As my dog Sasha aged, she really took a dislike to hardwood, tile or any kind of shiny floor. She would spend ages trying to avoid these floors.
I am not totally sure of the reason, other than she didn't feel sure of herself walking across a shiny floor. So over the years we put out little rugs that would break up the long expanse of hallway and she would then navigate the hall and kitchen.
Doggie Socks It was then, while researching senior dog products online, I came across dog socks. I knew of dog boots for outdoors but had never really heard of the socks. These are designed literally for the unsure dog for indoors. They have anti-slip soles and once your dog gets used to wearing them, they will feel confident again, plus the added bonus of a clean floor!
It is amazing just how the little things can make such a difference in the life of your older dog. But even many younger dogs have trouble on hardwood and tiled floors. Not only will these socks stabilize them, your hardwood floors will not get scratched!
Especially if you just had them sanded and varnished. No matter how short you keep your dog nails, they will eventually scratch the floor, from playing or running or simply plopping down. The same goes for linoleum, it doesn't take long to get it scratched up.
These socks are easy to put on and take off, and they can help any dog indoors, but especially the older dog who fears falling or slipping like mine.
Perfect for Treating Dog Paws - No More Mess
If like my dog, yours tends to get dry pads, cracked or injured from running and playing in the park, using medication and then the socks will definitely save your house.
Many of the medications for dog paws are wonderful, but your dog will still wander thru the house and possible leave residue from the medicine on the floors. By putting on a good layer of cream for their cracked and dry pads, then a sock, you will not only save on cleaning, but the medicine will soothe and stay on their paws longer.
Things to Try to Keep Your Senior Dog Mobile and Happy
Non Skid Scatter Rugs If you notice your dog not getting around in the house or whimpering like ours did at the doorway to the kitchen, then try a few non slip scatter rugs to break up the expanse of slippery floor. Just make sure they stay put with a non skid backing. This is cheaper than carpeting your entire house. We found 3 small rugs that matched our decor for the hallway did the trick.
Doggy Socks These stretch and simply fit onto your dog's paws. If they are used to outdoor dog boots then the socks will not be hard to get used to. If they have never worn then, put them on for a little bit each day. Once they realize they won't slip, they will be happy to wear them.
Perfect for Senior Dog Spa Day Older dogs will suffer more with dry and cracked feet, use some paw nectar (safe for animals and humans) and then put the socks on to keep the cream inside and on their paws. This way they don't have to stay in one room, and can go where ever you go.
Just like us humans... if we treat our feet with cream for cracked heels and dry skin, we don't wander the house in bare feet or risk leaving a residue behind. Putting on socks keeps things neat, tidy and feels cozy.
As with many products for the aging pooch, I have found many of the best prices to be online. Just click on any of the pictures to find out more information.