Dogs are man’s best friend. They’re loyal, protective and loving and they deserve a lot of respect and appreciation for that. So if a dog owner has to take on a few extra challenges when decorating the home he or she will share with the pet, it’s worth it. Today we’ll discuss the flooring issue and analyze a few options that are suitable for dog owners.

General tips

Before choosing a type of flooring, there are a few things to analyze if you’re a dog owner.

Keep in mind that pet nails can scratch or snag and this can damage some types of flooring more than others.Pet urine stains and leaves odors. Some types of flooring let you deal with these accidents better than others.Your dog will most likely track dirt indoors so you have to think about how easily you’ll be able to clean after, depending on the flooring you choose.You should make sure your dog has short and smooth nails to prevent damage to the floors.Keep the dog’s food and water in an area where you can clean easily and take this into consideration before choosing your flooring.Dogs are playful and they can unwittingly damage things inside the house. To avoid accidents, keep the toys in a separate area.Keep in mind that each type of flooring has both pros and cons so pick the one that best responds to your own needs and lifestyle.

Bamboo

Because bamboo is harder than any hardwood, this makes it an excellent choice for pet owners. Bamboo flooring can withstand scratches and stains better than traditional hardwood floors and also stands up to more traffic. Another pro is the fact that bamboo is quite easy to maintain and the price is about the same as for hardwood floors. In addition, bamboo is an eco-friendly option.

There are very few cons you should worry about in this case. One would the fact that, even though bamboo is more resistant to water damage and spills than other types of flooring, this doesn’t completely eliminate the risk. Also, maintenance is easy and bamboo is a material that resists well to scratches but this doesn’t mean accidents won’t happen. In addition, if bamboo flooring is installed in a very humid or very dry area, this can cause he planks to plump or shrink, resulting in cracks.

Cork

Cork is also a green flooring choice. It has hypoallergenic and antibacterial qualitiesm minimizing mold growth and, because it’s less rigid than hardwood or tiles, cork flooring is also very comfortable to walk on. But one of the best things about it is that it minimizes the sounds so you won’t hear your dog’s nails on the floor when you’re trying to relax. Cork is also scratch-resistant as well as water-resistant.

However, this doesn’t completely protect the flooring from spills and accidents so you should also clean up promptly. Cork flooring discolors over time or when exposed to sunlight and this is a con to take into consideration before choosing the type of flooring for you and your dog. Another con is the fact that cork flooring is not suitable for rooms with heavy furniture because this can damage it permanently.

Stone tile

There are several reasons why stone tiles make a good flooring option for pet owners. First of all, stone doesn’t scratch easily and its texture gives the dog an unpleasant feeling, discouraging scratching alltogether. Also, stone tiles are easy to clean and there’s little to worry about in case of accidents because the floor won’t get damaged.

The main cons of stone tile flooring include the fact that it’s cold and hard and, as a result, not at all comfortable to lie on. This is why you should provide beds and rugs for your dog to increase comfort. Also, stone tiles can be slippery and this can cause discomfort to the dogs and even lead to accidents.

Laminate flooring

In the case of laminate flooring, the list of cons is considerably larger than in other cases. First of all, laminate flooring is slippery and this gives dogs a hard time when walking or running, leading to accidents and discomfort. Also, any spills will seep through the crevices between the planks, causing permanent damage. Laminate flooring is also not very comfortable to lie on so you need to provide rugs for the dog to increase comfort.

There are a few pros as well. For example, laminate flooring is easy to clean and scratches can be less noticeable than in other cases. However, overall this is not a great choice for pet owners.

Vinyl flooring

Although it may not seem so, vinyl is actually a really good flooring option for dog owners. That’s because it’s scratch and stain resistant, low in allergens and easy to clean and maintain. In addition, vinyl flooring is also quiet to walk on and this is a big plus for those who have dogs. This is also a very affordable option.

But, as forgiving as this option may be, there are also a few cons to take into consideration. For example, vinyl dulls easily and this can mean having to replace it more often than you’d want to. Also, spills and stains can cause mildew damage if not dealt with properly.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles

Ceramic or porcelain tiles are usually used in kitchens and bathrooms but can also be an option for other areas of the house. Because it’s water-resistant, this makes it an excellent choice for dog owners. Any spills and stains are easy to clean and don’t cause permanent damage. In addition, ceramic tiles are also resistant to scratches.

The cons that come with this type of flooring include the fact that the tiles are hard and uncomfortable. While cats may not mind the hard surface, dogs find it particularly uncomfortable so you’ll have to offer them a bed or soft carpet to lie on. The tiles are also cold so, unless you have underfloor heating, you’ll have to use rugs and carpets.

Hardwood

Opting for hardwood flooring when you have a dog is tricky. Dog urine can stain the hardwood leaving ugly smells and stains and, even if you clean up fast, there’s still a chance for the smell to persist and for the urine to seep into the wood. Hardwood flooring also scratches relatively easy and this can cause problems especially when the floor has a darker color.

The good news is that hardwood flooring comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Also, some woods are harder and more durable than others and you could try to pick a type that could work for both you and your dog as long as the dog is well-trained.{image sources:austinarchitectand hm}.

Carpet

As a general rule. Everything point to the fact that carpet is easily one of the worst flooring options for those with pets. That’s mostly because carpet is easily damaged and this creates more wear and tear than normal. Dogs can stain, damage and destroy carpets and, if not installed properly, loops in the carpet can snag on the dog’s nails causing harm.

The few good hings about carpet or carpet tiles include the price and installation. This is a very affordable option and it’s also easy to install. Carpet is also cozy and comfortable and dogs like that. However, cons greatly outweigh the pros in this case.{image sources:asyouseeitand mahoney}.