The benefits of LVT flooring

LVP flooring dogs

A guide to luxury vinyl flooring and its benefits to pets and their owners.

What are luxury vinyl tiles?

Luxury vinyl tiles or LVT, is a manmade flooring option. It is available in a plank format like laminate flooring and traditional square tiles. Although a manmade synthetic product, LVT can have the realistic appearance of stone, ceramic or wood, thanks to production techniques.

LVT Vs. laminate

LVT is a more flexible product and has a more forgiving surface compared to the plastic-coated, pressed wood pulp construction of laminate. Being more durable than laminate means that vinyl flooring often has a much longer guarantee.

Glue down or vinyl click?

LVT is available in two varieties, depending on how it will be installed – glue down or click. Like laminate boards, vinyl click flooring panels lock into each other and because it is not permanently fixed to the floor, is also known as floating vinyl flooring. Contrary to popular opinion, click flooring does need sub-floor preparation and an underlay, unlike glue down vinyl that requires only subfloor prep. LVT Vs. click flooring – Which is best for dog owners? has more on this.

Why owners love LVT from Floors for Paws

  • Maintaining LVT – LVT flooring is low maintenance and needs little beyond sweeping or vacuuming regularly, and mopping with plain water. Of course, as with any flooring, spills should be dealt with immediately. For the dos and don’ts of caring for LVT flooring, see How to clean vinyl floors – a guide for pet owners
  • Durability – luxury vinyl flooring from Floors for Paws has a multi-layer construction, with layers heat fused together to give extra strength and durability.
  • Aesthetics – available in real wood- or stone-effect designs, LVT offers high end looks for any style of interior. Our luxury vinyl planks can be used to create traditional designs such as herringbone, while our stone-effect tiles give the look of a ceramic floor.
  • Kind to pets – a textured, anti-slip surface layer helps to stabilise dogs that are unsteady on the legs and the high density fleece backing gives comfort to ageing joints.

Why pets love LVT from Floors for Paws

Comfort – hard surfaces such a real wood or laminate floors, are uncomfortable to lie down on for prolonged lengths of time so LVT offers the older dog a more comfortable option. The soft comfort layer provides cushioning not found in other hard floors.

Textured surface for grip and stability – for arthritic senior dogs or dogs with hip dysplasia, it is essential to reduce the risk of injury through slipping. And young and old dogs alike will love the feeling of security they get from a stable, non-slip surface.

Warm – the backing prevents the LVT from feeling cold to the touch, like ceramic or porcelain tiles, making it nicer to lie on for any length of time. Dogs seem to love lying on it!

Pet-friendly LVT from Floors for Paws

Our luxury vinyl flooring range offers customers a choice of 6 stone-effect finishes and 6 wood-effect finishes to appeal to all tastes. To help you narrow your choice, order up to three free samples today.

https://www.floorsforpaws.com/luxury-vinyl-range/

Alternatively our friendly sales team is available via email at info@floorsforpaws.com or phone on 01522 300218

The best flooring for dogs from Floors for Paws

A guide to the best flooring for dogs from Floors for Paws.

As a nation of dog lovers, we all want the best flooring for dogs but what exactly is that and how do our flooring ranges tick all those boxes? Read on to find out!

Best flooring for dogs

When our pets are either very young, or starting to age, it’s important that they are kept comfortable and safe, to support their development and to avoid any unnecessary discomfort.

Features of pet-friendly flooring

  • Dogs of all ages, but particularly those at either end of their lives, need non-slip flooring. For the young, unsteady pup, a floor that will provide stability under-paw and not increase their chance of slipping will help them to develop without fear of injury. Older dogs who may be suffering from canine arthritis need the same stability to make them feel safe and secure – injuries to older dogs from slipping can be life-threatening, painful and for owners, expensive!
  • When we think of how long our dogs spend lying down and sleeping, it’s easy to see why pet-friendly flooring needs to be comfortable and warm. Cold hard surfaces will add to any arthritic pain your dog may be experiencing and we know ourselves, that sleeping on a hard surface does not contribute to a good night’s sleep!

So, if the above is what our dogs need, what do we as owners need from our floors for them to work for us too? It goes without saying that we want the best for our dogs, but we also need the best flooring for us, and that means our floors have to be pet-friendly and pet-proof!

Features of Floors for paws best flooring for dogs 

  • Durability – pet-proof flooring will withstand the wear and tear from dogs (thinks claws and teeth!).
  • Waterproof – flooring that will not perish under the inevitable ‘accidents’ from puppies and incontinent senior dogs is a must.

Flooring from Floors for Paws that ticks all the boxes

At Floors for Paws, we offer home owners a range of vinyl flooring that is not only pet-friendly but is also pet-proof. Add in to the mix that our flooring is aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance and you’ll see why our flooring is the best flooring for dogs.

Pawsafe Domestic range

With the highest slip rating of any luxury vinyl flooring in today’s market, the Pawsafe Domestic range has a textured surface layer to safeguard against slips and falls, plus a generous comfort layer. When professionally installed, the Pawsafe Domestic range comes with a 30-year domestic guarantee and is easy to keep clean. Waterproof and stylish, the range is available in a choice of finishes to please even the most discerning homeowner – from wood-effect planks perfect for creating a herringbone pattern to stone-effect tiles.

Benefits of Pawsafe Domestic range for dogs:

  • Safe
  • Comfortable
  • Hypo-allergenic

Benefits of Pawsafe Domestic range for dog owners:

  • Waterproof
  • Durable
  • Zero maintenance
  • 30 year domestic guarantee
  • Stain resistant
  • Dog claw resistant

The range is fully endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) to give you the confidence that you will get the perfect flooring for you that is also the best flooring for your dogs.

To find out more email us at info@floorsforpaws.com or by phone on 01522 300218. And if you’d like to try before you buy, you can also order up to three free samples.

A guide to commercial flooring

Representing a financial and strategic investment for business owners, the right commercial flooring is essential. Our guide tells you what to look for!

What is commercial flooring?

Commercial flooring refers to flooring used in any commercial setting or business. However, as commercial spaces include shops, hotels and restaurants, offices, schools, veterinarian practices, factories and so much more, it’s not surprising that not every flooring will suit every business. So, for business owners, what options are there and what qualities do you need in your flooring?

Types of commercial flooring and the businesses they are suitable for

Carpet – great for busy offices where it will be comfortable and sound absorbing.

Luxury vinyl tiles/sheet vinyl – good for settings that need durability and low maintenance, such as healthcare settings.

Ceramic or porcelain tiles – ideal for high end establishments such as luxury hotels and independent, boutique shops.

Hardwood flooring – for anywhere wanting to create a timeless atmosphere, combined with durability. Great for retail spaces and offices.

Laminate flooring – a cost-effective way of recreating the look of a hardwood floor, laminate works well in communal office areas and retail spaces.

Features of good commercial flooring

Commercial flooring has to tick many boxes, depending on the setting, as follows:

  • Low maintenance flooring is a must where it experiences high volume traffic.
  • Aesthetics – do not underestimate the importance of the look of your floor – it needs to suit your business and work with your interior.
  • Flooring has to be durable enough to withstand the volume of traffic and still maintain its looks.
  • Moisture resistant – does the flooring need to cope with a variety of conditions? For example, wet foot traffic? Spillages in restaurants? A high volume of cleaning? Your flooring choice is important!

But what happens when your business involves four-legged paw traffic? You might be a bustling veterinary practice offering a fear-free environment, or a dog daycare centre, or you may have a dog-friendly café. Does your commercial flooring need to tick different boxes? Almost certainly!

Features of good commercial flooring for dogs

  • Non slip flooring for dogs is essential in any setting but commercial non slip flooring is vital for pets and their owners. All dogs particularly puppies and seniors, can slip and fall, injuring themselves. A flooring that offers stability and helps them maintain their balance is non-negotiable.
  • For our pets, who spend the majority of their waking hours lying down, a safe and comfortable floor is a must to avoid pressure sores.
  • Durability is key if your pet-friendly flooring is to cope with the wear and tear inflicted by paws and claws. It needs to be pee-resistant too, stand up well to being chewed and scratched, and be easy to maintain.
  • Waterproof flooring is essential for floors that will be washed and cleaned on a daily basis.
  • A steady stream of noisy paws on your commercial flooring could upset your neighbours very quickly so a sound absorbing flooring is useful.

Head over to The importance of non-slip flooring for dogs and their owners to find out more.

At Floors For Paws, we believe that vinyl flooring is the best flooring for dogs, and we have worked hard in conjunction with CAM (Canine Arthritis Management), to develop a range of commercial vinyl flooring that we believe is the best non slip flooring for dogs currently on the market.

Commercial non slip flooring from Floors For Paws

Our Pawsafe Commercial range has the highest slip rating for any commercial vinyl on today’s market and features a cushion comfort layer to ease old bones, that also increases its ability to absorb noise. Supplied on the roll (like carpet), the vinyl requires very few, if any joins (depending on the area to be covered) making it completely impervious to moisture penetration and therefore completely waterproof. It is offered in a choice of colours and patterns to give a more welcoming aesthetic to your business and, when used alongside the Pawsafe Domestic range, can offer a completely coordinated look for your premises.

To find out more or to order up to three free samples, click here or contact us by phone on 01522 300218 or email at info@floorsforpaws.com

 

Flooring that saves you money

Flooring that saves you money

Flooring that saves you money

The average cost of managing hip dysplasia in dogs over their lifetime can vary significantly based on the severity of the condition, the types of treatments pursued, and the dog’s individual response to treatment. Here are some cost estimates for different aspects of managing hip dysplasia in dogs in the UK:

Mild Hip Dysplasia (non-surgical management):

– Initial diagnosis: £250 to £500

– Medications and supplements: £40 to £90 per month (approximately £480 to £1,080 per year)

– Physiotherapy (occasional): £300 to £600 per year

Total over 10 years: £6,050 to £12,700

Moderate Hip Dysplasia (non-surgical management with regular therapy)

– Initial diagnosis: £250 to £500

– Medications and supplements: £60 to £120 per month (approximately £720 to £1,440 per year)

– Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy: £600 to £1,200 per year

Total over 10 years: £9,050 to £18,900

Severe Hip Dysplasia (surgical intervention):

– Initial diagnosis: £250 to £500

– Surgery (e.g., Total Hip Replacement): £4,000 to £7,000 per hip

– Post-surgical care and physiotherapy: £500 to £1,200 per year

Total over 10 years (assuming one hip surgery): £14,750 to £29,500

Summary:

– Mild Hip Dysplasia: £6,050 to £12,700

– Moderate Hip Dysplasia: £9,050 to £18,900

– Severe Hip Dysplasia (one hip surgery): £14,750 to £29,500

These figures are approximate and can vary based on individual circumstances, the specific treatments chosen, and geographic location within the UK. It’s always advisable to consult with a veterinarian for a tailored treatment plan and cost estimate for a specific dog. Additionally, pet insurance can help offset some of these costs, so it’s worth considering this option as well.

Hip dysplasia in dogs is primarily a genetic condition, influenced by a variety of factors including genetics, nutrition, growth rate, and environmental factors. The exact percentage of hip dysplasia cases caused specifically by slippery floors is not well-documented in scientific literature. However, it is widely acknowledged that environmental factors, including flooring, can exacerbate the condition and potentially contribute to its development in genetically predisposed dogs.

There is a lot of expert consensus these days that slippery floors can exacerbate hip dysplasia in dogs. It can be difficult for them to maintain stable footing, which can lead to increased joint stress and potential injuries. For example Flicker: https://pawflicker.com/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs-causes-symptoms-and-solutions/ Additionally, “Dogster” advises that managing a dog’s environment to reduce slipping can help mitigate some of the physical challenges associated with hip dysplasia

15 Ways to Keep Dogs from Slipping & Sliding On Floors: Expert Tips Dogster https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/how-to-keep-dogs-from-slipping-sliding-on-floors).

Experts and veterinarians often suggest using non-slip solutions like traction socks, mats, and rugs to provide safer walking surfaces for dogs prone to hip dysplasia. This kind of proactive management can help reduce the risk of joint injuries and provide better support for dogs already suffering from the condition.

The average cost of managing hip dysplasia in dogs over their lifetime can vary significantly based on the severity of the condition, the types of treatments pursued, and the dog’s individual response to treatment. Here are some cost estimates for different aspects of managing hip dysplasia in dogs in the UK:

The above management techniques will help your dog, but are not always practical or be-fitting of an attractive interior.

At Floors for paws; We aim to give you and your dog flooring that is as beautiful as it is safe and actually be a flooring that saves you money!

At Floors for Paws, our PawSafe flooring ranges have been developed in partnership with Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) to be kind to dogs. Our Pawsafe Domestic range and our Luxury Vinyl range are supplied in a choice of plank or tile options in a range of attractive wood- and stone-effect finishes to satisfy the most house proud amongst us. The multi-layered construction has a textured surface layer plus a soft, comfort layer for kinder cushioning to joints.

If you want a flooring that saves you money, simply call us today on 01522 300218 to find out more, or  drop us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com