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How Important is Paw Friction to Dog Traction?

Julie Buzby DVM, CAVCA, CVA July 19, 2016 2 Comments

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With the exception of ToeGrips® dog nail grips, the products on the market which address traction-related mobility issues for dogs have one claim to fame—adding friction to the dog’s paws or pads. Adding “paw friction” seems logical, right? In theory, it should reduce slipping. And to some extent, it does. But here’s the thing: for our dogs, paw friction is “Plan B” and not “Plan A.”

PLAN A: Engaging the toenails is inherent to the very design of the paw 

dog paw pads with dog toenails on wood floor
Toenails: The primary traction mechanism

As a veterinarian with a passion for dog feet, here’s what I know to be true: dogs are hard-wired to use their nails as their primary traction mechanism. Outdoors, toenails function like cleats, digging into the earth for grip. (When was the last time you saw a dog slipping while playing on dirt or grass? I rest my case.)

On their natural terrain, dogs have the right equipment and they know how to use it! 

How much paw friction do dogs get from their paw pads? Photo of dog's feet in grass and mud
Dogs use their toenails as their primary mechanism for gaining traction, not their paw pads.

When feeling secure, dogs rely on default paw friction to walk. However, when dogs start to slip, their natural reflex is to engage their nails, as their “go to” mechanism for traction.

We even see this in dogs who are standing still. Have you ever seen a dog in a vet hospital reception area frozen in fear? One hallmark of that posture is the dog standing on his “tippy toes.” Why? Dogs are hard-wired to “dig” their nails into the ground for traction.

We also see dogs “engage their nails” and “dig in” when trying to rise from slick floors. This is another key place where ToeGrips® dog nail grips play the role of hero!

Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips® give each toe grip on hardwood floors
ToeGrips® dog nail grips have been hailed as “the next generation of dog boots” by veterinarians.

The problem with products that seek to increase paw friction

Have you looked at online and catalog options for dog traction products? If so, you probably have found socks, boots, booties, pad stickies, pad balm, even glue-on rubber for the paw pads! These products try to increase paw friction with the ground. Sadly, they are trying to solve this very real problem as if dogs were humans in need of sneakers.

However, the problem isn’t with the dog, but rather, the environment.

While we humans love the look of smooth surfaces in our homes, we’ve actually made our dogs’ lives a little harder. Smooth floors, like the ones described below, are not natural surfaces for a dog to live on:

  • Brazilian cherry, bamboo, and other hardwood floors
  • Travertine tile and stone floors
  • Painted concrete
  • Laminate

Am I suggesting that we move our families into lean-tos in the woods? As much as my sons would love that, I’m not! What I am suggesting is that we understand the root issue and help dogs adapt in a way that supports their natural instincts and abilities.

This dog is scared to walk on hardwood floor
Navigating hard-surface floors can be challenging for dogs, especially senior and special needs dogs who don’t compensate as well as younger dogs.

Help dogs adapt in a way that supports their natural instincts

Until dogs evolve to possess grippy toes like tree frogs, I recommend ToeGrips® dog nail grips. But my customers’ words are more powerful than my own. Please read the happy ending stories, emails, and letters that I receive each day from ToeGrips® dog nail grips believers. Each success story touches my heart and makes me even more passionate about my mission to help dog owners help their dogs.

A tree frog with toes that have friction and traction
Tree frogs display quintessential paw friction

Hard nails can’t grip hard floors. But the nonslip, custom-engineered material that ToeGrips® dog nail grips are made from restores the nails’ natural gripping power. By helping dogs function naturally, they get the traction they need!

See how Gibson’s life was transformed by ToeGrips® dog nail grips. Watch this video:

Close-up of a dog's paw pad and title How important is paw friction to dog traction: why dogs "dig" the natural solution to slipping

Have you observed your dog trying to “dig in” or use the toenails when rising from a wood floor or walking on smooth surfaces? 

We’d love hear. Please comment below.

To shop ToeGrips® dog nail grips now, please click here.

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Filed Under: Dog Mobility, Our Blog: The Buzby Bark Tagged With: dog grip, dog nails, dog slipping, dog toenails, dog traction, hardwood floors, paw friction, slipping dog, toe grips, ToeGrips

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beverly Conroy says

    November 4, 2018 at 7:45 am

    Louie my 15 yr old 98 pounder got his toe grips yesterday. Getting up and down was his obvious struggle. Walking is slow and often he resists. Laser treatment has greatly increase his comfort. The toe grips add a layer of comfort getting up and down. Since the toe grips went on hIs walk just looks different, more fluid and confident. He is walking willingly, so surely he is more comfortable. Yesterday we did 2 instead of 1 exercise-companion walks. He cannot do laminate floors at least not yet, but he walks on the road confidently. Today we are going to try visiting a local preserve that had been our daily destination. I am amazed, and I am sure Louie is also , at the change tipgrips have brought about. From PA Thank you.

    Reply
    • Julie Buzby says

      November 13, 2018 at 4:49 pm

      Hi Beverly, Thanks so much for taking the time to share Louie’s ToeGrips success with us! You have no idea how much joy it brings our entire team to know that ToeGrips are helping Louie live a better quality of life. Please give Louie a big hug from all of us at Team ToeGrips and thank you again for the wonderful feedback!

      Reply

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About Dr. Buzby

Dr. Buzby with a golden retrieverDr. Julie Buzby has been an integrative veterinarian for twenty years and has earned certification by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1998, and by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2002.
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