As a nation, Australia loves pets. In fact, over 60% of households have a pet, with dogs being that most popular option for four-legged friends.
Given this, it's not surprising that when renovating, many people consider the implications that their fur baby may have, and the limitations they may bring to their decorating choices.
So, let's ask the question that so many dog owners ask when selecting their flooring: will my dog ruin my hardwood floor?
Well, the simple answer is no!
Your dog is not likely to cause any permanent, deep scratches to your floor. Their claws, even if they're relatively long and sharp will usually only cause superficial lines to your floor's surface. Usually, even if these are noticeable, you can easily buff them out.
That said, there are a few things that you can do to protect your floor from your dog;
Ensure nails are trimmed. Although they won't create deep scratches, you can avoid even surface scratches by trimming your dog's nails.
Wipe up any mud or water your dog brings into the house (this includes slobber if you have a particularly drooly dog!)
Clean up any accidents immediately. If left to sit, urine can permanently alter the smell and appearance of your floor, so you must attend to the area right away. You can get an enzyme-based floor cleaner from your local pet store which will help you eradicate the smell and stain.
Why Hardwood Floors Are Dog Friendly
Now we've given you the run-down of how to care for your hardwood floor if you have a dog in your house, we just wanted to talk about why they're a good idea in the first place!
Firstly, hardwood floors are hypoallergenic and, unlike carpet and some other floor coverings, they won't trap pet fur. This is a great for households looking to keep an allergen-free home!
Secondly, hardwood floors are extremely easy to clean. So, if your dog loves rolling in mud or regularly brings dirt into your home, you can rest easy that they are not going to ruin your floor, and that you can clean up the mess with minimal fuss.
Disclaimer: You MUST Use Solid Hardwood
It's important that you know that not all timber flooring is created equally when it comes to pets. It is vital that, if you have a pet, you opt for genuine solid hardwood flooring. Hardwood flooring can be resanded and finished, so you can easily remove scratches if the surface does become a little clawed, too dirty or you just want a freshen up.