How to Protect Hardwood Floors From Dogs

Hardwood floors can transform almost any space, especially when they're well taken care of. Once you have your hardwood floors installed, you want to make sure they stay beautiful for many years. One thing that can make this a challenge is a dog. Luckily, there are ways to protect your floor from common types of hardwood floor damage typically caused by dogs.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place mats in the entranceways. When your dog comes in from outside, you want to provide a bit of added protection between his paws and your hardwood floors. When you come in the house, keep your dog on the mat until you can clean off its paws with a damp paper towel.

    • 2

      Use runners. Runner are long strips of carpeting placed in high traffic areas to protect your hardwood floors. Like people, your dog mainly walks on these high traffic areas, and placing a runner can help protect the floor underneath.

    • 3

      Trim your dogs' toenails weekly. Your dogs' nails can get quite sharp and can easily damage your hardwood floors. Make sure you know how to trim a dog's nails before you attempt it. If you trim the quick, which is the nerve endings and blood vessels in your dog's nails, the nail will bleed and your dog will experience pain and discomfort. You need to understand how to trim the nails to avoid the quick and what to do if you accidentally hit the quick. Talk with your veterinarian and get a demonstration before attempting this yourself. For some dogs, it might be best to always let the vet or a licensed groomer do this.

    • 4

      Clean up dog accidents right away. Moisture can damage your hardwood floors, so if your dog has an accident in the house, you need to make sure you clean it up immediately. When cleaning the mess, use as little water as possible and use a spray cleaner to avoid excess moisture. Don't punish or yell at your dog after an accident. This will not prevent them. In fact, it may actually cause more behavioral issues with your dog. If your dog has frequent accidents, consult your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.