Your dog is a source of great joy, comfort, and companionship. Yet, even the most well-behaved dogs can potentially damage a hardwood floor with their sharp nails and natural rambunctiousness. Below, discover a few tips for protecting this surface and ensuring a safe space for you and your dog to enjoy.

How to Keep Your Hardwood Floors Looking New

1. Trim Their Nails Regularly

Dogs can't retract their nails like cats, which is why you'll hear clicking when they walk across a hardwood floor. This is the sound of their nails hitting the surface, where they can cause scratches, nicks, and dullness. To minimize damage, trim your dog's nails every three to four weeks. This task requires some skill, as you don't want to cut too close to the quick, but you can always take your pet to a vet or groomer instead.

2. Lay Rugs & Runners

Putting rugs and runners in highly trafficked areas will provide a protective barrier between your dog and the floor. Be sure to place a rug pad under each one to keep them in place and help your dog avoid injuries when running across the floor. Rubber pads also reduce the chances of the rough underside scratching the hardwood.

3. Clean Accidents Right Away

Keep regular tabs on your dog and act quickly if they have an accident on the hardwood. Urine can penetrate deep into the fibers, causing discoloration and smells that can be extremely difficult to eliminate entirely. If the accident happens on a rug, take it from the room, remove the stain with a pet-stain remover, and wait until it's completely dry before putting it back.

If you're in the market for new flooring, the professionals at A Better Carpet & Flooring can help. Since 1984, they’ve been providing homeowners throughout the Southbury, CT, area with a wide range of flooring options to ensure everyone can find something that’s right for them. Call (203) 267-7227 or visit them online today to learn more about their current inventory.