In addition to being the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin could easily be the Pet Dog Capital of the World. Texas is home to an estimated 7.2 million dogs, and it feels like half of them live in Austin. Because of the sheer volume of pups in Central Texas, it makes sense that so many people are considering their pets when choosing a new floor. We get questions about the best ways to maintain wood floors with dogs in the house all the time, so let’s talk about it!
Is it Possible to Maintain Wood Floors with Dogs in the House?
Yes! It is absolutely possible to have the beautiful wood floors of your dreams while having dogs. Some of the best ways to prevent damage to your floors are probably things you would do most of the time anyway, but it is worth making these a habit for everyone in your family.
One easy maintenance tip? Create a paw cleaning station so that you can clean your pup’s feet well after every walk. Dirt and debris that gets stuck on paws during outside time on walks or in the yard can cause scratched floors. So, making sure that everyone – dog and human alike – wipe their paws on the way inside is important. Pet safe wipes are great for paws and having a good outdoor mat to wipe feet on helps as well.
Speaking of mats, another thing that’s important to do is manage moisture. Have a fluffy towel ready when there’s wet weather. It’s helpful to have indoor mats at every outside door to make it easier to dry off fur and paws. Make sure they have a good anti-slip backing so they’re not a slip/trip hazard. You will want to have another mat under your pup’s water dish. Even the neatest dogs will splash out some water, but some manage to get as much on the floor as they drink – and we want to aim to keep those wood floors safe from spillage. A silicone mat with a raised edge is great for keeping spills off your floors.
Healthy and Fun Dog Habits to Keep Your Wood Floors Scratch-Free
Paw and claw maintenance makes a big difference. Making sure your dogs are getting regular claw trims will go a long way to avoiding scratched floors. If you start hearing the tap-taps of nails on the floor it’s time for a paw-icure. If you want some added protection, you can look into claw caps. They cover your pet’s claws with a soft plastic, and some of them look fancy and fun, too.
Soft and rubbery indoor toys are your floors’ friends! Dogs love to toss their toys around and heavy or hard toys can cause damage very easily. Avoid bones or other hard, chewing toys in rooms with hardwood. It’s also a good idea to make sure tail-level tables are clear of heavy or breakable items to avoid accidental damage from an overzealous wag. One more tip: placing cozy dog beds in your dog’s favorite resting spots will prevent the natural oils in their skin from causing damage over time.
Don’t put off getting the wood floors of your dreams any longer! You can schedule an estimate directly from our website, or just give us a call.
