FAQs
ToeGrips 101—the solution to dog slipping
1. What are Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips?
2. Do ToeGrips really work?
3. How are ToeGrips applied?
4. How long do ToeGrips last?
5. What are ToeGrips made of?
6. Why do you use isopropyl alcohol to apply?
7. Do ToeGrips really stay on?
8. For what types of dogs were ToeGrips designed?
9. Can I use ToeGrips on my puppy or young dog?
10. Do you wholesale to veterinarians?
How to Select, Apply and Remove ToeGrips
11. How do I select the correct size of ToeGrips for my patient?
12. How do ToeGrips adhere to a dog’s toenails?
13. Can I use super glue to apply ToeGrips?
14. How do I know if the ToeGrips are in the proper position?
15. Should I apply ToeGrips to all of the dog’s toenails?
16. Do I put ToeGrips on the dewclaws?
17. Do you recommend cutting a dog's nails before applying ToeGrips?
18. Will my clients be able to apply ToeGrips?
19. Is it possible for a dog’s nails to be too short for ToeGrips?
20. The ToeGrips seem too long for my patient's hind nails. Should I trim them?
21. How do I remove the ToeGrips?
22. Why does the owner have to monitor ToeGrips on their dog’s toenails?
23. Do I need to remove ToeGrips before the dog has a bath, goes swimming, or uses an underwater treadmill?
24. Can I use Vaseline®, olive oil, or soap to apply ToeGrips?
25. Why do I need to remove and reapply the ToeGrips periodically?
26. Do you recommend trimming the hair under the dog’s paw when applying ToeGrips?
Troubleshooting ToeGrips
27. The ToeGrips don’t stay on. Why not?
28. The ToeGrips are riding up the nail and not staying in place. Why?
29. A particular dog keeps most of the ToeGrips on, but loses one occasionally. Is this normal?
30. The ToeGrips fit well when I put them on, but weeks later they’re popping off. Why would this happen and how do I fix the problem?
31. One ToeGrip fell off of the dog’s paw, but he/she still seems to be gripping fine. Do I need to replace it?
How to Maintain Your ToeGrips for Longer Performance
32. What can I do to make the ToeGrips last longer?
33. How do I clean the ToeGrips?
34. The dog’s ToeGrips are worn and ripped. Can I continue to use them?
Trimming Your Dog’s Nails
35. Do I still have to trim a dog’s toenails?
36. Can I cut a dog’s nails through the ToeGrips?
37. How often should I be trimming a dog’s nails?
38. How do I clean a dog’s nails?
Question About Ordering ToeGrips
39. What are my ordering options?
40. How does your satisfaction guarantee work?
41. Do you ship internationally?
42. Do you offer discounts/coupon codes?
Miscellaneous Questions About ToeGrips
43. Do I need to worry about latex allergies?
44. Why does your packaging say "Keep out of reach of children"?
45. Do ToeGrips come in other colors?
46. Do you have any experience with ingestion of ToeGrips?
47. Will fungus grow under the ToeGrip?
48. Are ToeGrips safe on ice or snow?
49. Can I use ToeGrips on my cat?
50. Do ToeGrips show up on radiographs?
51. Can ToeGrips cause damage by compressing the vessels in the nails?
52. Do ToeGrips pose a risk to cats and other small animals?
How ToeGrips Prevent Your Dog from Sliding on Floors
1. What are Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips?
Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips are natural rubber rings that slide onto a dog’s weight-bearing toenails, adhere by friction, and give instant traction to senoir, arthritic, and special needs dogs. They contact the floor at the GripZone™, where the nonslip material of the ToeGrip grips the floor in a way that the dog’s hard nail cannot.
By design, dogs use their nails to gain traction, not their paw pads. Unlike dog boots, ToeGrips provide traction the natural way–using dog toenails. Unlike booties and dog boots, ToeGrips do not cover dog paw pads. This is advantageous because dogs sweat through their paw pads, and often resent covers on their feet.
ToeGrips provide instant traction for dogs, which improves stability, gait and confidence. This inherently makes dogs safer.
ToeGrips provide instant traction for dogs, which improves stability, gait and confidence. This inherently makes dogs safer.
ToeGrips offer a wonderful solution for dogs that struggle with slipping and sliding on smooth surfaces and stairs.
For senior dogs, arthritic dogs, and dogs with chronic hip problems, ToeGrips are a safe adjunct to appropriate Western medicine and alternative therapies.
For dogs recovering from surgery or injuries, ToeGrips help with mobility and reduce the risk of re-injury from a slip or fall.
ToeGrips have also been helpful for certain Tripawd dogs.
ToeGrips are a biomechanical answer to a biomechanical problem.
2. Do ToeGrips really work?
YES! When used as directed, ToeGrips work very well, if not miraculously. However, ToeGrips are not the right product for every dog.
3. How are ToeGrips applied?
Immerse 16 ToeGrips in isopropyl alcohol. Apply wet, using the alcohol as a lubricant. Illustrated directions are located inside each package. Please keep in mind that ToeGrips must create the GripZone to enable traction. Correct placement is critical for success. Watch our short video tutorial here.
4. How long do ToeGrips last?
ToeGrips will need to be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on the dogs size, environment, and gait. The more abnormal your dogs gait, the faster ToeGrips will wear.
5. What are ToeGrips made of?
ToeGrips are made of a specially engineered material which contains natural rubber latex.
6. Why do you use isopropyl alcohol to apply?
You will need to break the coefficient of friction so that the ToeGrip will slide onto the nail. Isopropyl alcohol acts as a lubricant, but is not slippery to work with and quickly dries.
7. Do ToeGrips really stay on?
Yes. While an occasional ToeGrip may come off and need to be replaced, the grips stay on well in the dogs for whom they are intended. If they do not stay on well, they’re likely sized incorrectly. ToeGrips are not intended for healthy, active dogs.
8. For what types of dogs were ToeGrips designed?
ToeGrips were designed for senior, rehabilitating, and/or special needs dogs. In addition to helping dogs in their golden years, ToeGrips can be valuable in the treatment of hind end weakness, cruciate ligament injury, and iliopsoas strain. Dogs that knuckle/drag their paws will pull off ToeGrips; however, ToeGrips can be very helpful for neurologic patients because they provide proprioceptive stimulus. ToeGrips may be affixed to the nails with super glue if necessary. ToeGrips are not intended for healthy, active dogs.
9. Can I use ToeGrips on my puppy or young dog?
ToeGrips are not appropriate or necessary for young dogs due to their active lifestyles and inherent stability.However, ToeGrips may be helpful for younger dogs on a case by case basis, such as during rehabilitation after surgery.
10. Do you wholesale to veterinarians?
We currently wholesale exclusively through veterinary healthcare professionals.
How to Select, Apply and Remove ToeGrips
11. How do I select the correct size of ToeGrips for my patient?
Measuring is an essential, one-time process for each patient. Improperly sized, ToeGrips may quickly fall off, or migrate into the nail bed and cause harm. For best results, nails should be appropriately trimmed before measuring and/or applying ToeGrips.
Properly sized for your dog’s nails, ToeGrips should fit snugly and rest in the GripZone. If your dog’s ToeGrips fall off within the first couple days or ride up the nail, they are most likely too big. The most accurate way to size a dog for ToeGrips is to measure the dog’s nail circumferences. Click here to watch a short video tutorial.
12. How do ToeGrips adhere to a dog’s toenails?
They simply adhere by friction. No adhesive is used. But this is why the grips must fit snugly, since they only attach by mechanical interference.
13. Can I use super glue to apply ToeGrips?
For dogs with conscious proprioceptive deficits, and other special circumstances, ToeGrips will not stay on just by mechanical interference. The knuckling/dragging of the paws will cause the ToeGrips to pop off. In these situations, we’ve found that affixing the ToeGrips to the nails with super glue is a very effective solution. Tissue glue is fine, but super glue is cheaper and works better. Click here to watch a short video tutorial.
14. How do I know if the ToeGrips are in the proper position?
If your patient is no longer slipping on your floors, the ToeGrips are most likely in the proper position.
• ToeGrips must contact the ground to provide traction.
• Each ToeGrip must rest in the GripZone, as illustrated here.
• Positioned incorrectly, the ToeGrip won't create the GripZone.
• A ToeGrip should never sit high enough on the nail shaft to contact the nail bed—where the nail meets the skin—as this can cause harm.
• If the dog’s toenails are excessively long, the ToeGrip may be prevented from creating the GripZone, contacting the floor, and providing traction.
• If the dog has excessively furry paws, the hair may interfere with the ToeGrips' ability to do their work, and should be addressed.
15. Should I apply ToeGrips to all of the dog’s toenails?
We recommend applying ToeGrips to all 16 weight-bearing nails, but some dogs can thrive with ToeGrips on only the eight back nails, such as a dogs' recovering from cruciate ligament repair.
16. Do I put ToeGrips on the dewclaws?
No, that is not necessary or appropriate.
17. Do you recommend cutting my dog's nails before applying ToeGrips?
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.
18. Will my clients be able to apply ToeGrips?
If they can work with their dog’s feet despite his/her objections, then they should be fine. If they can’t handle their dog’s paws, realistically they will not be able to apply ToeGrips.
19. Is it possible for a dog’s nails to be too short for ToeGrips to work?
It is unlikely, but possible. If the ToeGrips on a dog’s nails do not reach the ground when he/she is gaiting, they 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 as short as possible.
20. The ToeGrips seem too long for the dog’s hind nails. Should I trim them?
Our priority is that Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips adhere to the maxim, “Above all do no harm.” We have carefully selected and tested every dimension of Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips. The wall thickness was chosen to minimally interfere with the way the toenail naturally interfaces with the ground. And the ToeGrip lengths were designed to be long enough to remain in place on the nail, while short enough to avoid the nail bed—where the nail meets the skin. Therefore, the lengths are appropriate for most dogs. It would be very unusual for you to need to modify the length.
If your dog has very short nails (particularly the hind nails), you may feel that a ToeGrip is too long for the nail. If that is the case, most likely your dog’s nails are too short for ToeGrips. Keep in mind that if the ToeGrips don’t touch the ground, they cannot provide traction.
21. How do I remove the ToeGrips?
Removal is a quick and easy process. Simply contact the grip with a fingernail/fingertip and pull downward while stabilizing the toe with the other hand. The grip will just pop off.
22. Why does the owner have to monitor ToeGrips on their dog’s toenails?
Like any product used on an animal, ToeGrips should be used under supervision. The owner should visually inspect the grips daily to make sure they’re in place and in good condition. This should only take a few seconds. Be certain each ToeGrip rests in the GripZone, just behind the bottom of the nail tip. Periodic adjustments to positioning may be needed. Rarely, if neglected, ToeGrips may shift into the nail bed or irritate and adjacent toe and cause harm. The owner should monitor the dogs ToeGrips daily for safety and success.
23. Do I need to remove ToeGrips before the dog has a bath, goes swimming, or uses an underwater treadmill?
No, ToeGrips are not affected by water. We do recommend removing and cleaning the grips immediately after your dog goes to the beach. Salt water may fade the grips, and sand could get between the grip and the nail, which would be abrasive.
24. Do I need to remove and reapply the ToeGrips periodically?
ToeGrips are made from natural, biodegradable material that will wear over time.
By removing the ToeGrips, you can fully inspect your dog’s toenails, clean the grips, replace those that are badly worn, and reapply the grips that are less than 20% worn.
When reapplying the used ToeGrips that are still in good condition, you will have rotated them (like car tires), and this will extend their lifespan.
25. Can I use Vaseline®, olive oil, or soap to apply ToeGrips?
No. Vaseline®, olive oil, and soaps can react with the ToeGrip material and should not be used. While we recommend using isopropyl alcohol, you can use a water-based lubricant or just water.
26. Do you recommend trimming the hair under the dog’s paw when applying ToeGrips?
Yes, trimming any long hair around your dog’s pads/toes is essential to success with ToeGrips. If the ToeGrips contact the hair before they contact the floor, the hair will act like a slipper preventing the ToeGrip from providing traction. It may be safest to have a groomer do this for you, so that you don’t accidentally cut your dog.
Troubleshooting ToeGrips
27. The ToeGrips don’t stay on. Why not?
Most likely it is because they’re too big for the dog’s nails. Ideally, measure or re-measure and consult our sizing chart.
Another problem might be that they have been applied improperly. Make sure they’re sitting on the nail shaft with the tip protruding. Please click here for a short video tutorial on positioning and monitoring.
Also, if a dog has a neurologic gait, the ToeGrips may not stay on well. For example, dragging of a knuckled paw (even occasionally) will pull the ToeGrips off.
Lastly, in super active dogs or dogs that live on carpet/rugs, ToeGrips may be harder to keep on. In most plodding senior dogs, this is not an issue.
28. The ToeGrips are riding up the nail and not staying in place. Why?
If the ToeGrips are new, this problem is because they are too large. Please measure or re-measure and consult the sizing chart.
If you’re having this problem and the ToeGrips are more than a few weeks old, it could be that they have worn out on the bottom and this has widened the internal diameter of the ToeGrips, making them loose. Remove the ToeGrips and inspect carefully. Replace as needed.
Finally, dirt or sand may accumulate between the nails and the grips, which can loosen their hold on the nail. Remove all the ToeGrips and clean the grips and the dog’s nails, then reapply.
29. The dog keeps most of the ToeGrips on, but loses one occasionally. Is this normal?
Yes, sometimes a dog will lose a ToeGrip here or there. This is normal. We supply enough ToeGrips for four paws (16 toenails) plus four spare grips, so you can replace as needed.
30. The ToeGrips fit well when I put them on, but weeks later they’re popping off. Why would this happen and how do I fix the problem?
If they begin to pop off within hours to days of application, they’re likely too big and you should move down one size.
But if they initially stayed on well and later are popping off, you have a different issue. Dirt or sand may accumulate between the nails and the grips, which can loosen their hold on the nail. Remove all the ToeGrips and clean the grips and your dog’s nails, then reapply.
31. One ToeGrip fell off of my dog’s paw, but he/she still seems to be gripping fine. Do I need to replace it?
We’ve observed that dogs will maintain adequate grip with as few as 2-3 grips per paw, but we advise that all 4 weight bearing toes have ToeGrips in place for best results.
How to Maintain Your ToeGrips for Longer Performance
32. What can I do to make my ToeGrips last longer?
Remove ToeGrips weekly for cleaning and reapplication. By removing and reapplying, like rotating your car’s tires, the grips will wear in a more even pattern and last much longer, up to three to four months.
33. How do I clean the ToeGrips?
ToeGrips can be cleaned with water or rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. Do not use any type of detergent.
34. The ToeGrips are worn and ripped. Can I continue to use them?
No. Once a ToeGrip is worn more than 20 percent through the length of the grip, it is loses its integrity. This means that it can stretch and ride up the nail. Also, it is no longer providing the traction that your dog needs.
The ToeGrips pictured on the right were worn for six weeks and never checked. This dog had significant neurologic and orthopedic issues, which decreases the grips lifespan based on the dog's gait.
Trimming Your Dog’s Nails
35. Do I still have to trim the dog’s toenails?
Yes, ToeGrips are not a substitute for appropriate nail care. Proper nail care is one of the most important things you can do for your dog, and one of the most overlooked areas of pet preventative health maintenance.
• Dogs in the wild have very short nails. They run, climb, and dig, and are constantly on uneven terrain. Our domesticated canine companions spend the majority of their lives on our flat, smooth floors, and on our couches and beds. Consequently, their nails grow very long.
• When a dog’s nails grow too long, they contact the ground at unnatural angles and place abnormal forces into the toes. This impacts the dog’s proprioception (the body’s awareness of where it is in space). This dog’s posture/stance will deteriorate and stride/gait will also change for the worse.
• If your dog is wearing ToeGrips but his/her toenails are excessively long, the ToeGrips may be prevented from creating the GripZone, contacting the floor, and providing traction.
Appropriate nail care will drastically improve your dog’s posture and gait and even improve slipping, to some degree.
36. Can I cut a dog’s nails through the ToeGrips?
It wouldn’t be our recommendation. Sometimes trimming the nail through the grip results in a hook at the bottom of the nail that prevents the ToeGrip from resting in the GripZone. Also, pulling the ToeGrips down into the GripZone after the nail trim is much more challenging than pushing them into proper position when applying.
37. How often should I be trimming a dog’s nails?
Dog’s nails should be trimmed every 3-6 weeks, depending on how they grow and wear. Dremeling is an alternative to nail trimming and can be done even more frequently.
38. How do I clean the dog’s nails?
If your dog’s feet are full of mud, dirt or sand, we recommend bathing with dog shampoo and water. But for a quick polish of reasonably clean nails, simply wiping them down with a damp cloth should be sufficient.
Questions About Ordering ToeGrips
39. What are my ordering options?
Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips are sold through this website and through distributors in the US, Canada, The UK, and Europe. Please click here for a list of distributors.
40. How does your guarantee work?
We are 100% confident that when used appropriately, ToeGrips improve dogs’ quality of life. We want to empower you to feel that same level of confidence. Therefore, we have implemented a money back guarantee, in the form of complimentary replacement product.
If you have a client who is unhappy with their ToeGrips purchase, simply refund their money and we will send you a replacement set with your next order. Please email wholesale@toegrips.com with the client's name and reason for return and we will send you a promo code to use with your next order.
41. Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We have shipped ToeGrips around the world. All duty taxes are the responsibility of the receiver. For questions regarding shipping please email wholesale@toegrips.com.
42. Do you offer discounts?
We offer a volume discount, visible to registered accounts only. Also, we periodically post coupon codes on Facebook and Twitter.
43. Do I need to worry about latex allergies?
The material we use in manufacturing is processed to minimize the proteins that cause latex reactions. However, we advise avoiding the product if you are allergic to natural rubber latex.
Our packaging carries the warning: "Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips contain natural rubber latex, which may cause an allergic reaction in people." Latex allergy is not a reported problem for our canine companions.
If you’ve purchased the product and you’re allergic to latex, contact us at customercare@toegrips.com to return your unopened ToeGrips for a refund.
Miscellaneous Questions About ToeGrips
44. Why does your packaging say "Keep out of reach of children"?
We want owners to be aware that if a ToeGrip is dropped or pops off their dog's nail and they have small children, it could be a choke hazard.
45. Do ToeGrips come in other colors?
Not at this time. We want to stress that ToeGrips are a therapeutic device and not a fashion accessory. We intentionally don't sell ToeGrips in neutral shades, because we feel so strongly about owners monitoring this product on their dog's toes. Our colors makes that easier to do and harder to overlook.
46. Do you have any experience with ingestion of ToeGrips?
ToeGrips are non-toxic and theoretically small enough to pass through a dog’s gastrointestinal tract uneventfully. We have never had a complaint about ToeGrips causing harm from ingestion. However, please caution owners to use ToeGrips responsibly and under supervision (home monitoring).
47. Will fungus grow under the ToeGrip?
We strongly recommend that the ToeGrips be periodically removed, cleaned and the nails inspected, as a precaution. Properly applied and monitored, infection of the nail itself should not occur.
48. Are ToeGrips safe on ice or snow?
We have not yet tested ToeGrips on ice or snow. However, we have received testimonials that ToeGrips do help on ice and snow.
49. Can I use ToeGrips on my cat?
Because of the anatomy and design of cats' claws, ToeGrips are not suitable for feline paws.
50. Do ToeGrips show up on radiographs?
The first concern I had in the development of ToeGrips was whether or not they could pose an obstructive risk in the GI tract of dogs. After speaking with several colleagues and surgeons, it was unanimously agreed that ToeGrips would pass right through. And this has been confirmed by experience. To date, we’ve had no reports of ToeGrips causing any problems like this.
However I still have two concerns for ToeGrips:
• ToeGrips are a choke hazard for small children. This is noted on the inside and outside of our new packaging.
• Could ToeGrips pose an obstructive risk for cats in the home? I don’t know.
51. Can ToeGrips cause damage by compressing the vessels in the nails?
• There was a study in humans that indicated that vessels in healthy fibrocartilaginous tissue are spared from compressive forces. The quick inside the nail is protected by the nail tissue, which is modified epidermis--thick, horny material—but would function in the same way. The quick can’t be significantly compressed through the hard nail.
• The vein, artery, and nerve (VAN) in each toenail run together. If the vessels were affected, the nerve would be also. We have no evidence that we are impacting the nerve. The vast majority of dogs don’t even seem to notice the ToeGrips on their nails.
• If compression existed, it would be at the nail tips, where no structure distal to that needs flow (the nails is growing from the nail bed). The nail tips should be routinely trimmed off and nail care should be discussed in conjunction with ToeGrips. This is a vastly different scenario than a tourniquet where vital distal structures are being deprived of blood.
52. Do ToeGrips pose a risk to cats and other small animals?
We have had one report of ToeGrips causing an obstruction in a four pound kitten that had eaten at least six Labrador-sized ToeGrips. While this this is a rare scenario, we recommend that you keep the ToeGrips out of reach of cats and other animals.