A lot of people are getting rid of their carpets and replacing them with laminate flooring or tiles. This is great from a hygiene point of view (for babies and puppies) but we are seeing more and more dogs developing leg, back and hip problems due to this type of flooring.
Most puppy owners know their puppy needs to avoid stairs and jumping out of the car etc. But few realise the dangers of modern flooring. The danger presents itself in two ways. Firstly the dogs’ paws cannot grip the surface so the legs continually slide out from under the puppy putting a strain on spine, hips and back. Secondly the puppy cannot grip the floor when it needs to apply brakes and will often slam into a wall or other objects doing damage to young bones.
So If you already have laminate flooring or tiles please do consider making a pathway for your puppy (rubber backed carpet runners are ideal) and if you are considering this type of modern flooring and you are getting a puppy please reconsider at least until the puppy has had a chance to grow
