Is Bamboo Flooring Good for Dogs?

Bamboo is a beautiful type of hardwood flooring that is considered environmentally friendlier than traditional hardwood floors. Bamboo can be an excellent hardwood flooring choice for a home, but it must be properly maintained to last a long time. Bamboo floors are susceptible to scratches, which are often caused by dog's claws. However, it is possible to have bamboo floors and dogs co-exist in the same home, even though there are better hardwood choices for homes that include dogs.

Dog Nails

The biggest concern to pet owners is that their dog will damage or scratch newly installed hardwood floors. Dogs have sharp nails, which can scratch the finish off of bamboo floors. Dogs with long, untrimmed nails can even leave deep marks in bamboo floors.

Trim Dog Nails or Use Soft Paws

Always trim a dog's nails on a weekly basis. If you don't have the time, consider a product called Soft Paws. Soft Paws are vinyl caps placed over your dog's nails by either a veterinarian or with an at-home kit. The nail caps prevent sharp ends of dog's nails from scratching up bamboo floors.

Avoid Water Bowl Spills

Bamboo floors can be damaged with frequent water exposure. To avoid constant moisture on bamboo floors on a dog's eating area, place a plastic mat under food and water bowls.

Clean Up Dog Urine Immediately

Another way that hardwood or bamboo floor can be damaged is from dog urine. In case of an accident, clean up dog urine immediately with a damp paper towel and then dry with a dry paper towel.

Do Not Clean With Harsh Chemicals

Hardwood floors should never be cleaned with bleach or ammonia. Always use hardwood cleaners appropriately marked and designed for hardwood flooring. Harsh chemicals can dull the finish on bamboo floors.

Bamboo Flooring Is Not Good For Dogs

As you can see from previous sections, bamboo flooring and dogs don't generally go well together because of all the potential extra work involved for the homeowner.

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