Scratches
Dog nails scratch polished stone, and so does the sand they track in from the yard. Two things help most:
- Choose a forgiving finish. Honed or satin hides nail marks much better than high polish. See honed vs. polished.
- Keep nails trimmed and put a mat at the back door to catch grit.
Accidents
Urine is slightly acidic and full of salts. On unsealed or worn-out travertine, it can soak in, leave a mark and hold an odor.
- Clean it up fast with paper towels, then a pH-neutral stone cleaner.
- Skip vinegar-based pet sprays on stone. They etch.
- Enzyme cleaners can help with odor, but test in a hidden spot first and rinse well.
- Keep the floor sealed so accidents stay on top long enough to wipe up.
Old stains that have soaked deep into the stone may need professional cleaning. Odor that's gotten into the grout often needs a grout deep clean.
Water and food bowls
Hard water splashing out of the dog bowl leaves mineral rings over time. Put a tray or mat under the bowls and wipe up around them.
During floor work
- Keep pets out of the room while I work. The machines are loud, and the slurry isn't something they should walk through or lick.
- Keep them off freshly sealed or finished floors until the product is dry and cured. I'll give you specific timing for your job.
- If your pet is anxious, a closed room on the other side of the house or a day out works best.
Litter boxes
Litter tracks out and scratches stone, and spilled litter mixed with urine is rough on grout. Put a mat under the box.