Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions
1) Are ToeGrips® 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 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 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 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 97% of dogs do not bother with or chew at their ToeGrips. In fact, most dogs don’t even seem to notice them, which makes sense because ToeGrips 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 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, they should pass right through a dog’s GI tract. To date, that has always been the case. Furthermore, ToeGrips are FDA-certified non-toxic.
3) How do I select the correct size ToeGrips for my dog?
Proper sizing is critical for success. ToeGrips 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 will help ensure that you select the correct size. View our Measuring Instructions here.
Do not assume ToeGrips 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 should fit snugly.
2) How long do ToeGrips last?
ToeGrips 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 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
Yes, trimming any long hair around your dog’s pads/toes is helpful to reduce a dog’s slipping with or without ToeGrips.
If the ToeGrips contact the hair before they contact the floor, the hair will act like a “slipper”, preventing the ToeGrip 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 rotate the ToeGrip downward while stabilizing the toe with the other hand. The grip will just pop off.
Click here to watch the 1-minute video: How to Remove Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips.
It is unlikely but possible. Even if your dog’s nails do not touch the ground when standing, ToeGrips 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 on those short nails can’t provide traction. But don’t change a thing—short nails are optimal for healthy posture and gait!
ToeGrips are appropriate for the vast majority of dogs’ nails, even when trimmed regularly.
No. Because of the anatomy and design of cats’ claws, ToeGrips are not suitable for feline paws.
Affixing ToeGrips 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 off the nails. Super Glue is the simple solution to keep the ToeGrips securely in position.
Click here for video instructions
We recommend applying ToeGrips to all 16 weight-bearing nails (not the dewclaws), but some dogs can thrive with ToeGrips 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 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. In this case, consider asking your veterinary office if their staff is willing to help. ToeGrips are sold by thousands of veterinarians worldwide.
No. Petroleum, oil, and silicone-based lubricants can react with the ToeGrip material and should not be used. While we recommend using isopropyl rubbing alcohol, you can use plain water or even apply ToeGrips 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 ability to create the GripZone.
Applying ToeGrips with isopropyl alcohol is not required, but it facilitates application by helping the snug-fitting ToeGrips fit onto your dog’s toenails. Isopropyl alcohol will not harm your dog’s nails or ToeGrips and quickly dries.
Immerse 16 ToeGrips 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 into position with less resistance. Illustrated directions are printed inside each package, and you can watch a short video here.
Please keep in mind that ToeGrips must create the GripZone to enable traction. Proper sizing and correct placement are critical for success.
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Safety
ToeGrips 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. However, please use ToeGrips responsibly and under supervision. If you have concerns about an ingestion incident, please contact your veterinarian.
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Purchase
Buy with confidence! We want you to love your ToeGrips 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: https://toegrips.com/instructions/
When you purchase Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips, you have access to expert product support from a team who is passionate about dogs. If for any reason ToeGrips are not the right product for your dog, email us to take advantage of our money back guarantee. Please email us for return authorization: help@toegrips.com
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 are sold through this website and through select veterinary hospitals worldwide. Click here to find a veterinarian who carries ToeGrips near you.
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Shipping
Yes! We ship ToeGrips around the world every week. All duty taxes are the responsibility of the receiver. For questions regarding shipping please email help@toegrips.com.
ToeGrips are also sold through veterinarians around the globe. Click here to search for a practice near you.
