Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions
1) Are ToeGrips® dog nail grips right for my dog?
If your dog can rise and walk on carpet and grass but slips and slides on hard-surface floors indoors, you’ve come to the right place!
ToeGrips® dog nail grips were designed for slipping senior, arthritic, and special needs dogs who struggle on slippery floors and spend the majority of their time indoors.
Though ToeGrips® dog nail grips can be helpful for dogs of all ages, they are unlikely to reliably stay on the nails of young, active dogs. In other words, they are for “walkers”, not “runners”. However, ToeGrips® dog nail grips may be appropriate for younger dogs on a case by case basis, such as during rehabilitation after surgery or injury.
2) Will my dog chew these off?
Most people assume this is a common scenario, but 99% of dogs do not bother with or chew at their ToeGrips® dog nail grips. In fact, most dogs don’t even seem to notice them, which makes sense because ToeGrips® dog nail grips sit on the poorly innervated nail tip, as opposed to covering skin/soft tissue of the paws and paw pads.
As a veterinarian, ingestion was one of Dr. Buzby’s primary concerns years ago when bringing ToeGrips® dog nail grips to the marketplace. She consulted with several colleagues, including surgeons, about this issue and everyone agreed that based on the size of dog and size of corresponding ToeGrips® dog nail grips, they should pass right through a dog’s GI tract. To date, that has always been the case. Furthermore, ToeGrips® dog nail grips are made with 100% FDA approved non-toxic material.
3) How do I select the correct size ToeGrips® dog nail grips for my dog?
Proper sizing is critical for success. ToeGrips® dog nail grips are sized based on nail circumference; measuring your dog’s nails is an essential, one-time task. Trimming your dog’s nails before measuring and/or applying ToeGrips® dog nail grips will help ensure that you select the correct size. View our Measuring Instructions here.
Do not assume ToeGrips® dog nail grips are too small because they do not easily slide on the nails. They are not intended to. Properly sized for your dog’s nails, ToeGrips® dog nail grips should fit snugly.
4) How long do ToeGrips® dog nail grips last?
ToeGrips® dog nail grips typically last 1-3 months, two months on average. “Mileage” will vary based on your dog’s size, environment, and gait. The more abnormal your dog’s gait, the faster ToeGrips® dog nail grips will wear.
5) Do you offer any discounts for repeat customers?
Yes, in 2017 we launched a subscription program so repeat customers could arrange auto shipment for reorders at a significant discount.
Application
Each package contains 20 ToeGrips® dog nail grips, enough for all 16 nails in contact with the ground and 4 spares.
Yes, trimming any long hair around your dog’s pads/toes is helpful to reduce a dog’s slipping with or without ToeGrips® dog nail grips.
If the ToeGrips® dog nail grips contact the hair before they contact the floor, the hair will act like a “slipper”, preventing the ToeGrip® dog nail grip from gripping the floor. It may be safest to have a groomer do this for you, so that you don’t accidentally cut your dog.
Removal is a quick and easy process. Simply contact the grip with a fingernail/fingertip and roll the ToeGrip® dog nail grip downward while stabilizing the toe with the other hand. The grip will roll off.
Click here to watch the 1-minute video: How to Remove Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips.
It is unlikely but possible. Even if your dog’s nails do not touch the ground when standing, ToeGrips® dog nail grips may still work, because the nails usually interface with the ground differently in stride than at rest. But, if your dog’s nails do not contact the ground when he/she is gaiting, then the ToeGrips® dog nail grips on those short nails can’t provide traction. But don’t change a thing—short nails are optimal for healthy posture and gait!
ToeGrips® dog nail grips are appropriate for the vast majority of dogs’ nails, even when trimmed regularly.
No. Because of the anatomy and design of cats’ claws, ToeGrips® dog nail grips are not suitable for feline paws.
Affixing ToeGrips® dog nail grips to the nails with glue is not necessary for most dogs. It is an alternate method of application that we recommend for dogs with an altered gait, such as three-legged dogs or dogs who drag/scuff their paws. This altered gait tends to tug the ToeGrips® dog nail grips off the nails. Super Glue is the simple solution to keep the ToeGrips® dog nail grips securely in position.
Click here for video instructions
We recommend applying ToeGrips® dog nail grips to all 16 weight-bearing nails (not the dewclaws), but some dogs can thrive with ToeGrips® dog nail grips applied to only the eight back nails, such as a dog recovering from cruciate ligament repair.
If you can work with your dog’s feet despite his/her objections, then you should be fine. If you can’t handle your dog’s paws, realistically you will not be able to apply ToeGrips® dog nail grips by yourself.
If you know your dog is going to be difficult to work with, we recommend the following:
-Start with a tired dog – apply the grips after a long walk or play session.
-Enlist a competent assistant to distract your dog and help stabilize each leg as you are working with that paw.
-Be prepared for the job. Watch our instructional videos in advance.
-Approach the task with a confident, calm attitude.
If you are unable or unwilling to work with your dog’s paws, you won’t be able to measure for or apply, Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips. In this case, consider asking your veterinary office if their staff is willing to help. ToeGrips® dog nail grips are sold by thousands of veterinarians worldwide.
No. Petroleum, oil, and silicone-based lubricants can react with the ToeGrip® dog nail grip material and should not be used. While we recommend using isopropyl rubbing alcohol, you can use plain water or even apply ToeGrips® dog nail grips dry.
This would be optimal. Dr. Buzby is a passionate advocate of trimming dog’s nails at least monthly. If the nails are too long, this may interfere with the ToeGrips® dog nail grips ability to create the GripZoneTM.
Applying ToeGrips® dog nail grips with isopropyl alcohol is not required, but it facilitates application by helping the snug-fitting ToeGrips® dog nail grips fit onto your dog’s toenails. Isopropyl alcohol will not harm your dog’s nails or ToeGrips® dog nail grips and quickly dries.
Immerse 16 ToeGrips® dog nail grips in isopropyl alcohol—they do not need to soak for any length of time. By applying wet, the alcohol serves as a lubricant, helping you “work” the ToeGrips® dog nail grips into position with less resistance. Illustrated directions are printed inside each package, and you can watch Dr. Buzby’s short video on how to apply ToeGrips.
Please keep in mind that ToeGrips® dog nail grips must create the GripZoneTM to enable traction. Proper sizing and correct placement are critical for success.
Safety
ToeGrips® dog nail grips are theoretically small enough to pass through your dog’s gastrointestinal tract uneventfully. We’ve never received a complaint regarding harm to a dog caused by ingesting ToeGrips® dog nail grips. However, please use ToeGrips® dog nail grips responsibly and under supervision. If you have concerns about an ingestion incident, please contact your veterinarian.
Purchase
Buy with confidence! We want you to love your ToeGrips® dog nail grips and we want them to fit your dog! Please be sure to accurately size your dog prior to purchase—you can see sizing instructions here.
When you purchase Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips, you have access to expert product support from a team who is passionate about dogs. If for any reason ToeGrips® dog nail grips are not the right product for your dog, email us to take advantage of our money-back guarantee. Please email us for return authorization: [email protected]
Returns postmarked more than 30 days from the date of purchase are not eligible for a refund and will be donated to a rescue or shelter.
Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips are sold through this website and through select veterinary hospitals worldwide. Click here to find a veterinarian who carries ToeGrips® dog nail grips near you.
Shipping
Yes! We ship ToeGrips® dog nail grips around the world every week. All duty taxes are the responsibility of the receiver. For questions regarding shipping please email [email protected].
ToeGrips® dog nail grips are also sold through veterinarians around the globe. Click here to search for a practice near you.
