Tips To Prevent Dogs From Scratching Your Hardwood Floors

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Many pet owners prefer hardwood floors over carpeting in their homes because it doesn't absorb odors or stains the way synthetic fibers do. Hardwood flooring is also typically easier to clean when pets have an accident. However, there's one big downside: It can be damaged by a dog's nails. This is especially true for breeds with large paws and long or sharp nails, as well as for dogs that just love digging and treating every surface like grass. The good news is that you can protect your hardwood floors from dog scratches in several different ways, including adding items to your dog's paws, to your floors, or both.

Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, and the lead trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy, shared her thoughts on the topic exclusively with Cuteness. "Applying paw wax can help improve your dog's grip on slippery floors, reducing the likelihood of scratching," she said. Regardless of what type of hardwood flooring you have (solid, engineered, bamboo, etc.), no style is completely scratch-proof. Many are scratch-resistant, but none guarantee that they will remain smooth against the heavy paw traffic of a dog. Still, a few tips can help prevent scratches to keep your floors looking new.

One of the easiest ways to protect your floors is by adding a few area rugs and runners. Dogs are more likely to leave scratch marks on a floor while running or jumping, or if they intentionally scratch in an attempt to dig. If you let your dog on the sofa, you can't always predict when it's going to jump down. You also don't know what will activate your pup's zoomies and send it running across the room, unless, of course, you have a dog that spends most of its time lounging around and lying down.

Bassett recommends that you "place area rugs or runners in high-traffic areas to protect floors." You probably already have a rug in the living room, so it won't hurt to add a few others around the house. She added that rugs "also provide your dog with a non-slip surface to walk on" as an added bonus. This is especially beneficial if you have or plan to adopt a three-legged dog or one with arthritis.

Adding a layer of finish is another way to protect your floors from dog scratches, but keep in mind that it might not work as well as the thickness of a rug or carpet. The type of finish you purchase depends on the type of hardwood floor you have. Options include a hard wax oil or UV finish to create a protective barrier.

Not everyone is a fan of rugs and runners. While they protect floors, they also hide their beauty, and they inevitably add more time to your cleaning routine. They can also be expensive. If you prefer a minimally covered floor, focus on your dog's paws instead of your floors. Trim your dog's nails regularly, use nail caps, or increase your dog's enrichment to reduce their indoor activity level.

According to Bassett, it's best to "keep [your] dog's nails trimmed regularly because shorter nails are less likely to cause scratches. Pet parents can use nail grinders or clippers, whichever their dog is more comfortable with." In addition, "nail caps are a great option to prevent scratches. They are small plastic caps that fit over a dog's nails," Bassett stated. Nail caps, such as Purdy Paws Nail Caps for Dogs, can prevent floor scratches while providing the same traction benefit as rugs and carpet.

As another option, you can prioritize outdoor exercise and play time for your dog. "It's important to ensure a dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to reduce restlessness and excessive running indoors," Bassett said. She also recommends toys, such as ones from Kong or Toppl that you can stuff a number of tasty dog treats inside, to keep your dog occupied. The many options will help keep a balance between your dog's enjoyment, and scratch-free floors.