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Pets and Flooring FAQ: Best Flooring Options for Pets


Pets & Flooring FAQs

Hardwood floors are naturally resistant to wear-and-tear, including damage from scratching and scraping. That’s especially true for species of wood that rank high on the Janka hardness rating scale, such as mesquite, mahogany, Brazilian cherry, and hickory. However, even the hardest wood can be damaged by repeated scratching, like daily wear-and-tear from your dog’s nails. Fortunately, there are several solutions to this problem. For example, you may wish to apply a protective wax to your floors, or other protective sealants. However, you should consult an expert first to avoid accidental damage. For help restoring old floors (or installing new ones), visit a Flooring Canada retailer near you, or contact us online to get started.

Though hardwood floors are resistant to moisture, they aren’t completely impervious. Too much exposure to water (or pet urine) can cause unsightly damage — and since pets like to “go” in the same spots over and over, you can see how this might be an issue. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect your hardwood floors from pet urine damage. For example, protective coats of sealant can help to keep moisture out. It can also be helpful to choose a type of wood with a higher Janka hardness rating, such as bamboo or Brazilian walnut. No matter what sort of hardwood floors you have, the best way to prevent damage from pet urine is to clean the spills promptly and thoroughly. Aim a fan or open your windows, to make sure the area dries completely.

Cat or dog urine can damage hardwood floors, creating dark, blotchy stains. Staining is especially likely if spills are left to sit and soak into the wood — for example, if Fluffy has an accident during the middle of your workday. The good news is that there are ways to repair the damage and turn back the clock, restoring your hardwood floors much closer to their original appearance. DIY blogs suggest a wide range of treatments, but the best approach is simply to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which are tailored to the product and based on extensive testing (unlike DIY solutions). Need help finding answers? Ask the friendly experts at Flooring Canada for assistance. We’re here to help make your floors shine like new, even if they’ve been damaged by pet urine.

Your pet is a member of your family, which means their safety is a top priority. Unfortunately, many household cleaning products are dangerous to our furry friends. Most cleaners contain toxic ingredients that can be dangerous or even fatal if ingested — and if you have the kind of pet who likes to nibble on everything, that’s a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, there are plenty of floor cleaning products that are pet-safe and effective, leaving your flooring glossy and gorgeous without exposing Fido to harm. Look closely at the labeling and ingredients, check out product reviews online, and ask the experts at your local vet office or pet store about what they recommend.

This question has two meanings. First, what sort of flooring is most pet-resistant, or the most resistant to urine and scratch marks? Second, what sort of flooring will be most comfortable for your dog? As a pet owner, you’ll want to choose a product that checks both boxes, offering durability and comfort. For example, you don’t want anything that will be too slippery for your dog to walk on or anything that will be too hard on their paws (especially if your dog is a senior or has any joint health issues). As both pet lovers and flooring experts, our team can help you choose a cozy, comfortable product that will also stand up to staining and scratching.