Are Your Shiny Floors Hurting Your Dog?
Most people understand the unpleasant feeling of walking on ice or skidding on a wet floor.
Even if you don’t tumble head over heels, it’s no fun to feel your limbs are out of control and you’re struggling to regain your balance. You feel suddenly uncertain and scared.
Sadly, your smart, easy-wipe, floor will mean your pet dog is experiencing this every day: when they run over to their food; when they dash to the front door; when they dismount from a sofa or a staircase.
If dogs move at speed over a shiny surface they are unable to control their direction and can’t slow down
For elderly dogs, or for those with chronic orthopaedic conditions, even getting up from their bed with their feet on laminate can be a painful, potentially dangerous task which may result in further reluctance to get out of bed and exercise.
If dogs move at speed over a shiny surface they are unable to control their direction and can’t slow down without skidding. They can bang into doors, walls and furniture, causing bruising or even fractures.
For puppies, whose bodies are still growing, laminate floors increase the likelihood of developmental conditions
For puppies, whose bodies are still growing, the stress on the body of dealing with laminate floors risks increases the likelihood of developmental conditions with a lifelong impact on quality of life and a whole heap of vet bills.
For dogs who already suffer conditions such as hip dysplasia, slippery floors can spell disaster, causing more pain and worsening of the condition.
Slippery floors can be especially dangerous for older dogs
Summary of Problems Caused by Shiny Floors
Bruising - the most common injury and it can need a trip to the vet for pain meds.
Joint injuries – slipping paws or flailing limbs will impact joint stability.
Back injuries – unstable limbs cause serious back injuries as the body attempts to stabilise through the spine. These can require specialist treatment and therapy to put things right.
Worsening of existing conditions - many breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia and having to walk on slippery floors can put additional stress on these damaged joints.
Anxiety - dogs can become very scared when they slide out of control.
Reactive behaviour - fear of moving around their home and physical discomfort can produce reactivity and other negative behavioural changes.
How to Solve the Problem
If you do have laminate or wooden flooring in any room where you dog is allowed to go, it's really important that you make it as safe as possible for them to walk on by doing the following:
Make sure your dog's nails are regularly trimmed so they don't get too long – having longer nails makes it harder for your pet to get a grip using their paw pads when they walk across a slippery surface.
Laminate flooring is especially slippery when it's wet which is why it's crucial to wipe any spillages and to keep dogs out of a room when the floors are being washed.
Always dry your dog's paws when they come in after a walk when it's been raining to prevent them from sliding.
Always place mats and runners in problem areas ( you may need to put a non-slip mat under them so they don't slide when you or your dog walks on them).
Many vets recommend using grippy boots or rubber claw grips.
Grippy boots can help your dog maintain traction on slippery surfaces indoors and out.
Rubber claw grips have been especially designed to help dogs cope with slippery floor surfaces.