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Article Number: 7238
The Best Type of Flooring for Dogs
According to the Humane Society of the United States, a 2011-2012 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association revealed that a whopping 39% of U.S. households own at least one dog. That equals approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in America alone.

78 million dogs equals 78 million messes—and if you own an indoor dog, you might feel that your little critter makes that many messes all by itself. A dog-proofed house is essential to enjoy a long, happy life with a canine companion. One of the most basic ways to make your house pet proof is to make sure you have pet friendly flooring.

What makes an ideal flooring surface for dogs? First, it must be easy to keep clean, with odor-resistance a must. It should be impervious to the scratches little claws can leave behind and be smooth enough to not trap fur or other allergens.

That rules out highly-stainable, frequently odorous carpet, which is never truly clean after a pet accident. Even the best stain-and-scent-eliminating products on the market only provide temporary results when applied to carpet, because the mess sinks down into the padding and remains there permanently. Carpeting also traps the fur and dander responsible for allergic reactions in humans, no matter how often it’s vacuumed. And claws can snag on Berber-style carpeting, causing runs that spoil its appearance.

Hardwood floors aren’t exactly pet proof flooring, either. The cracks can trap allergens as well as absorb liquid spills that can ultimately warp the floor’s surface. Over time, the little scratches caused by claws walking over hardwood can leave permanent marks behind, resulting in the need for expensive sanding and refinishing.

It sounds like ceramic tile fits the bill, but if you’ve ever lived in a house with lots of tile flooring, you know how its slick surface amplifies the sound of little paws pattering by. Many dogs find it difficult to walk on tile, which can result in slips and injurious accidents to your pet. Tile might be one of the most forgiving surfaces for wet messes, but drop Fido’s favorite bowl, and it will shatter into a thousand pieces. Tile grout can also be permanently stained by bladder, bowel or vomiting accidents.

One of the best types of flooring for dogs is Vi-Plank flooring. This resilient, cork-based, elegantly finished flooring resists all the abuse a furry friend can throw its way. Its warm, wood-like Luxury Vinyl surface resists stains, spills and scratches and cleans up easily with a damp mop. As an added bonus to your pet, Vi-Plank’s cork underlayment makes the floor warm and comfortable to rest upon. This added layer of cork also provides excellent sound absorption, resulting in a quieter, calmer home environment—something that is good for dogs and their owners alike.

For more information please visit www.petfriendlyflooring.us/