• Plenty of solutions prevent dog nail scratches on hardwood flooring.Anastasia Kontaxaki/Pixland/Getty Images
  
  Hardwood flooring is popular in homes of all ages due to its timeless and classic appeal. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association 2009 to 2010 National Pet Owners Survey, which is cited on the Humane Society of the United States' website, 77.5 million dogs live in homes across the United States. With such a large number, it's inevitable that a dog and hardwood floors would come into contact. Unfortunately, this can mean that the hardwood floors become scratched or damaged. Luckily, ways exist to prevent a dog's nails from scratching hardwood floors.
  
  

Nail Clipping

• Owners of small dogs may consider clipping their dog's nails every week or even biweekly to keep their hardwood floors in good shape. Whenever clipping the nails, it is also a good idea to clean up the fur that sticks out between the toes. This fur can lead to slipping and sliding in the home, which could cause the dog to "dig" in more with its claws. By trimming the fur, the owner can reduce the dog's need to grip the floor and prevent or lessen the scratches that occur.
  
  

Nail Grinding or Filing

• Larger breeds of dogs can undergo nail filing or grinding rather than clipping, though clipping also be used, just as filing or grinding can be used on small dogs. Grinding or filing can be ideal because it smooths rough edges that clipping may leave behind, which in turn can help to prevent scratches on hardwood floors.
  
  

Claw Covering Products

• Several products can be glued to the nails of cats and dogs to prevent scratching of hardwood floors. They are often available in a variety of sizes, are safe for use on canines and, of course, prevent the floors from being scratched.
  
  

Pathway Rugs

• Taking note of a dog's walking patterns, such as through doorways or around a coffee table, and then laying a rug in those areas also can help to cut down on the number of scratches that occur on hardwood floors.
  
  

Playtime and Exercise

• Dog owners should avoid having any playtime with their dog on hardwood floors. Instead, they should make a point to take the dog outside or into a carpeted room for playing games. Also, setting aside a time of day to exercise and play with the dog outside of the home can help tire the dog, resulting in less activity inside the home on the hardwood floors and more scratch prevention.