Finding the best flooring for dogs is important.
After all, the surface your dog walks on can affect his joints!
Not to mention how easy to clean your house is.
If you are picking out a new floor or carpet for your home, we’ll help you make sure it is dog safe and dog friendly.
Why the best flooring for dogs matters
If you’re considering getting a puppy, you’ve probably already thought about what you’re going to feed them and the best training methods.
But new puppy owners are often unaware of the dangers of raising a puppy on a very slippery surface.
Certain flooring can cause your dog to slip and slide around, possibly crashing into furniture and injuring themselves.
This lack of support can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia, a common skeletal condition that commonly affects larger breeds.
Hip Dysplasia and the best flooring for dogs
There are a few things that contribute to the onset of hip dysplasia in dogs, with genetics being the foundation for the condition; it’s hereditary.
However, it can be exacerbated by environmental conditions like your dog’s weight, nutrition, and even the type of floor they commonly walk on.
As puppies grow, they can slide around on slippery surfaces, not being able to get any traction.
When this happens, their joints are being affected, as they’re taking the brunt of the movements.
When the puppies should actually be using their muscles.
Dogs raised on a slippery surface are 1.6 times more likely to develop canine hip dysplasia.
Adult Dogs and Flooring
Aside from hip dysplasia, different flooring can pose problems for both adult dogs and you.
Adult dogs are prone to slipping and sliding on floors, possibly crashing into furniture and injuring themselves.
Also, depending on the type of flooring, you’ll be faced with more clean-up.
Certain flooring is more prone to attracting hair and mess, and your dog’s nails could cause permanent damage.
Having non-slip flooring is especially important for senior dogs who are more fragile.
When a slip could result in a serious injury, it’s best to take precautions.
With that said, let’s take a look at some common flooring to see which is best for your dog.
Best Flooring For Dogs – Choosing Your Type
So what is the best flooring for dogs?
Let’s break down some of the options.
Carpet
Is carpet the best flooring for dogs, despite the hair and muck?
You probably don’t think of carpet as being a great option for your dog.
Carpet attracts dog hair like a magnet, making it a nightmare to maintain if you have a breed that sheds a lot.
Accidents are also that much more problematic when you have to clean them off of the carpet.
But if it were up to your dog, your entire house would be covered in carpet.
It’s warm, soft, and is the best non-slip flooring for dogs out there.
With carpet, you can rest assured that your dog won’t be slipping and sliding.
Carpet is also great for puppies if you’re worried about hip dysplasia.
It gives them the traction they need to walk and run around.
You know your dog best.
If they don’t shed a lot and aren’t prone to accidents, carpet could work. But for most dog owners, carpet will be a lot of maintenance.
If you’re willing to put in the work, your dog will appreciate it.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring for dogs might be the best flooring for dogs.
It’s known as resilient flooring.
It is very durable with its scratch resistance and ability to expel water being notable qualities.
It’s also really easy to clean.
Luxury vinyl is thicker than other types of vinyl – it will last a very long time in your household.
All vinyl repels dog hair, meaning all you need is a quick vacuum to get rid of any shedding.
Accidents are also easily cleaned up with a simple cloth – no scrubbing needed.
Your dog will thrive on vinyl too, especially luxury vinyl.
It’s actually softer than hardwood and laminate flooring, and it’s easier for your pet to build traction on.
Luxury vinyl is truly the best flooring for both you and your dog.
With all of that said, vinyl flooring is actually quite affordable.
But you won’t want to skimp on quality if you’re looking for flooring that’ll last you a long time.
Splurge on luxury vinyl – you won’t regret it.
Tile
If combatting pet hair and keeping your home tidy is your number one priority, tile for dogs could work.
It’s stain resistance, tough, and water resistant.
However, tile is quite cold, not to mention how hard it is.
Your dog will probably be uncomfortable if your entire home is covered with tile.
But if you do go this route, make sure to put down plenty of rugs for your pup.
Laminate
Many claim that laminate flooring is the best if you have a dog.
It’s very durable and tough, being pretty much scratchproof.
Clean-ups are effortless.
And it’s cheap!
But while it’s convenient, it’s not great for your dog.
Laminate is extremely slippery.
Puppies and adult dogs alike won’t be able to build any traction on laminate.
Causing them to slide all over the place, this is a hazard.
If you have laminate and can’t replace it, make use of plenty of area rugs.
Hardwood
You probably want to know which hardwood flooring is best for dogs, as that’s what’s in most homes.
However, hardwood isn’t really the best for pet owners.
Wood floors and liquids are enemies.
If your dog were to have an accident, your floor could be seriously damaged.
Liquids can cause hardwood to stain and swell up. They’re also prone to showing scratches.
But if you’re dead set on hardwood, you need the pricier engineered hardwood.
It has a tougher finish and has multiple layers to it, giving it some protection against damage.
A solid hardwood floor can be as durable as vinyl, but it’ll cost you a lot of money.
Flooring for Dogs
With that said, it’s possible to make most types of flooring work for dogs.
If you have a slippery, cold floor like laminate, lay down plenty of rugs for your dog.
Try to give them their own space to play that has a more comfortable flooring.
So they don’t get too playful on the potentially dangerous floor.
Keep your dog’s nails trimmed, too!
This will help them build traction while keeping your floor safe from scratches.
VISIT US TODAY FOR YOUR PET FRIENDLY FLOORING!…
5980 Stetson Hills Blvd #110, Colorado Springs
References and Further Reading
- Burke, Anne. Hip Dysplasia in Dogs. American Kennel Club, 2017.
- Marjan, A. E. et al. Incidence, risk factors, and heritability estimates of hind limb lameness caused by hip dysplasia in a birth cohort of Boxers. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 2005.
