Will Hardwood Floors Stand Up to Dogs?

Your four-legged friends are more than just pets – they’re a part of the family. It only makes sense that you would want to consider them when debating whether hardwood floors are right for your home. Many people worry that their new hardwood floors will not be able to stand up to the wear and tear that dogs can bring to their homes. The concern is multiplied if they have bigger dogs or active breeds that like to play indoors. Will hardwood floors stand up to dogs?

Hardwood floors are a major investment in your home. You want to make sure that they can stay pristine for decades to come. Here are a few tips to help you maintain those wood floors with your canine companions.

Keeping Nails Trimmed

If you want your wood floors to look like new for longer, the biggest thing you can do is keep your pup’s nails trimmed. Much like human nails, canines need to have their nails clipped every four to six weeks for the best results. This is a task that many pet owners can tackle on their own at home with a cheap pair of nail trimmers specifically designed for pets (like this pair here). This particular pair comes with a safety stop that can help prevent you from cutting into the quick of your pet’s nails which can cause them a little bit of pain.

Some pet owners still do not feel comfortable trimming their own pet’s nails. If this describes you, take your pup to the groomer or your local vet clinic. Both places are usually happy to trim your dog’s nails for a small fee.

Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is a great way to prevent damage to your hardwood floors. However, grinding them may be more effective if your dog will allow it. Grinding it smooths out the edges of the nails and keeps them from becoming jagged or sharp. A nail grinder is a relatively small investment that can make a huge difference when it comes to preventing scratches. This one is a popular option that costs less than $30.

Walking on Pavement

Trimming your dog’s nails is key to keeping your floors in good shape, but walking them on pavement can help as well. The hard surface of the pavement functions in much the same way that grinding your dog’s nails can help. It smooths out jagged edges that are likely to cause grooves and scratches in the finish of your hardwood floors.

As a bonus, taking your dog for a walk a few times a week is likely to get them the exercise that they truly need. It can help them to have a calmer mindset during the day when you are home. A calmer dog is less likely to cause damage to hardwood floors by racing around the house.

Will Hardwood Floors Stand Up to Dogs?

Keep a Touch-Up Kit Handy

Sometimes, scratches are an inevitable part of having wood floors – even if you don’t have dogs! Be prepared for these moments by having the right tools handy. Woodboys recommends using a Tibetan almond stick for shallow surface scratches in the finish of the wood. All you have to do is rub the stick in the space, allow it to dry for a few moments, and wipe the excess off of the surrounding wood.

For deeper scratches and grooves in the wood, you might need something a bit more heavy-duty. If your scratches reach to bare wood beneath the finish of the floor, then you will need a stain pen. You can pick one of these up at your local home improvement store or paint shop. Look for a color that will match your hardwood floor as closely as possible. Take your time gently applying the color in the groove. If you desire, you can dab a little polyurethane over the stain to add some gloss back into this section.