Owning a pet is a fact of life for many Americans, regardless of age, ethnicity and location. A 2017 report on Pet Population and Ownership Trends in the U.S shows 55% of households own at least one pet, and although many of those are multi-pet households, more than half of those own dogs. That means a lot of homes where installing the best flooring for dogs is likely to be important for the owner. Here are some criteria you can use when you’re looking for the right option.
Resistance to Scratches
Scratch-resistant flooring material probably doesn’t sound important – after all, who goes around scratching floors, you might ask. Sadly, unless you keep your dog’s nails perfectly clipped at all times, the chances of scratching increase exponentially. In fact, one of the primary ways of keeping a dog’s nails from overgrowing is walking him (or her) on pavement or other rough surfaces, because it helps to grind down the nail tip. Since options such as laminate flooring hardly qualifies as a rough surface, you can believe the nails are probably going to win that battle!
Waterproof Surface
Waterproofing is an important factor in choosing the best flooring for dogs and cats. It’s not really about getting water into the home, it’s about those unexpected accidents that happen to almost all pet owners at some point. Some pets just don’t ever “get it” and it’s especially prevalent with young puppies and kittens or senior pets. If you have a spill to clean up, at least waterproofing means you can be confident it won’t seep into the floor and cause damages such as swelling, odors or mold.
Stain and Fade Resistance
One of the greatest blessings of having pets is that they keep the kids occupied, which is especially welcome during cold weather when everyone is stuck indoors. Running through the house creates high traffic, however, regardless of the types of floor coverings you have. Carpet pile gets flattened, muddy footprints form stains that can be especially stubborn and pathways are worn between the rooms. Products like Stainmasters’ Pet Protect range have inbuilt stain protection as well as being color-safe. They also resist pet hair, reduce pet odors and besides being easy to clean they are durable and great for comfort.
No Loose Corners
Dogs and kids are both notorious for “picking” at things. The secret to ensuring you pet-proof your home is to make sure there’s nothing they can find irresistible to scratch, chew or tug on. Whatever materials you decide on, fitting the best flooring for dogs has to include professional installation. This will help to prevent loose corners that little fingers, claws and teeth will be drawn to!
Looking for the right flooring for your home? Brentwood Flooring America can help you choose the best flooring for dogs, cats, kids—or pretty much anyone else.