Prevent Your Senior Dog From Slipping on Slick Surfaces

Sharing your home with a senior dog is a privilege. So many of our beloved dogs pass away too soon. Increased age does bring about a few obstacles, yet patience and prevention always helps. When your senior dog starts slipping and sliding on slick floors, it’s time to take action.

Non-Slip Rugs

Scattering rubber-backed slip rugs on slick surfaces is a must. Usually, I create a non-slip pathway toward the back door, my older dog’s food and water bowls, our bedroom and other frequently visited areas. When in doubt, cover an area with a rubber-backed non-slip rug.

When selecting non-slip rugs, look for rugs at least two feet wide. For larger dogs, choose rugs at least three feet wide to accommodate their wider stance. Make sure each rug is covered with non-slip rubber backing and that it’s washable.

Traction Socks

Many years ago, I purchased a pair of Woodrow Wear Traction Socks and they were amazing! Each sock has an elastic band that tightens around your dog’s wrists and hocks just enough to keep the socks in place. At the bottom of each sock are traction pads, which prevent dogs from slipping on slick floors. And yes, you can most certainly leave these on your dog when you’re not at home and wash them as well.

RELATED: 3 Reasons Why You Need Non-Slip Socks for Dogs

Toe Grips

Toe grips are hollow rubber ovals that slide onto each of your dog’s nails. The entire nail isn’t covered–just the portion closest to the paw. Personally, I’ve never tried toe grips on my senior dogs, but reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Plus, toe grip designs make total sense, so I think it’s definitely worth a try. As with non-slip socks, you can keep them on your dog while you’re away.

Remember to Trim Your Dog’s Nails

This seems like common sense, but we don’t want to stress out our senior dogs with nail trims. Their nails continue to grow and to really long lengths, which is painful. Keeping your senior dog’s nails trimmed to an acceptable length will ensure the success of non-slip rugs, traction socks and toe grips. An acceptable nail length is when your dog’s nails don’t touch the floor, so you don’t hear tick-tick sounds when your dog walks on hard surfaces.

RELATED: Teaching a Dog to Use a Nail Scratchboard

Products That Don’t Work Well

Regular socks (with no traction pads), paw wax and booties just don’t work well on slick surfaces. Paw wax for traction works, but its effectiveness is temporary and requires frequent reapplication. Most booties are rubber-based, but don’t provide enough traction on slick floors.

It’s tough watching our senior dogs struggle, so take a few moments and set up their areas for safety.