Socks for Dogs Who Have Trouble on Slippery Floors

If your pooch is slipping and sliding around your smooth wood, laminate or tile floors, many medical issues could be to blame, including orthopedic problems or injuries. After visiting the vet to help treat such a condition, make life easier for your pup by putting socks on his feet that have added traction on the bottom to help him get around your home.

  1. Reasons for Socks

    • Dogs can suffer from a variety of medical problems that can impede their mobility, including intervertebral disc disease, neuromuscular disease, hip dysplasia, arthritis or even a temporary injury. These conditions can result in a change in your pup's gait, causing him to limp around and reducing his ability to navigate slick or slippery surfaces as well as a healthy pup. Many of these conditions have no cure and worsen over time, especially with limited exercise or weight gain. If your pooch is slipping around your floors, he'll become more apt to sit around because of the fear of falling and hurting himself, something that socks can help with.

    Types of Socks

    • While there are many types of socks available on the market for your pooch, look for ones that have rubber nubs on the bottom, which help your pooch keep his balance when walking on slippery surfaces. Most socks are made out of stretchy, washable fabric that you slip over your pup's feet, allowing the skin of the feet to breathe. Some disposable socks are made completely out of stretchable, thin rubber, like rubber gloves, which can give your pooch some traction while also protecting Fido's feet from water or ice when outdoors.

    Sizing

    • While some doggie socks are sized by your pup's weight, others are sized by the measurements of your pooch's paws. Measure the bottoms of your pup's feet, including his nails, to determine what size of sock to purchase. If Fido won't sit still or dislikes you handling his feet, make a quick outline of his foot when he stands on a piece of paper to get these measurements. Read the manufacturer's specifications for the socks to determine whether the sizing measurements are taken by length or width of the feet.

    Wearing Socks

    • Slowly ease your pup into wearing his stylish new bootie socks by putting them on and giving him a treat after you get each sock over his foot. Once he's wearing the socks, allow him to keep them on for a few minutes at a time, lavishing him with praise and treats to positively reinforce the experience. After experiencing how the booties help him get around and getting a variety of treats when he wears them, Fido should become used to walking in them.

    Considerations

    • While some pups acclimate to wearing socks, others don't; young puppy feet may also be too small to wear booties. In these cases, put down soft carpeting or rubber mats so that your pup can get around without slipping. There are also sticky residues available to rub on the bottoms of Fido's feet to improve traction without socks. With the improved traction from socks or carpeted surfaces, your pup should exercise regularly without fear, improving his mobility and preventing obesity.