One day we asked our dog if she wanted to go for a walk. She was so excited to go that she lost her footing and slipped on the floor. The result was a dislocated tarsal and an expensive surgery.
After the operation, my dog was very hesitant to walk on any non-carpeted surface (which was most of the house). So, we did what any pet parents would do: we bought a bunch of carpet runners and positioned them in all the areas of the house she would walk so she would be more comfortable.
You could go the same route we did or you can try one of these products that may make walking on a hardwood or slippery surface in your home easier and more comfortable for your dog.
Who Are Anti-Slip Products Good For?
Ant-slip products can be used for any dog that has issues getting up, walking on, or standing on a non-carpeted area of your home. This may include dogs with the following conditions:
- Arthritis
- Hip Dysplasia
- Spinal Conditions
- Injury
- Surgery
- Degenerative Disease
- Old Age
- Fear / Anxiety
Anti-Slip Dog Socks
These are socks usually made of cotton, spandex, polyester or a combination of these. Anti-slip socks have a grip like material on the bottom and sometimes the top of the sock to provide traction for your dog when they walk.
Pros:
- These can provide the traction your dog needs to get around the house comfortably.
- Anti-slip socks can make it easier for your dog to stand up from a seated position or from laying down.
- They can also provide protection of your flooring from your dog’s nails.
- The socks can also act as a barrier to stop your dog from constantly licking their paws due to injury or health issues.
- Anti-slip socks are re-usable.
Cons:
- They may be difficult to get onto your dog.
- It may take some time for your dog to get used to wearing them.
- Depending on the fit, the socks have a tendency to slide down and not stay in place.
- Due to the motion of walking, the socks may turn around on your dog’s paw.
- If your dog’s nails are long, they may cut through the fabric of the sock.
How To Find The Correct Size For Your Anti-Slip Socks
To get correct size socks for your dog, you need to measure their paw. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s directions. One way is to place your dog’s paw on a piece of paper and trace around their paw and compare it to the manufacturer’s measurements. The other way is to print out a pre- fabricated paper from the manufacturer that you place your dog’s paw onto to see the correct size.
What Do I Look For When Choosing Anti-Slip Socks?
When looking for the best anti-slip socks for your dog, there are a few things to look out for:
- Double sided anti-slip surface. This will provide your dog with an extra anti-slip surface should the sock turn around on your dog’s paw.
- Strap. Having a strap attached to the sock can provide extra help in keeping the socks up on your dog’s legs.
Here are a few anti-slip socks you can try. All of these selections helped dogs avoid slipping on hardwood, laminate, and tile flooring. For each of these, most dogs were able to keep the socks on. Unfortunately, for the number that were able to keep the socks on, there were just as many that had difficulty staying up.
Beauty Zoo Anti-Slip Dog Socks
Features:
- Available in 3 sizes and 2 patterns.
- These come in a pack of 6, therefore, you get 2 extra socks in case any rip or get lost.
- Double sided non-slip material.
- Made of cotton.
- Includes a detachable strap to adjust the tightness of the sock.
- Manufacturer recommends sizing down if your dog is between sizes.
- These socks may be too big for very small dogs, according to users.
Scenereal Dog Socks
Features:
- Available in 3 sizes and 2 colors.
- Double sided non-slip material.
- Detachable strap to adjust tightness.
- Polyester material.
Expawlorer Double Sided Dog Socks
Features:
- Available in 3 sizes and 4 colors.
- Comes with 6 socks, so you have extra if needed.
- Double sided non-slip material.
- Detachable strap to adjust tightness.
- Size down if your dog measures between 2 sizes.
Paw Protector Pads
Paw protector pads are adhesive stickers that you place on your dog’s paw pads. They can be applied as one whole sticker or you can cut each piece to put on individual toes.
How Do I Find The Right Fit For Anti-Slip Pads?
To determine the correct size for your dog, you need to measure your dog’s paw. Measure the length and width and compare it to the manufacturer’s sizes.
How Do I Apply Paw Protector Pads?
In order to apply paw protector pads to your dog’s paws, a few steps need to be taken:
- Trim your dog’s nails.
- Cut the hair around your dog’s paws and between their toes to avoid getting the adhesive stuck to it.
- Wash and completely dry your dog’s paws.
- Choose if you would like to use the entire protector pad or cut it into pieces to be used on each individual toe.
- When placing the pad, be sure to hold it in place for a few moments to be sure it sticks.
How Do I Remove A Paw Protector Pad?
Paw protector pads come off with water, so a nice soak should get the pad to come off easily. With time, you can also wait until the pad comes off on its own.
Pros:
- Once you have prepared the area, they are easy to apply.
- Dogs don’t seem to mind wearing them.
- Provide good traction.
Cons:
- It may be difficult to get your dog to sit still to measure, prepare, and finally apply the protector pad.
- They come off easily with water. This means just going outside and walking on damp grass can cause the adhesive to lose its grip.
- Pads need to be replaced frequently. They last from a few days to 1 week on average.
Aqumax Anti Slip Paw Grips
Features:
- Available in 6 sizes.
- Comes in a pack of just black or a pack of black, blue, and pink.
- 48 pads are included (12 sets).
- Made of cotton with non slip silicone gel.
- Adhesive is non toxic and hypoallergenic according to the manufacturer.
- Can use the whole pad or cut into pieces and apply to individual toes.
- According to the manufacturer, if your dog is between sizes, size up.
- Users reported the adhesive is very strong; some people had difficulty getting them off their dog.
Loobani Dog Paw Protector Pads
Features:
- Available in 6 sizes.
- Comes in a pack of 3 different colors: blue, pink, and green.
- Package contains 48 pads (12 sets).
- If your dog is between 2 sizes, the manufacturer recommends sizing up.
- Hypoallergenic adhesive.
Rugs and Runners
If you decide to go the route of area rugs and runners to help keep your dog from slipping on your floors, these products may help keep your rugs and runners in place.
SlipToGrip Hook and Loop Rug Corner
Features:
- Includes 4 corner pieces with 4 circle pieces to attach to.
- Design allows you to pick up carpet to clean underneath if needed.
- Adhesive will not harm floors.
- If it loses adhesiveness, cleaning with rubbing alcohol can renew its “stickiness”.
DoubleCheck Products Rug Gripper
Features:
- Available in 6 sizes.
- Easily cut to size you need.
- Can be used on vinyl, laminate, tile, and wood flooring.
Sillaff Rug Tape
Features:
- Includes 12 pieces.
- Can be used on tile, laminate, marble, concrete, rubber, and wood flooring.
- Reusable. Go over with water or alcohol to renew adhesiveness.
It is heartbreaking to see your dog struggle just to stand up or to walk without their legs giving out. Hopefully one of these products can give them the traction they need to help bring some of their confidence back.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.