Pet-proofing your hardwood floors from your new furry friend

Whether you live in a high-rise apartment or a suburban abode, your hardwood floors are probably one of the most distinguishing features of your home. After you decide to adopt a dog from a New York animal shelter, you may start to notice a few bits of wear and tear that you didn't notice before. It's not your dog's fault - it will take a bit of extra effort on your part as a pet parent to prevent damage to these surfaces and keep your home looking as good as ever. Here are a few steps to get started.

1. Trim your dog's nails regularly. Not only is this a wise choice to prevent damage to your flooring, but it's a matter of regular grooming that you should get into the habit of doing. Clipping them yourself is easy enough, but be sure to only lop off the tip of the nail to prevent any potential discomfort from trimming them too short. If your pooch is a bit fussy during this procedure, consider taking him or her to the groomer instead to get all of your pet care concerns out of the way.

2. Pet bowl protectors. Your dog may not be the most elegant diner during mealtime, which could lead to spilled water and wet food on your hardwood floors. Worse yet, the constant sliding back and forth of the bowls can lead to scratches in a hurry, so consider putting down a rubber floor protector. This will prevent the slipping and sliding of food bowls and will allow you to clean off the area easily with a bit of soap and water.

3. Area rugs. If there are places in your home that receive a lot of foot traffic, an area rug could be a great way to prevent scuffs and scratches from your canine, as well as guests. When putting these rugs down in your home, consider lining the back of them with anti-slip pads to prevent them from sliding around and becoming a safety hazard.

Hardwood flooring is most likely one of the most significant investments you can make in your home, so you want it to look its best. With a few of these changes, you can keep your floors looking brilliant and prevent your furry friend from causing any mischief around the house.