Older dog and slippery floors: how to make your home safer

November 11 2026, by Michael van Wassem, 4 min reading time

An older dog slips more easily and struggles to get up. Grip, rugs, short nails and fixed routes reduce the risk of slipping.

An older dog slips more easily and has more trouble getting up, even on a floor that was never a problem before. Three things reduce the risk of slipping: a floor with more grip, rugs where your dog walks and gets up most, and short nails. Below you will find how to do it and when to call the vet instead.

The short answer

• Grip: a matte, textured surface is less slippery than a glossy floor.
• Fixed routes: lay non-slip rugs from the bed to the door, the water bowl and the sofa.
• Care: short nails and short hair between the paw pads give feet more traction.

How can you tell?

Dogs do not always show it on their own. Watch for these signs:

• your dog stops in front of a smooth floor or walks around it;
• the back legs slide out when getting up;
• he hesitates at the stairs or when jumping into the car;
• he prefers lying on the rug to lying in his bed.

Not every sign is a floor problem. Is your dog limping, in pain when getting up, or walking differently? Make an appointment with the vet. A floor cannot cure or prevent pain or joint problems.

What can the floor do?

On a glossy or polished floor a paw has little to hold on to. A matte top layer with a tactile texture gives more grip. A matte, anti-slip vinyl floor is also waterproof, which helps with accidents. A wet floor is more slippery on any surface, so wipe up puddles and wet paw prints straight away. Many older dogs like lying on a warm floor, so check whether the floor is suitable for underfloor heating.

Make fixed routes safe

You do not need to cover the whole floor. Look at where your dog walks and gets up every day and start there.

• Lay a rug with a non-slip backing or a runner by the bed, the bowls and the door.
• Choose a rug that lies flat and does not creep or curl, so your dog does not trip over it.
• Put the bed on a non-slip spot, not on a smooth patch, and choose a bed with a low edge.
• Keep walking routes free of thresholds, loose mats and toys.
• Leave a small light on in the hallway if your dog still walks to the door or water at night.
• For stairs or the sofa, a non-slip runner or a small step helps.

Nails and hair between the paw pads

Long nails push the toes up and take away grip on any floor. Trim or file them regularly. If a lot of hair grows between the pads, you can carefully keep it short so the pads touch the floor. If you are unsure how to do this safely, ask your vet or a groomer.

Honest about grip

Extra grip reduces the chance of slipping, but does not rule it out. When playing, running or jumping, a dog can slip on any floor. Always stay careful, especially with puppies, older dogs and dogs with joint problems. Keep nails short and, if needed, put a rug where your dog plays or gets up most. No floor is scratch-proof either: a wear layer withstands daily use, but nails will leave marks on any floor over time.

Frequently asked questions

Is vinyl suitable for an older dog?

A matte vinyl floor with extra grip gives more traction than a glossy floor and is waterproof, which helps with accidents. No floor guarantees against slipping, so combine it with rugs and short nails.

Are loose rugs a good idea?

Yes, if they stay in place. Choose a rug with a non-slip backing that lies flat. A rug that slides or curls makes things worse.

When should I see the vet?

For limping, pain, stiffness that does not go away, or a clearly different way of walking or getting up. Do not wait, and do not just change the floor.

In short

An older dog benefits from grip, calm fixed routes and short nails. A floor does not solve health problems, so always have changes in walking checked by a vet.

⭐ Add Fidello as a preferred source on Google

Tags

Diersoort:Hond Gezondheid & Veiligheid Kennisbank Vloeren

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email