Pups and Hardwood Floors. Chicagoans, we love our hardwood floors— the shinier, the better! A beautiful oak or maple floor can captivate anyone. However, while they look stunning, these slick, shiny surfaces can be a real challenge for our four-legged friends, especially as they age.
You’ve probably seen your dog zooming around the house, spinning like a Fred Flintstone character on those floors. It looks cute, but there’s a real risk of straining and injuring muscles. A significant part of our practice deals with repetitive strain injuries. In fact, most of the injuries we see are cumulative, small injuries that build up over time and eventually lead to mobility issues. It’s like the old saying— “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” And one of the main aggravators? Slippery surfaces.
Get a Grip!
If you notice your dog struggling to get up on hardwood or tile floors, that’s likely the issue. They simply can’t get a grip. Additionally, if your dog is already limping or showing stiffness, the slippery floors can make their condition worse and delay recovery.
Thankfully, there are several solutions. Many of them are easy and affordable to implement at home. Area rugs are always a stylish option, but if you’re looking for something more functional, we recommend yoga mats. They’re inexpensive, washable, and come in various colors to match your décor. You can even find them in long rolls on Amazon.
If yoga mats aren’t your style, we offer an even more direct solution: toe treads! We use them for many of our clients, and they really work. Those of you who’ve been to Arfit know that we apply them for a nominal fee. The grips are glued onto two nails on each foot and last for about three weeks. If you prefer to apply them yourself, you can find them on Amazon.
Remember, you’re always welcome to call us for a toe tread appointment. We’ll be happy to help!