Why Homes with Dogs Need Carpet
Dog owners often have to make a tradeoff between a home that’s decorated exactly the way they want it and a home that’s set to accommodate dogs. Investing in gates to keep dogs off of stairs, moving fragile vases off low coffee tables, and getting rid of patchwork rugs for fear of destructive toenails are just a few of the compromises you might have had to make.
One of the big ones is carpet. You dream of having comfortable, plush carpet underfoot, but you hesitate because you have dogs. But what if we told you that carpet is actually better for dogs? It’s true! Here are a few reasons that dogs and carpets belong together.
Carpets Are Safer for Young and Old Dogs Alike
If you have a young puppy, you know how clumsy they can be. Believe it or not, no matter how floppy they look, puppies aren’t indestructible. They don’t know how to control their speed or keep their feet under them, and hard floors can cause them to slip and fall or slide into walls when they try to turn corners, potentially leading to injury.
With older dogs, the risk is that they’ll have trouble walking on slippery, hard surfaces. Some dogs are actually scared of hard surfaces, since they know that they lack the muscle stability to keep from falling over. If they do fall, older dogs are at a much higher risk of joint or skeletal injury from landing on a hardwood floor. And for old dogs who need to lie down a lot, carpets are a much more comfortable place to rest when they get tired.
Carpets Are More Durable
It’s common to think that carpets are more fragile than the hard surfaces of a wood or vinyl floor, but the reality is quite the opposite. Wood floors, vinyl, and even laminates can be scratched and damaged by the blunt claws of dogs, but carpet will hold up just fine to scampering pups.
Carpet has the extra advantage of muffling noise — dogs can’t retract their claws like cats can, and we’ve all been annoyed by the clicking of dog toenails on a hard floor. You can pick whatever color and style of carpet you want, and your dog will have a soft, cozy place to rest.
What Kind of Carpets Should You Get?
Once you’ve decided that carpeting is the right fit for your home and your pooches, you’ll want to make sure that you pick a carpet that can stand up to life with dogs.
First of all, you’ll want a carpet that repels spills. This isn’t just about dogs — spills happen, whether it’s a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and it’s best to be prepared. Lots of carpets come with a factory coating that helps them shed liquids, and one of those brands is probably best for you.
Another thing to consider is stain resistance. Potty training is only a few weeks, but mud and snow are going to come up every year, and excitable dogs can’t always be contained at the front door.
Finally, make sure you get a carpet that’s designed to stand up to heavy wear and tear. Dogs are smaller than people, but they run around a lot, so they can generate more foot traffic than you’d think. Level loop carpets tend to stand up to a lot of punishment, so they’re a good choice for households with dogs.
Take Care of Your Carpets
Proper carpet maintenance is important for any homeowner, but it’s especially important with the elevated levels of hair and dirt that come with dog ownership. Do your best to dry your dog’s paws when your furry friend comes in the front door, and clean up spills as quickly as you can.
Other than that, just care for your carpets as you normally do! Vacuum at least once a week and have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year, and they’ll last you for years to come, making a comfortable and enjoyable home for everyone in your household, whether they have two legs or four.