Frequently Asked Questions about ToeGrips® (FAQ)
Are ToeGrips® the Right Product for My Dog?
Not every dog needs ToeGrips® – but for some, they make all the difference in terms of safety and quality of life. The key rule of thumb: if your dog moves normally on carpet or grass but slips on smooth floors – it's worth giving them a try.
Older Dogs
As dogs age, muscle strength and coordination decline. Many senior dogs slip when getting up, avoid certain rooms, or appear hesitant on parquet and tiles – even though they manage perfectly well on carpet. ToeGrips® give them reliable grip in exactly those moments, without the need for a medical diagnosis.
Dogs with Conditions Requiring Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
In dogs with neurological conditions such as Degenerative Myelopathy or intervertebral disc disease, as well as orthopaedic conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, secure footing is not a
luxury – it is a therapeutic necessity. ToeGrips® help maintain the movement patterns developed during rehabilitation in everyday life, and are recommended by many veterinary physiotherapists as
a supportive measure.
👉 Overview: Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Boat Dogs
Whether on a sailing or motor boat, decks are usually slippery and companionways steep. For dogs accompanying their owners on the water, ToeGrips® provide secure grip without any modifications to the boat – particularly valuable for older or less sure-footed dogs.
🛡️ Safety
Why does the packaging say "Keep out of reach of children"? +
We would like to remind pet owners that a ToeGrip® which accidentally falls to the floor or comes loose from a nail can pose a choking hazard to young children – as a small part, it could
become lodged in the throat.
The warning "Keep out of reach of children" is therefore an important safety notice on every pack – to protect young children.
The warning "Keep out of reach of children" is therefore an important safety notice on every pack – to protect young children.
Will my dog chew the ToeGrips®? +
Most dogs barely notice their ToeGrips® – and that is no coincidence. The rubber rings sit on the nail horn – the hard outer part of the nail, which contains no nerve endings, much like
human fingernails – and do not touch the skin or paw pads. After a brief settling-in period, the vast majority of dogs ignore them completely.
Occasionally, dogs may initially try to remove the ToeGrips®. This can be due to the rubber smell, which fades within a few days. Dogs that tend to lick or chew their paws habitually should be watched a little more closely during the first few days.
Tip: Carry the ToeGrips® in your pocket for a while before fitting them – this helps reduce the smell. And: a small amount of lick paste applied directly to the paw pad straight after fitting will wonderfully distract your dog from the ToeGrips®.
Occasionally, dogs may initially try to remove the ToeGrips®. This can be due to the rubber smell, which fades within a few days. Dogs that tend to lick or chew their paws habitually should be watched a little more closely during the first few days.
Tip: Carry the ToeGrips® in your pocket for a while before fitting them – this helps reduce the smell. And: a small amount of lick paste applied directly to the paw pad straight after fitting will wonderfully distract your dog from the ToeGrips®.
My dog has swallowed a ToeGrip®. What should I do? +
ToeGrips® are small and soft enough to pass through a dog's digestive tract without issue in most cases. As the size of the ToeGrips® is always matched to the nail size – and therefore
indirectly to the dog's body size – there is no serious risk when the correct size has been chosen. To date, we are not aware of any cases where swallowing a ToeGrip® has caused health
problems.
That said, please always use ToeGrips® responsibly and, where possible, under supervision. If you suspect your dog has swallowed a ToeGrip® or seems unwell, please contact your vet promptly to be on the safe side.
That said, please always use ToeGrips® responsibly and, where possible, under supervision. If you suspect your dog has swallowed a ToeGrip® or seems unwell, please contact your vet promptly to be on the safe side.
Can ToeGrips® be used on dogs with nail injuries? +
No – ToeGrips® must only be used on healthy nails. Any existing injuries, inflammation or nail conditions must be fully healed before ToeGrips® are fitted.
How often should I check my dog's paws whilst they are wearing ToeGrips®? +
We recommend a daily visual check – on an ongoing basis, not just during the initial settling-in period. Many owners keep a close eye on things in the first few days and then assume
nothing more can go wrong. However, ToeGrips® can shift even later on – for example, if the dog's gait changes, after more intensive exercise, or if the chosen size turns out to be
slightly too large in everyday use.
Look out for: ToeGrips® that have ridden up or shifted position (indicating a loose fit), as well as missing ToeGrips® (indicating a loose fit or incorrect positioning). Unusual licking or chewing of the paws, and any changes in gait, should also be taken seriously.
Look out for: ToeGrips® that have ridden up or shifted position (indicating a loose fit), as well as missing ToeGrips® (indicating a loose fit or incorrect positioning). Unusual licking or chewing of the paws, and any changes in gait, should also be taken seriously.
Can fungus grow under the ToeGrips®? +
The nail tips of dogs are not a typical site for bacterial, fungal or yeast infections – so there is no cause for concern in this regard with ToeGrips®.
The only thing to bear in mind is that paws should be thoroughly dried after walks before the dog comes indoors – this is good practice regardless of whether your dog wears ToeGrips® or not.
The only thing to bear in mind is that paws should be thoroughly dried after walks before the dog comes indoors – this is good practice regardless of whether your dog wears ToeGrips® or not.
Do ToeGrips® work on ice or snow? +
ToeGrips® have not yet been tested under wintry conditions such as ice or snow in any official study. However, we have received reports from dog owners indicating that ToeGrips® can be
helpful on slippery surfaces – particularly on lightly iced paths or compacted snow.
Please note: extra caution is advised in serious icy conditions – ToeGrips® are not a substitute for safe footing in extreme weather.
Please note: extra caution is advised in serious icy conditions – ToeGrips® are not a substitute for safe footing in extreme weather.
Do ToeGrips® pose a risk to cats and other small animals? +
For animals, swallowing a foreign object can pose a serious risk depending on their body size. In addition to a potential choking hazard, there is in the worst case a risk of intestinal
blockage.
We therefore recommend keeping ToeGrips® out of reach of cats, small dogs and other small animals at all times. The daily visual check also helps you to notice if a ToeGrip® has been lost and to search for it – before another animal finds it first.
We therefore recommend keeping ToeGrips® out of reach of cats, small dogs and other small animals at all times. The daily visual check also helps you to notice if a ToeGrip® has been lost and to search for it – before another animal finds it first.
🐾 Size & Application
👉 How do I choose the right size of ToeGrips® for my dog?
Choosing the correct size is essential for ToeGrips® to work effectively. There are two methods: measuring the nail circumference, and estimating based on breed and weight. You'll find full instructions, a measuring guide and a complete breed overview on our size page.
How many ToeGrips® are in a pack? +
Each pack of ToeGrips® contains 20 pieces – enough for all 16 nails that make ground contact in most dogs (4 per paw), plus 4 spares.
Dewclaws and thumb nails do not make ground contact and are not fitted with ToeGrips®.
The spares are useful if a ToeGrip® is lost or wears down over time.
Dewclaws and thumb nails do not make ground contact and are not fitted with ToeGrips®.
The spares are useful if a ToeGrip® is lost or wears down over time.
Do you recommend trimming the nails before fitting ToeGrips®? +
Regular nail care is essential for ToeGrips® to work effectively. Dr. Buzby recommends checking the nails once a month and trimming them as needed – and more frequently for some
dogs.
Nails that are too long prevent the ToeGrips® from sitting correctly in the GripZone. This significantly undermines the main goal – improved traction on smooth floors.
If in doubt, ask your vet or physiotherapist.
Nails that are too long prevent the ToeGrips® from sitting correctly in the GripZone. This significantly undermines the main goal – improved traction on smooth floors.
If in doubt, ask your vet or physiotherapist.
Do you recommend trimming the fur under my dog's paws before fitting ToeGrips®? +
Yes, trimming longer fur around the paws and paw pads is advisable – with or without ToeGrips®. If the ToeGrips® come into contact with the fur rather than the floor, the fur acts like a
"slippery sock": the ToeGrips® lose ground contact and cannot do their job.
Which nails should ToeGrips® be fitted on – all four paws or just the hind paws? +
Many owners wonder whether all nails really need to be fitted with ToeGrips® – particularly after surgery or in older dogs.
"Need to" isn't quite the right phrase – but we do recommend it. If a dog slips with its hind legs, it compensates through the shoulder girdle and front legs, which can lead to overloading over time. Conversely, if a dog has problems with its front legs – for example after an operation or due to a condition – it is all the more important that the hind legs have secure footing. Our recommendation is therefore to fit ToeGrips® on all 16 nails that make ground contact.
For otherwise healthy dogs wearing ToeGrips® as post-operative support, the number fitted can be adjusted in consultation with your vet or physiotherapist. If in doubt, ask your vet or physiotherapist.
"Need to" isn't quite the right phrase – but we do recommend it. If a dog slips with its hind legs, it compensates through the shoulder girdle and front legs, which can lead to overloading over time. Conversely, if a dog has problems with its front legs – for example after an operation or due to a condition – it is all the more important that the hind legs have secure footing. Our recommendation is therefore to fit ToeGrips® on all 16 nails that make ground contact.
For otherwise healthy dogs wearing ToeGrips® as post-operative support, the number fitted can be adjusted in consultation with your vet or physiotherapist. If in doubt, ask your vet or physiotherapist.
My dog has dewclaws. Can ToeGrips® be fitted on these too? +
No – dewclaws do not make ground contact and are not fitted with ToeGrips®. ToeGrips® are fitted exclusively on the 16 nails that make ground contact during normal walking.
Can I use Vaseline®, olive oil or a silicone-based lubricant to slide the ToeGrips® on? +
No – lubricants based on petroleum, oil or silicone can react with the ToeGrips® material and should not be used.
In most cases, ToeGrips® can be fitted easily dry or with a drop of water. If fitting is still difficult, isopropyl alcohol (approx. 70%, available from pharmacies) can help – it evaporates quickly and does not damage the material.
In most cases, ToeGrips® can be fitted easily dry or with a drop of water. If fitting is still difficult, isopropyl alcohol (approx. 70%, available from pharmacies) can help – it evaporates quickly and does not damage the material.
Can I use super glue to secure the ToeGrips®? +
In most cases, it is not necessary to secure ToeGrips® with glue. An exception applies to dogs with an altered gait – for example, those that drag their paws or knuckle. These movement
patterns can cause the ToeGrips® to be pulled off the nails. In such cases, a drop of super glue can help keep the ToeGrips® securely in place.
Is it possible that my dog's nails are too short for the ToeGrips®? +
This is possible in rare cases. What matters is that the nails make ground contact whilst walking – as nails connect with the floor differently when moving than when standing still. If
the nails do not make ground contact whilst walking, the ToeGrips® cannot provide traction and will be ineffective.
What should I do if the ToeGrips® keep coming off? +
If ToeGrips® come off regularly, they are usually too large. First, check the positioning – the ToeGrips® should sit firmly in the GripZone, not on the nail tip or too far up. If they
continue to slide off, we recommend re-measuring the nails and trying a smaller size.
My dog doesn't like having his paws touched. Can I still apply ToeGrips®? +
Many dogs are sensitive about their paws – which can make fitting ToeGrips® a bit of a challenge. If you are able to handle your dog's paws, even if he objects a little, fitting them
should generally be fine. If you cannot touch the paws at all, you will probably not be able to fit the ToeGrips® yourself.
If you expect the process to be difficult, these tips may help: fit the ToeGrips® after a walk or play session – a tired dog is more cooperative. A second person can help distract your dog and keep each leg still. Stay calm and patient, and watch our how-to video beforehand.
👉 How-to video: Fitting ToeGrips®
If you are unable to hold your dog's paws, we recommend asking your vet or veterinary physiotherapist for assistance.
If you expect the process to be difficult, these tips may help: fit the ToeGrips® after a walk or play session – a tired dog is more cooperative. A second person can help distract your dog and keep each leg still. Stay calm and patient, and watch our how-to video beforehand.
👉 How-to video: Fitting ToeGrips®
If you are unable to hold your dog's paws, we recommend asking your vet or veterinary physiotherapist for assistance.
How long do ToeGrips® last? +
ToeGrips® typically last between 1 and 3 months, with two months being the average. How long they last depends on the size, the environment and the dog's gait. The more unusual or uneven
the gait, the faster the ToeGrips® will wear down.
How do I remove the ToeGrips® from the nails? +
Removal is a quick and simple process. Simply touch the ToeGrip® with a fingernail or fingertip and roll it gently downwards, whilst stabilising the toe with your other hand.
👉 How-to video: Removing ToeGrips®
👉 How-to video: Removing ToeGrips®
Can I use ToeGrips® for my cat? +
No. Due to the anatomy and structure of cat claws, ToeGrips® are not suitable for cats.
Cat claws differ significantly from dog nails: they are generally sharper, more curved and can be actively retracted. Dogs use their nails as a fixed part of their movement when walking – cats generally keep their claws retracted during normal walking. This means the ground contact that ToeGrips® rely on to work is absent. In addition, cats regularly shed the outer sheath of their claws – a ToeGrip® would simply come off along with it.
Cat claws differ significantly from dog nails: they are generally sharper, more curved and can be actively retracted. Dogs use their nails as a fixed part of their movement when walking – cats generally keep their claws retracted during normal walking. This means the ground contact that ToeGrips® rely on to work is absent. In addition, cats regularly shed the outer sheath of their claws – a ToeGrip® would simply come off along with it.
🛒 Purchase
Where can I buy ToeGrips®? +
You can order ToeGrips® directly from this website. As the legal requirements for VAT differ depending on the country and customer type, we have set up two separate webshops.
👉 Go to Shop – Shop Selection
Many veterinary practices, animal clinics and veterinary physiotherapists also stock ToeGrips® and can assist with choosing the right size and fitting them.
👉 ToeGrips® Partners Near You
👉 Go to Shop – Shop Selection
Many veterinary practices, animal clinics and veterinary physiotherapists also stock ToeGrips® and can assist with choosing the right size and fitting them.
👉 ToeGrips® Partners Near You
📦 Shipping
What are the shipping costs? +
Germany: €6.49 · EU: €14.89 · Switzerland and the United Kingdom: €19.89 (all prices include VAT)
How long does delivery take? +
We dispatch orders every Monday and Thursday. Within Germany, DHL typically delivers within 1–2 working days of dispatch. For the EU, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, delivery usually
takes 2–5 working days. Exact delivery times may vary depending on the destination.
Do you ship internationally? +
Yes – we deliver to all EU countries as well as Switzerland and the United Kingdom. For deliveries to Switzerland and the United Kingdom, import duties, taxes or customs charges may apply
and are the responsibility of the recipient.
Which courier service do you use to ship ToeGrips®? +
We ship exclusively with DHL Parcel. Depending on local conditions, last-mile delivery may be handled by a local courier service.
Can I track my order? +
Yes – you will receive a tracking number with your invoice, which you can use to track your parcel directly on the DHL website.
🔄 Returns & Exchanges
Do you accept returns or exchanges? +
Yes – we want ToeGrips® to fit your dog perfectly. If you have ordered the wrong size, we offer a free exchange. Simply send the original ToeGrips® back to us and we will send you the
correct size, with no additional shipping charge.
If you wish to return the product, we will refund the purchase price in full. If the product is not suitable for another reason, we are happy to offer expert advice first – many issues can be resolved quickly and easily this way. Further information about your right of withdrawal, along with the cancellation form, can be found in our General Terms and Conditions (T&Cs). You are also welcome to contact us by email: [email protected]
If you wish to return the product, we will refund the purchase price in full. If the product is not suitable for another reason, we are happy to offer expert advice first – many issues can be resolved quickly and easily this way. Further information about your right of withdrawal, along with the cancellation form, can be found in our General Terms and Conditions (T&Cs). You are also welcome to contact us by email: [email protected]
How long do I have to return or exchange an item? +
You have 30 days from receipt of your order to register a return or exchange.
Who covers the return postage costs? +
For exchanges, you are responsible for the cost of returning the item. We will send the replacement size to you free of charge. For returns, we will refund the full purchase price.
What happens if my ToeGrips® arrive damaged? +
Please let us know as soon as possible at [email protected] – we will sort it out for you straight away.