Owning, loving, and caring for a dog are among life's great joys and privileges. Since dogs tend to be playful and active, however, they can inadvertently leave scratches or droppings on hardwood floor, which no homeowner likes to see. If you want to protect and maintain your floor while still giving your dog free rein in the house, here are some suggestions.

How Dog Owners Can Protect Hardwood Flooring

1. Trim Their Nails

A moment of excitement for your dog can leave deep scratches on your hardwood floor. To reduce the chances they’ll cause damage, trim your dog's nails with a specialized clipper. You may need to do this every month or two, but if your dog's nails are tapping on the floor when they walk, a manicure may be in order. If your dog objects to a nail-trimming, a groomer or vet can do it for you.

2. Use Rugs & Runners

Rugs and runners offer a barrier between the floor and the pitter-pat of paws, helping reduce the likelihood that your dog will slip or damage your hardwood. Consider placing them in high-traffic areas such as doorways and hallways to help catch dirt and debris from shoes and little paws. Some rugs can be slippery, so attach rug pads to their edges to keep them secured.

3. Clean Up Messes ASAP

While a bathroom accident on hardwood is easier to clean than one on a carpet, leaving them for too long can cause staining and discoloration. After removing and wiping their droppings, spray a hardwood-safe enzymatic pet-stain cleaner to the area, which will break down the stain and remove any lingering odors.

For 35 years, residents of the Mat-Su, AK area, have turned to Carpet World of Alaska for their home flooring needs. The business's incredible flooring selection — including hardwood, vinyl, stone, and tile — means there's something for every homeowner's needs and tastes. Visit the flooring pros' website to browse some of their tile and stone options, or call them directly at (907) 745-3737.