Buying a new home is a very exciting prospect, but it can often be a bit complicated if you are looking for a house that is ideal for both you and your dog. Listed below are two things to keep in mind when looking for a dog-friendly house.

Avoid Hardwood Floors

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make when buying a house when you own a dog is to get a home with hardwood floors. Hardwood floors can easily become quite damaged due to your dog running across them while playing. In addition, the constant clicking that will occur when your dog walks or runs across the hardwood floors can also be quite annoying for you and your family.

Another reason to avoid hardwood floors is that they do not have any give. This means that the floors will actually be quite hard on your dog's joints and legs as he or she gets older, which can be very painful. However, going with a house that has carpeting installed can help you avoid these issues as the claws are less likely to damage the floors while the soft carpet and pad underneath will provide a softer and more pleasant spot for your dog to sleep and walk on.

Consider Single Level Homes

Another thing to keep in mind when you have dogs is to look for houses that are only one level. Dogs can often become quite exuberant and clumsy, which can can result in serious injuries when your dog hears a sound and goes rushing down the stairs. 

You should also consider going with a single level home if you want a dog-friendly house because it is inevitable that your dog is going to get old. When this happens, your dog will either have to struggle to get up the stairs to go to bed with you or stay downstairs by himself or herself because it is too painful for him or her to negotiate the stairs, particularly if he or she has developed arthritis. 

Contact a real estate agent today in order to discuss what kind of house features to look for that will make for a dog-friendly home. When looking for a dog-friendly house, consider avoiding hardwood floors and think about buying a home with only a single level in order to make the home as comfortable and as safe as possible for your dogs.