What veterinarians look for in pet-friendly flooring

Pet ownership is at an all-time high in the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that almost 50% of households own a dog and just over 30% have a cat.

For millions of families, pet-friendly flooring is essential for comfort and safety. Veterinarians recommend flooring that offers traction and cushioning while still being easy to clean. Keep reading to find out exactly what vets look for in pet-friendly flooring, why it matters, and how to pick the right type for your home.

Slip Resistance and Traction

Flooring can easily affect animals' health and well-being. Pets are generally quick and agile, but their swift movements and sharp turns can have dire consequences. The wrong flooring can easily lead to stress or even injuries.

Various animals come into the vet's office after slippery floors caused falls or sprains, especially older pets that have arthritis or mobility issues. Injuries often range from mild bruises to severe ligament tears and broken bones.

Floors with a bit of texture or matte finishes offer better grip for animals. This helps pets maintain balance and reduce slipping. A floor with a high coefficient of friction is ideal to keep animals safe in all conditions.

A good option to consider is waterproof vinyl flooring, as these floors provide secure footing for animals and humans alike, even when wet.

Why Waterproof Vinyl Flooring Stands Out

Waterproof vinyl flooring is the perfect flooring for pet owners. This type of flooring is:

• Good for joint comfort as it has built-in cushioning
• Resistant to scratches and dents
• Fully waterproof
• Easy to clean

Comfort and Joint Support

Pets spend a large part of the day lying on the floor. Hard flooring options like ceramic tiles can be cold and unforgiving, especially to ageing pets.

Many luxury flooring options include built-in layers that:

• Absorb shock
• Are easier to walk on
• Support comfortable movement
• Reduce fatigue
• Reduce pressure on animals' bones and joints
• Prevent calluses and paw pad injuries

Temperature and Climate Considerations

Temperature control is also incredibly important if you have pets. Tiles, cement, and stone flooring options are not only hard but also extremely cold in the winter. On the other hand, dark floors are heat-retaining and can be an issue in warmer climates.

Materials like vinyl or cork stay at consistent temperatures and are gentle on pets' bodies.

Durability and Scratch Resistance

Claws and nails are tough on floors. Pets frequently scratch hardwood or laminate flooring, leaving visible marks. It's not that they do it intentionally, simple acts like running or jumping cause them to dig in with their nails to get traction.

Worn or damaged floors not only look unsightly but also harbor bacteria in the damaged areas. Experts recommend choosing flooring materials that can resist the daily wear and tear pets put them through.

Durable flooring not only looks better but also protects your home from potential costly repairs. Choosing the right flooring from the beginning ensures you don't have to replace your flooring after a short span of time.

Flooring and Nail Health

On the topic of scratching and clawing at the floors, your flooring plays a role in your pet's nail health. Vets often see pets with cracked or ingrown nails due to poor traction on slick floors.

Pets rely on their nails for balance and movement, but the wrong types of flooring can wear their nails down unevenly, leading to pain when walking.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Pet-friendly flooring isn't just about reducing injury. Hygiene is also important to consider when picking flooring options. Your floors need to be able to withstand any pet accidents without warping or developing odors after extensive cleaning.

Keeping your durable pet flooring clean can be a chore as you have to deal with shedding, dander, fur fluff, dirt, spills, and accidents. So the type of flooring you pick needs to be easy to clean if you want to maintain a hygienic home.

When picking your flooring, look for materials that are easy to sweep and mop. Carpets generally aren't a good idea if you have pets. The fur gets trapped in the carpet fibers, which makes it difficult to clean and can aggravate allergies.

Flooring and Parasite Control

Fleas, ticks, and mites are all potential issues if you have pets. These parasites love nothing more than hiding in carpets or porous surfaces.

Smooth flooring doesn't give these pests any place to hide, making it easier for you to break the parasite life cycle through effective cleaning and disinfecting.

Veterinarians often suggest replacing carpets with hard-surface floors in homes that struggle with recurring pest issues.

Features to Prioritise

When picking the best flooring for pets, you need to consider a few features. Look for options that are:

• Slip-resistant or certified as anti-slip
• Comfortable underfoot for both pets and people
• Resistant to scratches and dents
• Seamless or tightly sealed to ensure a waterproof installation
• Non-toxic and safe for pets
• Easy to clean and compatible with pet-safe cleaning products
• Designed with acoustic properties to help reduce noise

By considering these factors, you're less likely to have to change your flooring due to damage.

Budget-Friendly Pet Flooring Solutions

Your flooring choice doesn't have to break the bank. Luxury flooring options aren't the only ones that can create a safe space for your pets.

There are various budget-friendly options that still prioritize traction and comfort. Some good options include:

• Sheet vinyl
• Low-cost waterproof laminate
• Peel-and-stick tiles

If you're renting and can't change the flooring itself, there are some cost-effective ways to improve your flooring situation. Adding anti-slip rugs with rubber backings or using pet-safe floor mats is a great way to protect your pets without losing your security deposit.

Pet-Friendly Flooring Made Easy

Providing safe flooring is something every pet owner needs to prioritize. Investing in pet-friendly flooring creates a safer, more comfortable environment for pets and people. Veterinarians recommend floors that balance safety, comfort, durability, and hygiene.

Preventing injuries, supporting joint health, and simplifying household cleaning are things every pet owner strives for. Check out our lifestyle section for more ways you can make your pet's life better.

This article was contributed by Next Net and published on cdapress.com as part of our contributed content program. Contributed content provides perspectives from businesses and organizations. These contributions help support local journalism through financial support, ensuring we can continue delivering trusted local reporting to our readers.