Why Does My Dog Not Like Hard Wood Floors?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Hardwood floors and smooth surfaces such as tile

don’t play to your dog’s natural gripping abilities

. Your dog’s paws were made for gripping the earth. The nails “dig” into the ground for traction like soccer cleats. “dig” into the ground for traction.

How do you make hardwood floors easier for dogs?

  1. Opt For A Distressed Or Hand-Scraped Hardwoods. …
  2. Apply A Surface Finish. …
  3. Opt For A Lower Sheen Finish. …
  4. Apply More Coats Of Finish. …
  5. Put Some Rugs And Carpet. …
  6. Keep Your Pet’s Toenails Clipped Or Apply Nail Caps. …
  7. Choose Engineered Wood Over Solid Wood Planks. …
  8. Go For Strong-Grained Woods.

Are hardwood floors uncomfortable for dogs?

Laminate, tile and hardwood floors look great, and they’re easy to keep clean, but your dog’s paws aren’t designed to walk on such smooth hard surfaces. And that

can lead to slipping, sliding and falling – and potentially serious injury

.

Why do older dogs slip on wood floors?


Dry paw pads are the most common cause for dogs having traction and slipping issues

. Healthy paws are meant to be flexible and almost spongy, which allows for their paws to get better and more secure contact with the surfaces they walk on.

Why is my dog all of a sudden acting scared?

One of the most common reasons why your dog is acting scared all of a sudden is

a phobia

. Dogs don’t form memories as we do, but they tend to remember negative/positive experiences strongly. Phobia of noises is very common in dogs and often involves fireworks and thunderstorms.

How do I keep my dog from destroying my hardwood floors?

  1. Dogs and Hardwood Floors: 7 Ways to Prevent Scratches.
  2. Keep Things Clean.
  3. Wax Your Floorboards.
  4. Keep Your Dog’s Nails Well-Clipped.
  5. Take the Dog for Regular Walks.
  6. Use a Carpet Runner.
  7. Go Doggy Shoe Shopping.
  8. Avoid Little Accidents.

When can dogs walk on refinished hardwood floors?

Q: How long until pets can be on the floors? A: Cats can be on the floors after around 48 hours. Dogs on the other had, we recommend that they stay off the floors for

up to two weeks

. The reason being their nails can be harsh on the new finish while setting up.

Are dogs hard on hardwood floors?


Dirt and dog hair aren’t good for hardwood floors because they are gritty and can be abrasive to the wood

. Taking the small step of regularly sweeping and mopping your floors will protect them.

How do you stop an old dog from slipping?

  1. Adhesive Paw Pads. …
  2. Dog Boots and Socks. …
  3. Toe Grips. …
  4. Non-slip Tread for Stairs. …
  5. Non-slip Tread Mats. …
  6. Paw Wax. …
  7. Keeping Their Nails Trimmed. …
  8. Trimming the Hair on Their Paws.

Does paw wax help with slipping?

Originally designed to protect sled dogs’ paw pads against snow and ice,

musher’s wax can help add traction for the slipping dog

. When applied to the pads, it is a bit sticky and helps prevent your pet’s legs from sliding out from under her. Musher’s wax is 100% natural and will not damage carpets.

How do you get rid of slick spots on hardwood floors?


Combine one part vinegar and two parts water. Mop the floor with this solution to remove old waxy residues and cleaning products that make floors slick

. If the floor is wet to the touch after mopping, run a dry mop over it to absorb excess liquid.

How do you help a skittish dog?

  1. Give Them Awesome Treats. …
  2. Encourage Them to Play with Toys. …
  3. Keep ‘Em Moving. …
  4. Stay Calm. …
  5. Be Patient.

What does anxiety look like in dogs?

Common signs of anxiety in dogs include:


Barking or howling when owner isn’t home

. Panting and pacing (even when it’s not hot) Shivering. Running away and/or cowering in the corner of a house.

What are the first signs of stress in a dog?

Stress signs to look for include

whale eye (when dogs reveal the whites of their eyes), tucked ears, tucked tail, raised hackles, lip-licking, yawning, and panting

. Your dog might also avoid eye contact or look away.

Why is my dog scratching the floor all of a sudden?


One of the main reasons for a dog scratching the floor at night has to do with nesting

. They want to be in a comfortable and secure location, so they will scratch before they decide to lay down for the night. Back in the day, dogs would do this in the wild to create themselves a small den to curl up into.

Can dog urine damage wood floors?

Untreated accidents lead to urine stains, discoloration, and odors that are extremely difficult to remove.

Urine can permanently damage your hardwood floors’ polyurethane coating

and lead to expensive repairs for homeowners and loss of pet deposits for renters.

Will dog’s nails scratch engineered hardwood floors?

The durability of engineered floors means that

they can better withstand scratches from your pet’s nails

. To make your floors even more scratch-resistant, we recommend having a tough finish applied to the hardwood.

How long should dogs stay off refinished hardwood floors?

Dogs should stay off refinished hardwood floors for

at least 24 hours

. This will be the amount of time that an oil-based polyurethane coat needs to dry all the way. If you plan on adding more coats, you will need to keep your dog off of your refinished hardwood floor for however many days they need to dry.

Can I stay in my house while floors are refinished?


The house is not inhabitable for a minimum of 2 days after the job is completed

, and better to stay out for at least 5 as the fumes/off-gassing is not advisable to breathe in, even if there are other rooms to sleep in.

How long should you stay off refinished hardwood floors?

Drying time after the floors are refinished:

At a minimum, you should wait at least 24 hrs before walking on the floors; for hours 24-48, it’s best to wear socks only (no shoes, no bare feet). Ideally, you should wait a total of

4 days

before moving furniture back.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.