Having a dog in the home will ultimately lead to scratches here and there. But they don't need to be detrimental so long as you maintain short nails and consistent walks while also preparing the floor itself for the impact.
And while it's obviously important for large dogs to have their nails regularly trimmed because of the weight per square inch they exert on the floor, small dogs that scurry around can do a lot of surface damage with their pointy little nails too.
While Hardick maintains that dogs over 100 pounds and hardwood floors should never mix, owners of little dogs like Chihuahuas and pugs have several good options. 
"While a big dog will scratch and gouge more than a little guy, trimming nails is a good idea for dogs of all sizes," says Hardick.
Dogs—especially young ones—can easily can have an accident on a hardwood floor, but if you clean it within a reasonable time, no problem. Yes, dogs could possibly damage hardwood floors, but a dog lover will gladly take the simple steps to prevent that.
That's where PoloPlaz Primero comes in. This oil-based polyurethane finish is the ultimate defense against pet scratches, scuffs, stains, and premature wear from heavy foot traffic. Not only is it incredibly durable, but it also cures at a remarkable rate, allowing you to resume full use of your floor in just 72 hours.
If you own a dog, at some point you will have to clean up accidents off the floor. Urine needs to be removed from Hardwood floors immediately because the standing liquid can warp the wood, soak deep down into the crevices and leave behind odors.
Dog urine is typically acidic, which is why it can break down the finish of a hardwood floor's surface; especially if the urine is allowed to dry up. It might leave a stain on the surface, make it lose its shine and cause discoloration.
Urine can permanently damage your hardwood floors' polyurethane coating and lead to expensive repairs for homeowners and loss of pet deposits for renters. You must take steps to prevent pet urine from damaging your wood floors and area rugs.
A: Over time, dogs' nails can potentially cause scratches and wear on hardwood floors, especially if they are not properly trimmed or maintained. However, with proper care and maintenance, such as regular trimming and protective measures, the impact can be minimized.
Most dog owners forgo hardwood flooring because it can be easily damaged by dogs' nails. If you're set on hardwood, consider a hard wood variety or engineered hardwood planks, which tend to hold up better. Laminate, vinyl, tile, and carpet have excellent scratch resistance to hold up to the click-clack of claws.
Surfaces finished with a lighter color tend to show scratches less since the marks don't draw such a sharp contrast with the color of the floor. Lighter floors are the best hardwood floors for dogs and cats as they hide pet hair better, while dark floors reveal scratches and hair from shedding pets far more obviously.
Use a small bowl to mix a bit of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Soak the mixture and apply it to the pee stain using a rag. Keep it on the stain for at least 15 minutes so the products have enough time to work their magic. Then, grab a dry towel and dry the area.
1) Apply Hardwood Floor Sealants
The solution: Prevent your hardwood floors from soaking up moisture. This can be done by applying a hardwood floor sealant, a polyurethane sealant for example. The sealant makes the floor moisture-resistant so none of it ever seeps into the wood.
Vinyl is a favorite flooring option for kitchens and bathrooms and also makes great flooring for dogs that pee, as it's very resistant to liquids and easy to clean. Vinyl is also soft underfoot, making it a comfortable surface for dogs to relax or walk on.
A Vinegar Solution
White vinegar has a very high acidity level that can help to neutralize the alkaline ammonia to eliminate urine odor. Vinegar will also kill all of the germs in bacteria that can cause you further issues.
Vinegar has a strong smell, but it will disappear fairly quickly. As before, you may use baking soda to remove any lingering odors. If, once the floor is dry, you still smell a trace of urine odor, sprinkle baking soda, leave for a few hours, and vacuum or sweep it up afterward.
Generally, you should mop 2-3 times a week to ensure maximum cleanliness of your floors, or whenever your furry friend brings in a little more dirt or mud. A little trick that you can do is to add a bit of a cleaning agent with fragrance, just to give your home a nice smell after you're done mopping.
Stains in natural colors that range from beige to dark brown are the best choice for homes with dogs and other large pets. During periods of shedding, fur will be barely noticeable on floor surface.
Whether you choose traditional hardwoods or engineered hardwoods, you're always going to be susceptible to some scratches from your dog's claws. But keeping nails trimmed and the use of area rugs, especially at the base of stairs in a multi-story home, can help protect your floors.
Vinyl is our top choice, but laminate is also an excellent option. If you have a bit more money to spend, you can consider tile, which is more expensive than vinyl or laminate flooring but offers similar dog-friendly characteristics like water and scratch resistance.
Hardwood floors can add warmth to your home. Unfortunately, they're also prone to scuffs, gouges and scratches. There are ways to protect your beautiful floors from getting marked up. If you've just discovered a blemish, don't panic!
If wooden flooring is what you want despite having a cat or dog, then engineered hardwood is the choice to make every single time. This is because the manufacturing process generally gives this sort of surface a veneer that is tougher and more able to resist damage from scratches and stains made by your furry friends.