Dogs are a part of the family, but unfortunately, their paws can leave behind unsightly scratches on your hardwood flooring. When you have puppies in the house, the issue is incredibly common but not unsolvable. Below are a few ways to prevent damage to your floors.

How Dogs Scratch Your Hardwood & What to Do About It

1. Regular Trimming

Stay on top of nail trimming. When your dog’s nails get too long, they are more likely to scratch up hardwood flooring than shorter nails will. They also can become jagged, leaving behind deep nicks in your flooring’s surface. Bring your dog to the groomer regularly for a professional clipping.

2. Floor Protection

In places where your pup likes to play, lay down area rugs or runners to protect planks underneath. The softer surface will shield your hardwood flooring from paws of all sizes and will also be more comfortable for your pup as he frolics. You can also have a flooring company refinish and seal flooring with a durable hardwood coating as an extra precaution. 

3. Daily Cleaning

Especially near entrances and high traffic areas, dirt and debris from the outside will catch on doggy paws and drag across your flooring as they walk. To reduce the amount of grime, hair, and pebbles attached to paws, sweep daily and add welcome mats so the humans in the house wipe their feet before entering.

4. Outdoor Nail File

When you take your dog for walks, let them pad along concrete. The rough surface of a sidewalk is an easy and effective way to file nails and buff jagged edges that can scratch hardwood flooring.

5. Nail Covers

There are puppy booties on the market that are skid-proof and safe for indoor play. Also available are claw sheaths that you can put on your dog’s paws to guard your hardwood from an active pup. These coverings are comfortable and safe, and will protect your home and your pet’s feet.  

 

For repairs and refinishing on your hardwood flooring, call JT’s Floor Refinishing in Springfield, MA. The flooring company brings more than 25 years of experience to every project, and their service area extends from Hartford, CT, to the Pioneer Valley. For more on their hardwood repair or installation, call (413) 788-6149, or visit their website for their floor staining and refinishing options.