In choosing the type of flooring for homes with pets or more so dogs, there is always some confusion. Pets are good companions and sources of happiness but are bad news for floors with their claws that scratch the floor and fur that spreads all over the house and the times that they accidentally pee on the floor. The best option for pet-friendly flooring must be one that can easily sustain daily traffic from your pets and other members of your household as well as being comfortable for your pets. Read on for some of the best options for pet-proof flooring and to learn the answers to some frequently asked questions.
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What’s the Best Flooring for Homes with Dogs?
For dog owners, scratch resistance and durability are top priorities. Tile, vinyl plank, and certain laminates are all great choices:
- Tile Flooring: Tile is incredibly durable, water-resistant, and scratch-proof, which makes it ideal for homes with pets. It holds up well against heavy foot—and paw—traffic, and it’s easy to clean. Tile doesn’t absorb odours either. However, since tile can be cold and hard, consider adding rugs where your dog likes to lay down.
- Vinyl Plank Flooring: Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a favourite for pet owners. It looks like wood but is highly water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and durable. It’s also softer underfoot and slip-resistant, offering comfort and safety for dogs, particularly older ones with mobility issues.
- Laminate Flooring: Laminate is another durable option that stands up well to scratches. Though it’s not as water-resistant as vinyl, you can find waterproof or water-resistant varieties, which are helpful in areas where accidents are more common. One downside is that laminate can be slippery, so dogs may have trouble getting traction.
Is Laminate or Vinyl Better for Dogs?
Pet friends are also a factor to consider since vinyl plank flooring is a better option. It is water proof, very hard to scratch, yet is smoother in its touch than laminate. This makes it fitting for use where you may experience occasional spillage or mishaps because it won’t change its size or shape. It is also more easy to clean, and Vinyl’s slip-resistant surface is more favourable for the body and traction of dogs, which will be quite conducive for older and weak dogs.
It cost less money and it can look like wood if it is washed and polished properly. It’s also fairly resistant to scratching but is somewhat less resistant to moisture as compared to vinyl. This can be a problem in households that have puppies or older dogs which may make accidents.
Can Dogs Walk on Laminate Flooring?
Indeed, dogs can walk in laminate floors though the following are things to observe. Laminate floorings are most of the time smooth and this characteristic makes it difficult for the dog to get a good hold on the floor. Indeed, for the dogs which probably have mobility of joint problems, this might be a little bit stiff. These two prove to be useful in improving the grip of the Area rugs, runners or mats in areas where there is a lot of traffic so as to make the areas feel more solid.
If you prefer use of laminate, it is also important to opt for a textured finish as this will give maximum traction on the surface and would thus save them from moving around a lot to avoid slipping and causing more strain on their joints.
Do Dogs Scratch Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Their positive feature is that they are nearly completely scratch proof, even with the use of claws on furniture. Most manufactured luxury vinyl plank flooring is highly resistant to everyday scratching by the paws of the pets; normal walking or running does not harm the vinyl plank floor. But if you are very specific with scratch issues, then the vinyl should be highly upgraded with the standard wear layer that should be thicker than 20mils. According to the routine grooming of your pet, it is also important to be regular in cutting your dog’s nails, this will also ensure any floor is well maintained.
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The Best Flooring Choices for Pet Homes
In a house with pets, vinyl plank, and tile are our favorites because they are hardy and resistant to scratches and are easy to clean. Laminate is a good choice for a budget however, some more attention should be paid to the issues connected with moisture resistance and traction. No matter what method you prefer, simple solutions like the use of rugs and ensuring the pet’s nails do not scratch the floor represents an excellent way by which you can maintain the floor for a long time.
