When you get a dog, you need to make sure your home is ready. Choosing your ideal pet friendly flooring is important but finding a flooring that also suits your dog is equally key. As any pet owner knows dogs create a lot of mess and they can also damage certain flooring materials with their claws, so you need something durable and easy to clean.

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So what is the ideal pet friendly flooring for a dog owner?

Naturally you need to consider how to keep the surfaces and especially floors clean. However, you should also consider your dog’s comfort. You could go for something that is naturally warm, even in the winter. Organic materials can keep a stable temperature. If you are getting a dog, these are the best flooring styles to go for. 

Wooden Flooring 

Wooden flooring is a favorite for dog owners because it’s easy to clean up any messes and it’s quick to sweep up hair if your pet is shedding. On a carpet, all of that hair will get stuck deep down in the fibers and any messes will leave a stain. The other great thing about wooden flooring is that it looks great. 

There are a few different types of wooden flooring to choose from, each with their own benefits. If you go for solid wood flooring, your dog will enjoy the warmth in winter and it will look amazing in your home. However, you need to make sure that you go for a hard wood because your dog’s claws can leave scratches. The good news is, scratches are easily dealt with if you sand the floor and refinish it. 

Bamboo flooring is another popular option for dog owners because it is very durable and not prone to scratches. Again, it’s very warm in the winter so your dog will be comfortable too. 

Laminate Flooring

If you are really concerned about scratches, you might decide to go for laminate flooring instead. You can still get the wood effect but it’s more durable and doesn’t get scratched as much. Unfortunately, your dog may not enjoy the feel of laminate flooring under their feet and it’s not as warm in the winter. So, think about whether you are willing to sacrifice your dog’s comfort in exchange for durability. Ideally, you would use laminate in some areas of the house while also using more comfortable flooring elsewhere. 

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are the easiest flooring type to clean and they don’t get damaged by excess water like laminate will. So, if you are worried about muddy paw prints all over the house, ceramic is your best option. However, your dog might have trouble gaining traction on the slick flooring, especially as they get older, and this makes it difficult for them to get up and move around. The good news is, ceramic tiles vary in their grip, so shop around for options that are easier for your dog to walk around on. When you are laying the tiles, thicker grout lines between each one will also make it easier for your dog to grip. 

A final word on choosing your ideal, pet friendly flooring

People don’t always realize how much difference their flooring makes to their dog. Yet experienced pet owners know that carpets are the worst option because they are difficult to clean and easily stained. These options are all effective, particularly ceramic, as long as you shop around for the right materials. Don’t feel pressurised, take your time to make the best decision for you and your dog. 

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