refinishing, and maintenace. We are here to help you make an informed decision when it comes to wood flooring. Our team knows that your furry friend’s safety always comes first! That’s why we want to help you decide if hardwood floors are a good option for you and your four-legged companion.
Keep reading to learn more about how to enjoy the beauty of hardwood floors with your pup!
What to Consider About Dogs on Hardwood Floors
When it comes to hardwood floors and dogs, there are some things to consider.
First, you want to remember that wood flooring is slippery for your dog. Same for tile, linoleum, and other hard surface floorings. These types of flooring can cause them to slip and fall, or even hurt themselves if they run too quickly. Just like you can slip on hardwood, so can your dog.
If you have a puppy, don’t forget to puppy-proof your house, too! Puppies are especially clumsy. The last thing you want is for your pup to get hurt by sliding into a piece of furniture. Senior dogs should also be careful when it comes to hardwood floors. Older dogs can struggle with their footing and don’t bounce back as quickly from tumbles and slides.
Another consideration you should make is that wood floors can become scratched. Hardwood floors can be scratched by claws, especially if you have larger dogs with long nails. You may want to think about having your pup’s nails trimmed regularly. Surface scratches can normally be refinished, but deep gouges can be a challenge.
Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to help protect your hardwood flooring and your puppy. See more below to see how you can make your house safe for both hardwood floors and dogs.
Why Do Dogs Slip on Hardwood Floors?
Before knowing how to protect your hardwood floors and your pup, it’s important to understand why dogs can slip on wood floors. Dogs have padded feet that don’t provide enough traction to prevent slipping on smooth surfaces like hardwood floors. They also walk by digging their nails into the ground like cleats. As such, this makes it difficult for dogs to grip the tough floor and can cause them to slide.
How to Prevent Dogs From Slipping on Wood Floors
Now that you understand why dogs can slip on hardwood floors, let’s discuss how to prevent it! There are many things you can do to make your hardwood floors safe for your furry friend.
For example, you should consider installing rugs or carpets in areas of your home that your furry friend frequents. A rug or carpet can provide traction and will help prevent slipping in those areas. You can also use area rugs to protect your hardwood floors from scratching.
You can look into slip-resistant flooring solutions, too. There are many products you can use to help make your floor safer for your dog and yourself, such as anti-slip waxes and sprays.
Other ways to help your pet stay steady on their feet include:
- Trimming your pup’s nails regularly
- Using non-slip mats or booties for traction
- Exercising your dog to help improve balance and coordination
- Keeping your dog’s fuzzy foot pads trimmed
- Placing runners in high-traffic areas and on stairs
- Keeping your dog’s paws from drying or cracking
- Putting a rug or anti-slip mat down by your dog’s bed so they can more easily get up
With some extra precautions, hardwood floors can be a safe option for your four-legged family member. By taking the time to understand why dogs can slip on hardwood floors and how you can prevent it, you can enjoy your wood flooring without having to worry about your dog’s safety.
G3 Hardwood Flooring is Your Go-To Hardwood Flooring Company
At the end of the day, hardwood floors and dogs can coexist peacefully! Just remember to take some extra steps to make sure your pup stays safe. With a few extra precautions, hardwood floors can be a beautiful and safe flooring choice for any home.
At G3 Hardwood Flooring, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect flooring solution for your home. Our experts can help guide you through the process of finding and installing the right hardwood floor for you and your dog. Get in touch with us today to start transforming your home!
