Is Wood Flooring or Carpeting Better With Dogs?

Wood Floors

• When it comes to dogs in residence, wood flooring has certain advantages over carpeting. Pet hair can be easily swept up. Puppy accidents and dog vomit can be quickly cleaned up with a little soap and water. Still, dogs tend to return to the same area to relieve themselves. If the pet repeatedly urinates in the same spot, the moisture can cause the wood to swell. The wood may stain and the smell can eventually seep into the wood fibers. Additionally, dogs' nails can scratch wood floors, requiring extra maintenance.

Carpeting

• Carpeting is not the best flooring choice for pet owners. The odor and stains of pet urine and feces can be difficult to remove from carpet, particularly if the dog returns to the same area repeatedly and the stains settle into the carpet padding. There is also the problem of pet dander attaching itself to the carpet, particularly in warmer months when dogs shed more. Carpets can also harbor fleas. Overexposure to cleaning products and vacuuming causes extra wear and tear, reducing the life of the carpet. Thick or shaggy carpets may catch on a dogs' nails. Additionally, some dogs enjoy pawing at carpet which can cause it to fray.

Options

• Seal hardwood flooring with a high-quality polyurethane to make it less vulnerable to scratches. Consider bamboo flooring. In addition to being environmentally friendly, bamboo is also pet-friendly. High-quality bamboo flooring is harder and more scratch- and stain-resistant than other hardwoods. Homeowners who prefer carpeting to other types of flooring would do well to choose a durable, low-pile carpet such as Berber which can better withstand damage from a dogs' nails.

Solutions

• Tile flooring is arguably the best choice for dog owners but if carpet or wood flooring are the only two options, there are a few things you can do to make life easier. Area rugs on either carpet or wood can offer a level of protection, but be aware that they can cause discoloration to the flooring underneath over the long term. Vacuum carpeted floors more frequently. Place plastic mats under the dog's dishes so that its water bowl isn't constantly splashing water on the floor, and have your pet's nails trimmed regularly.