ToeGrips: Frequently
Asked Questions

Application
Safety
Purchase
Shipping
Watch our short videos series
How to measure your dog for Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail

How to apply ToeGrips® dog nail grips with super glue (optional)

How to apply ToeGrips® dog nail grips to blunt nails
How to correctly apply Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips
Monitoring Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips
How to remove glued ToeGrips® dog nail grips

How to work your dog’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips into position

How to remove ToeGrips® dog nail grips

Application

Q: 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.

Q: How are ToeGrips® dog nail grips applied?

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 a short video here.

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.

Q: How to measure your dog’s nails for ToeGrips® dog nail grips:

Step 1: Wrap a piece of dental floss around the midshaft of the toenail.

Step 2:Hold the floss, wrapped around the nail circumference, with one hand.

Step 3: Use a Sharpie® to mark across both pieces of floss. This will generate two points.

Step 4: Stretch the floss and measure the distance between the two points in millimeters.

Step 5: Repeat for all weight-bearing nails on one front and one back paw.

Step 6: Based on the range of measurements obtained (not the average), use the chart to select the proper size. Occasionally, a dog may require a combination of two sizes.

Q: 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 videos on sizing 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.

Q: How many ToeGrips® dog nail grips come in a package?
Each package contains 20 ToeGrips® dog nail grips, enough for all 16 nails in contact with the ground and 4 spares.
Q: Do you recommend trimming the fur under my dog’s paw when applying ToeGrips® dog nail grips?
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.

Q: How do I remove the ToeGrips® dog nail grips?
Removal is a quick and easy process. Simply contact the grip with a fingernail/fingertip and rotate the ToeGrip® dog nail grip 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® dog nail grips.

Q: Is it possible for my dog’s nails to be too short for 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.

Q: Can I use super glue to apply ToeGrips® dog nail grips? Do I need to?
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.

Q: Should I apply ToeGrips® dog nail grips to all of my dog’s nails?
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.
Q: My dog is resistant to having his/her feet handled. Will I be able to apply ToeGrips® dog nail grips?
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.

Q: Can I use Vaseline®, olive oil, or silicone-based lubricants to apply ToeGrips® dog nail grips?
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.
Q: Do you recommend cutting my dog’s nails before applying ToeGrips® dog nail grips?
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.
Q: Why do you recommend isopropyl rubbing alcohol to apply ToeGrips®?

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.

Q: Can I use ToeGrips® dog nail grips on my cat?
No. Because of the anatomy and design of cats’ claws, ToeGrips® dog nail grips are not suitable for feline paws.

Safety

Q: 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® 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 FDA-certified non-toxic.

Q: Do ToeGrips® dog nail grips work on ice or snow?
A: We have not personally tested ToeGrips® dog nail grips on ice or snow. However, we have received a few testimonials that ToeGrips® dog nail grips are helpful to dogs on ice and snow.
Q: Will fungus grow under the ToeGrips® dog nail grips?
We recommend that the ToeGrips® dog nail grips be periodically removed, cleaned and the nails inspected, but dog’s nail tips are not a common place for bacterial, fungal or yeast infections and this is not an issue of concern with ToeGrips® dog nail grips.
Q: Do ToeGrips® dog nail grips pose a risk to cats and other small animals?
Since ingestion of a foreign object is always a major concern in animals, we recommend that you keep the ToeGrips® dog nail grips out of reach of cats and other small animals.
My dog ingested his/her ToeGrips® dog nail grips? What should I do?
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.

Why does your package say “Keep out of reach of children”?
We want owners to be aware that if a ToeGrip® dog nail grip is dropped or pops off their dog’s nail and they have small children, it could be a choking hazard.

Purchase

Q: 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.

Subscribe and save 15% with autoship

  • When you select autoship, you get easy, convenient deliveries. So your dog will never have to miss a step.
  • Save 15% on each order and receive free shipping. Cancel autoship anytime.
  • Customize your delivery schedule (every 4, 6, or 8 weeks)

SUBSCRIBE NOW & SAVE 15%

Q: 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.
Q: Do you accept returns / exchanges?
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:

https://toegrips.com/instructions/

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.

Q: Where can I purchase ToeGrips® dog nail grips?

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.

Q: What is the Subscribe & Save program?
When you select our convenient “Subscribe & Save” program you get ToeGrips delivered automatically at the interval you choose. Just set it and forget!

Here’s how it works:

  • Enjoy 15% savings on every order, plus free shipping
  • Customize your delivery schedule (every, 4, 6 or 8 weeks)
  • It’s free and easy. No commitment – change or cancel anytime

SUBSCRIBE NOW & SAVE 15%

Shipping

Q: Do you ship internationally?

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.

How will you ship my ToeGrips® dog nail grips?
For orders within the United States, we ship via USPS or UPS. You will have several options during checkout.

International orders are shipped via USPS, and delivered by your local post.

Where are you located?
We are located in, and ship from, Beaufort, South Carolina.
NEED HELP? Contact Us!
[email protected]
Text: (843) 781-6430

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