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Do you live with a pet dog? If you do, you are well aware of the damage your lovely pet can cause on the hardwood floor, especially when running around the house. However, letting a pet dog and a hardwood floor co-exist is possible; you must figure out how to protect the delicate surface from ugly scratches. Here is what you should do:

• Place a rug
  If your dog has a favourite spot on the hardwood floor, the signs of ageing there will no doubt appear. To protect that particular floor area, you can place a rug for your dog to spend time on. While rugs and small carpets work wonders to preserve the surface beneath scratch-free, they might come with the downside of not being a match for your interior. But given all the negative impact scratches have on the wooden floor, consider looking for the right rug that will align with your décor – the variety of colours and patterns rugs ensure is greater than you imagine.

• Vacuum daily
  Vacuuming the hardwood floor daily is always a good idea, and when living with a pet dog, this cleaning method becomes even more effective. Pet hair and dirt from the outside are the leading cause of scratches on the wooden surface, so try sticking to a regular vacuum cleaning routine. Sweep or vacuum clean the floor daily to pick up dirt, and don't forget to set the vacuum cleaner to the right feature. The beater bar is what you should never opt for, as this might seriously damage the surface.

• Purchase dog nail covers
  Sometimes, it is not even necessary for your dog to run around the house so that ugly scratches appear on the wooden floor. Since dogs' nails always stay exposed, walking on the wooden floor might lead to scratching, especially for large, heavy breeds. To prevent scratches, you can purchase specially designed dog nail covers. These items are pretty cheap, and they come in various sizes; pick the size that is a perfect fit for your pet.

• Trim the nails
  Your dog's nails grow fast, which is why you should trim them regularly. Short, non-sharp nails minimise the floor's scratching, so take your time to check on your dog's paws often. If the time has come for trimming, be patient and carefully tackle the task without causing distress to your beloved pet. Don't cut it too short, as you might hurt your dog's skin. If you believe trimming the nails is too complicated to handle on your own, take the dog to a pet groomer. Allow the pros to safely take care of the dog's nails to keep the hardwood floor scratch-free and your four-legged friend happy. Another way to maintain the dog's claws short enough is to take it for a walk as often as possible. In addition to the health benefits regular walks provide, they are also a great way to prevent your pet's overgrown nails naturally.

• Wax the floor
  Waxing the hardwood floor ensures a better grip for your dog while running around, thus minimising the need to use its nails for better balance. If scratches still appear, waxing limits their depth, allowing you to cover the damage by re-waxing easily. To prolong the lifespan of your hardwood floor while living with a pet dog, wax the surface every couple of years. Research to figure out the right product for your type of floor, and contact the wooden floor manufacturer for instructions on how to wax the surface by yourself properly.

Dogs are amazing pets, and with the help of these tips, you can let your furry friend and the beautiful hardwood floor co-exist for a long time.

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