Our dogs and cats are members of the family. They sleep in our beds, run errands, and even join us on vacation. Unfortunately, they’re also incredibly messy. Anyone who’s owned dogs knows it’s impossible to tell Rex his muddy paws are mucking up the couch or his nails are scraping up the beautifully polished oak floors. It just doesn’t work that way.
Instead of throwing your hands in the air and accepting the damage, take action. There are a variety of simple preventive measures you can take to keep your floors in tip-top shape for years to come. Keep reading to learn more.
Keep everyone’s nails trimmed. You trim your fingernails and toenails regularly and the same should be done for your pets. Dog and cat nails can take a significant toll on soft woods especially. If you have hardwood flooring in areas of your home that feature high foot traffic, you’ll want to clip your pets’ nails at least once every month. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own, schedule an appointment with your vet.
Designate pet-friendly areas. If hardwood flooring is only featured in certain areas of your home like the dining room or living room, keep your pets out of these areas. If you have an open floorplan, you can set up baby gates. If you have doors, simply keep them closed. If your pets are used to having full run of your house, this may take a little bit of adjusting to, but the rewards are undoubtedly worth it.
Take advantage of area rugs. Is the majority of your home’s flooring hardwood? You don’t need to stress here either. Laying down area rugs in main rooms, and runner rugs in your hallways can significantly reduce damage such as scratches and claw marks. Here at Carpets America, we have hundreds of area rugs to choose from, so you’re certain to find a style and size that meets your needs.
Pets add joy and love to our lives, but from time-to-time, they also present headaches. If you want to keep your hardwood floors in great shape for years to come simple adjustments like these can make all the difference. Do you have any questions about flooring? Need help selecting a hardwood flooring type for your home or office? Stop in and see us today. We’ll work with you to find a style and brand that meets your budget and aesthetic vision.