Remodeling the house can be a very fun activity and watching your house turn into your dream home is very fulfilling. However, if you have a pet, there are some things you need to consider to make your home pet-friendly household. The most important factor is the flooring, as that is where your furry friends will spend the most time.
Cleaning the New Floor
Whichever flooring you choose, it’s important to clean it properly, for your pets’ sake. Unfortunately, many brand floor cleaners can be harmful for your pets. If you are unsure which products are pet friendly, you might want to hire professionals that can clean your house instead, as they are much more informed and know what products won’t harm your pet.
Otherwise, you can always try to make your own floor cleaner from natural ingredients. That way, you will know for certain that your furry companion is in good hands.
What You Should Consider
When deciding on a new pet-friendly floor for Pet-Friendly Household, there are some things you need to consider. For example, is the floor resistant to scratches? How will it deal with other damage that comes with owning a pet? Will the pet be comfortable with the new floor, etc. These considerations are very important and should be discussed before the purchase.
Which Flooring to Opt for?
Choosing a new floor can be a daunting task, especially with the aforementioned considerations in mind. Find inspiration in some of the following pet-friendly floors:
Vinyl flooring is one of the best for dogs, as it is durable, soft, and very easy for cleaning. Vinyl is also quite affordable, so you don’t have to break bank for your new floor. Also, it has great traction, which is crucial for your pet’s comfort. It tends to grow mold overtime, so it definitely requires some upkeep.
Bamboo is another popular choice when it comes to flooring. It is naturally antimicrobial, which means it keeps mold and other allergens at bay. It is also very hard, making it damage and scratch resistant compared to traditional hardwood floors.
Stone tiles are also an option, but a little less pet-friendly one. While stone tiles are great for cleaning up spills and other dirt, they tend to be cold and provide little comfort for your pet. If you opt for a stone tile floor, you might consider investing in an area rug so your pets have a comfortable place to relax.
On the other hand, cork flooring is great for your pets. However, the owners might not have a great time with it. It is eco-friendly and naturally antimicrobial, but it’s prone to discoloration, staining, and your pet’s nails are going to easily damage it. It is very comfortable for pets though, so if you prefer your dog’s (or cat’s) comfort over your own, go for it!
If you had a carpet at some point, you probably noticed that your pets loved it! It’s comfortable, provides good traction, warmth, and softness. However, carpets are extremely hard to clean properly, as they collect dirt, dust, and hair. Pets can scratch through the carpet and stain it easily. On the other hand, carpets and rugs keep the floors underneath safe and damage-free. Similar to cork flooring, if you are prepared to sacrifice your own comfort for your pets’, go for carpeting, as your furry friends will love it.
How to Make Your Floor Last Longer
No matter which flooring you settle on, there are ways you can make it last longer.
The number one tip for all pet owners is to trim your pet’s nails regularly. This will keep the floors lasting much longer, as they will do less damage when they walk. Also, the risk of scratching is greatly reduced.
Secondly, keep your floors clean as much as you can. Dirty floors can cause even more damage, so it’s crucial to clean them often. Some flooring also has protective coating, so make sure to coat them every couple of years for durability.Lastly, think about investing in claw coverings. They are thin and made from rubber, so your pet won’t feel any discomfort, but they can do wonders to your flooring. Not all pets will agree to it though, so keep your friend’s personality in mind when considering this option.
There are many pros and cons to every type of flooring, so make sure to weigh your options when doing a remodel. Your pet’s comfort, as well as your own, is the most important thing. As a result, don’t opt for something that you don’t like, just because it works for other people.
After all, it is your home, so it needs to be modeled after your (and your pet’s) needs and make it Pet-Friendly Household.
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