Hardwood floors are beautiful additions to any home, so it's important to care for them properly to maintain their appearance. If you have pets running around, consider taking some extra steps to protect your floors from the damage animals can cause. Here are several tips to help keep your home's hardwood floors in top shape and safe from pets. 

How to Protect Hardwood Floors From Pets

1. Trim Your Pet's Nails

Keeping your dog or cat's nails trimmed to a short length can help prevent them from scratching your hardwood. If left to grow too long, your pet's nails can tear up floors while they're running around the home. If your pets don't mind, you can trim their nails yourself, or you can take them to the local vet or groomer. You can also purchase paw coverings or shoes for their feet for added protection when they walk around the house.

2. Add Protective Coating

Treating hardwood floors with a scratch-resistant sealant is an effective way to add an extra layer of protection. To help keep your floors clean from any indoor pet accidents, you can also add a coat of waterproof protectant. Waxing your floors can help your pets maintain traction as they run throughout your home, preventing unwanted scratches. Your local flooring contractor can also recommend the right protective floor treatments for your home.

3. Use Carpeting

Your pet likely has their favorite spots throughout your home. If their favorite rooms have hardwood floors, place a rug or a carpet in that particular area to protect against damage. You can also place longer carpet runners in areas where they frequently run to prevent marks and scratches from nails. Make sure to add gripping to the bottom of rugs so that they don't move around while your pets are on them.

For 35 years, residents of the Mat-Su, AK, area have turned to Carpet World of Alaska for their home flooring needs. The business's incredible flooring selection—including hardwood, vinyl, stone, and tile—means there's something for every homeowner's needs and tastes. Visit the flooring pros' website to browse some of their tile and stone options, or call them directly at (907) 745-3737.