Hardwood floors can add warmth and beauty to a home. However, dogs with nails that click-clack across the floors can damage the wood over time. Scratches, gouges, and discoloration from accidents can ruin the look of pristine hardwood.
Fortunately, there are steps for dog owners who are searching for how to protect hardwood floors from dogs. With some preparation and training, owners and dogs can peacefully coexist in homes with hardwood flooring.
Tips to Protect Hardwood Floors From Dogs
Keep Nails Trimmed
The main culprit when it comes to dogs damaging hardwood is their nails. If the nails are too long, they are more likely to catch on the surface of the flooring as the dog runs and plays.
Regularly trimming your dog’s nails is the best way to prevent excessive wear and tear. Use a nail clipper designed for dogs to carefully trim the nails every two to four weeks. Only cut the white part of the nail, avoiding the pink quickly inside, as this contains nerves and blood vessels.
If your dog is especially squirmy during trims, ask your vet or groomer to do it. Be sure to always reward your dog with treats and praise for behaving during the process. This will help make it a more positive experience.
Place Rugs
Another way to keep hardwood floors free of scratches is by using rugs and runners. These provide a layer of protection while still exposing some of the beauty of the wood.
Area rugs are ideal for high-traffic spots like entryways, hallways, and at the top and bottom of staircases. The dense padding will absorb impact when dogs jump off furniture or bound through the home. Move rugs periodically to prevent uneven color changes in the flooring underneath. Rotate through different rugs to vary the look.
Runners are long narrow rugs that can be placed in key pathways. Position them near exterior doors and between rooms your dog frequently travels between. This guides them to walk on the rug rather than the bare floors.
Use rug pads underneath any rugs to prevent slipping. Check regularly that rugs are still securely attached to the pads so they don’t become a tripping hazard.
Add Booties
Some dogs need a little more traction to stay upright on slippery hardwood. Their paws slide out, which can lead to falls. Adding vinyl or fabric booties provides stability while also protecting floors.
Look for booties that fit snugly and don’t easily slip off. There should be room for the dog to wiggle its toes inside. Measure your dog’s paws and follow sizing guides closely when choosing booties.
At first, only put on one or two booties at a time. Give your dog treats as you put them on and take them for short walks inside to get them used to the feel. Eventually, work up to all four. Be patient during this training process.
Take the booties off periodically to allow your dog’s feet to breathe. Only leave them on for short periods when your dog will be active on hardwood floors.
Space Management
If you want to cordon your dog off from parts of the home with exposed hardwood, use baby gates. Close off rooms or block stairways when you can’t actively supervise your furry friend. Just be sure gates are sturdy and tall enough that your dog can’t jump over them.
Doors can also be effective barriers. Close off rooms when you are away or use doorway gates that allow humans to step over but keep dogs contained. Never completely restrict access to important areas like food, water, and doggy doors.
Restricting access takes some planning and supervision but is worthwhile if there are certain rooms or spaces where you want to preserve the hardwood floors. Rotate access so your dog isn’t stuck in one area too long.
Train Your Dog
Here is what you can do if you don’t know how to protect your hardwood floors from dogs. One of the best protections for hardwood is training your dog to behave appropriately on it. Dogs that have been taught basic manners and commands will be less likely to run, jump, and play too roughly.
- Teach a “go to place” command – Have a dog bed or mat set aside. When you give the command, reward your dog with treats for going to their spot and staying there. Use this when you need them to settle down and stop moving around.
- Practice “off” training – Gently reinforce this each time you come home or when they get too excited. This prevents damage from scratching and bouncing against the hardwood.
- Redirect chewing – Provide plenty of sturdy chew toys. When you catch inappropriate chewing, interrupt it with a firm “no”, offer a toy instead, and praise when they start chewing the toy. This will protect woodwork like baseboards and moldings.
- Clean up accidents ASAP – Be vigilant about letting your dog out for regular potty breaks to avoid indoor accidents. If they happen, clean immediately with an enzyme cleaner to remove odors and stains.
Consistency is key when training dogs. Be patient, using positive reinforcement like treats, praise, and extra playtime when they act appropriately around wood floors.
Add Protective Coatings
For long-term durability, consider adding a protective coating to your hardwood floors. These go on top of the wood, and some options can be purchased in colors and finishes to match or complement your current floors.
Polyurethane is one of the most common and effective protective coatings. It comes in different shades, from matte to high gloss. Multiple thin coats applied according to manufacturer directions create a new wear layer on the floors. This prevents scratches and damage from penetrating the wood itself.
Water-based polyurethane is the best choice for dogs and homes as it dries faster and has less fume odor during application. Floors can be walked on with care after just a few hours instead of waiting days. Ventilate well regardless of the type used.
Other options are acrylic finishes, penetrating oils, and hard wax oils. Consult with flooring specialists to choose the best coating for your particular hardwood floors. Proper application is key – hire a contractor if DIY seems too challenging.
Hide Existing Damage
If your hardwood floors already show a good bit of scratches, gouges, and discoloration from your dog, you can disguise some of the damage. Here are options to improve the look without fully refinishing:
Color fill kits – Available in many wood tones, these are markers and crayons used to fill in scratches and scrapes. Apply to blend with the surrounding boards. The filler creates a smoother, more uniform look.
Furniture polish – For superficial scratches, work a small amount of furniture polish into the area using a soft cloth. Wipe off residue. As the wax fills the scratch, it will appear less visible.
Wood putty – For deeper gouges and missing chunks from dog bites or chewing, fill in the spots with wood putty that matches your floors. Carefully sand smooth once dry. Stain or color if needed to blend. Apply polyurethane over repairs.
Area rugs – Placing carefully planned rugs over worn areas like entryways and hallways can disguise damage. Style them into the room decor. Rotate periodically and clean under regularly.
While imperfect, these solutions can temporarily mask flaws until full refinishing or replacement is feasible. Protect floors going forward to avoid additional damage.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before getting a dog, honestly evaluate if you are willing to make changes to hardwood floor protection. Ask yourself:
- Am I committed to regular nail trims and training in appropriate floor behavior?
- How much access am I willing to restrict using gates and doors?
- What protective steps fit my lifestyle and home layout?
- When will I work in time for protection tasks like adding rugs?
- Can I budget for booties, coatings, repairs, or future refinishing if needed?
- Will insulation, carpets, or other materials be part of my homework for the dog?
If you aren’t able to make adjustments and still can’t figure out how to protect hardwood floors from dogs, it may be better to consider other pet options or homes with durable flooring already in place. Don’t set up a situation that will frustrate both you and your dog.
In Conclusion
Hardwood and dogs can coexist through commitment and preparation on the owner’s part. Dogs with proper training and trimmed nails, along with protected flooring surfaces, can remain safe and reduce wear. There are numerous attractive options for disguising existing flaws as well.
While no method is entirely scratch and damage-proof, taking multiple precautions improves the outcomes for your floors. Be proactive and consistent. With patience, you can have both the warmth of wood floors and the joy of a dog in your life. Monitor conditions and make changes as needed over time. Your ideal floors and furry friend relationship is achievable through care and effort devoted to protecting that precious hardwood.
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