As our furbabies age, they inevitably become weak and compromised due to ailments such as hip dysplasia or arthritis.  Because of this, wooden and tiled floors can be a source of anxiety and fear for them; and justifiably so, since our aged friends often slip and slide on hardwood and tile floors.  They just don’t have the strength to pull their legs together when they get old and start slipping outwards and often end up falling with their legs splayed open. It can also be difficult for them to get up off the floor from lying down.  This can cause severe pain, injuries, and flare-up of arthritis, so for this reason it is really important to help them to minimize slipping and splaying.

Furbaby Planet Premium Paw Protectors

For obvious reasons, this is by far the best solution in preventing your pet from slipping on your tiles or wooden floors!  These are pads with strategically placed silicone grids to provide traction and stability.  They get applied to the bottom of your furbaby’s paw with an adhesive strong enough to stay on, yet non-toxic.  They are biodegradable, disposable, and sold in 10 sets of 4 pads (40 pads). These pads are great for dogs who don’t tolerate wearing shoes, booties, or socks.  They are thin enough that your pet will be able to feel the ground through them making it really easy for your pet to walk in, especially if they have a neurological condition or are very week.  It should be noted that although these pads are easy to apply, there is some preparation of your dog’s paws prior to application for optimum performance.  The following instructions should be followed:

FOLLOW PAW PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS – for maximum benefit for use of the pads. It is best to do this with your dog lying down and calm. 

• Make sure your dog’s nails are trim;
• Trim the hair/fur between and around your dog’s paw pads.
• Completely clean and dry your furbaby’s paw pads
• Peel cover off the back of the pad and apply, holding for five seconds with slight pressure. 

Click the link below to get yours:

Pet owners who have smaller areas of tiled or wooden floors may find it beneficial to use mats or rugs for your furbaby to walk on.  It is particularly important to pay attention to the area where your furbaby eats.  If your dog is slipping and sliding, and their legs are splaying apart while they eat, this is just an awful experience for your dog.  Your dog may give up trying to eat standing up and compensate by eating while lying down, which is unhealthy for digestion.

The hair between the paws can interfere with the paw to ground contact. When the hair gets between the paw pads and the floor this can cause slipping especially in poodles or dogs with silky smooth coats.

Trim Your Dog’s Nails and the Hair Between their Paw Pads

Your pet’s nails should just touch the ground when your pet is standing. Any longer and they will interfere with the way they walk making it especially challenging on slippery floors.

By following these simple yet effective tips, you will be able to help your old dog from injuring itself during his or her golden years.