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Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips are small rubber rings that slide onto a dog's toenails. The idea is simple: on hardwood or tile, a dog's hard nails hit the floor first and skate. A rubber ring on the nail tip grips instead. They were developed by a veterinarian for senior and special-needs dogs, and they are one of the most talked-about fixes for an old dog whose back legs slide out on smooth floors.
This review pulls together what the maker says, what a veterinary practice reported after fitting them on patients, and what owners and reviewers have found, good and bad. It is research-based. We have not fitted ToeGrips on our own dogs, and we do not give a star rating.
Key takeaways
- They can work well for indoor seniors who slip on hard floors, according to a vet practice that fitted them and several independent reviews.
- Sizing is everything. They are sized by nail, and a ring that is too big falls off.
- They wear out. The maker says they typically last 1–3 months, about two on average.
- Fitting is fiddly. Expect a patient session, ideally with a helper and treats.
- Not for every dog. Dogs that chew at their feet, or dogs who drag their paws, may need a different approach or a glued application.
What ToeGrips are
Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips
Rubber rings that slip over toenail tips; sized by nail; 20 per pack (16 weight-bearing nails plus 4 spares); last 1–3 months per the maker. Linked listing is Medium (the listing says Medium suits dogs with an ideal weight of 15–39 lb)
Pros
- Leaves paw pads free; nothing over the foot
- Developed by a veterinarian
Cons
- Fitting takes patience and correct sizing
- Can fall off or need replacing every 1–3 months
- Not suitable for every nail shape
Each ToeGrip is a short, snug rubber tube. You push it onto the nail tip so the bottom edge, which the maker calls the GripZone, contacts the floor where the nail would. The maker says each pack has 20 grips: enough for the 16 weight-bearing nails plus four spares. Dewclaws do not get one. The maker also says some dogs do well with grips on only the eight back nails, for example during recovery from cruciate ligament surgery.
The listing we link is the Medium size. The Amazon listing says Medium is designed for dogs whose ideal weight is between 15 and 39 lb, and points to a weight-and-breed chart for other sizes. The maker stresses that you should measure the nails rather than rely on weight alone.
Do they work? What the evidence says
There are no published clinical trials we could find. The best available evidence is practical reports:
- A veterinary practice. Australia's Vet Practice Magazine ran a "Tools of the trade" piece by a clinic that had fitted them on quite a few dogs. Clients reported that they were very effective, most dogs did not notice them once fitted, and they found them better than socks or boots because they do not change how a dog walks. Their downsides: small and fiddly, time-consuming to put on, and lasting about a month in their experience.
- Reviewer tests. Hepper's reviewer found one grip came off within a day, put that down to not pushing it far enough on, and had no further losses over the following weeks. Dogster's reviewer had the opposite result: their dog chewed most of the grips off overnight.
- Owner forums. Greyhound owners on Greytalk describe dogs being steadier on hardwood, with grips coming off now and then and being easy to replace. One owner found the first size was too big and the smaller size worked better.
Put together, the pattern is consistent. When the size is right and the dog leaves them alone, owners often see a real improvement in confidence on hard floors. When the size is wrong, or the dog chews at its feet, they fail.
Sizing: measure the nails
The maker says ToeGrips are sized by nail circumference, and that measuring is an essential one-time task. It also says trimming nails before measuring and applying helps you pick the right size, and that short nails are best for posture and gait anyway. Follow the measuring instructions on the maker's site rather than guessing from breed.
Owners who had grips fall off often found that the next size down stayed on. The maker describes the right fit as snug, not a ring that slides on loosely.
How to fit them
- Prepare. Trim the nails if needed. Have a helper, a lick mat or spoon of something tasty, and good light.
- Wet the grips. The maker recommends dipping them in isopropyl rubbing alcohol, which helps them slide on. It is not required, but it makes the job easier.
- Stabilize the toe and press a grip onto the nail tip.
- Push it into place with your fingertips until the nail tip shows through and the grip sits where the nail meets the floor.
- Check each one after the first day and push back any that have moved.
For dogs with an unusual gait, such as three-legged dogs or dogs that scuff or drag their paws, the maker suggests a glued application as an alternative. It says most dogs do not need glue.
To remove a grip, the maker says to roll it down and off with a fingertip while holding the toe.
How long do they last?
The maker says ToeGrips typically last 1–3 months, two months on average, and that "mileage" depends on the dog's size, environment and gait. The more abnormal the gait, the faster they wear. Dogs that walk on pavement or gravel a lot wear them faster than mostly indoor dogs. The vet practice above found about a month. Budget for replacing them, and check them weekly.
Will my dog chew them off?
The maker says the vast majority of dogs do not bother with them, because they sit on the nail tip rather than the paw. Most reviewers agree, but not all: Dogster's reviewer's dog pulled most of them off in one night. If your dog licks or chews its feet, watch closely for the first day or two.
The maker also addresses swallowing: it says that, based on the size of each grip relative to the dog, they should pass through the gut, and that this has always been the case so far. Still, if your dog swallows several, call your vet.
What they do well
- Do not cover the paw pads, so the dog feels the floor normally.
- Can stay on day and night, indoors and out, unlike boots or socks.
- Small and discreet.
- Help most where dogs slip most: hard indoor floors.
Where they fall short
- Fiddly and slow to fit, especially for dogs that dislike having their feet handled.
- Need refitting every month or two.
- Can fail if sized wrong or if nails are very short, very long or oddly shaped.
- Do nothing for a dog that knuckles over onto the top of its paw.
Alternatives
| Product | Key specs | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips | Rubber rings that slip over toenail tips; sized by nail; 20 per pack (16 weight-bearing nails plus 4 spares); last 1–3 months per the maker. Linked listing is Medium (the listing says Medium suits dogs with an ideal weight of 15–39 lb) | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Pawz Rubber Dog Boots | Thin natural-rubber disposable boots, reusable for a while | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Ruffwear Grip Trex Boots | Vibram rubber outsole, breathable mesh upper, sold in pairs | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Kapaqua Rubber-Backed Custom-Length Runner Rug | 22 in wide (other widths in the menu), custom length, 1/4 in low loop pile, rubber backing for hardwood, laminate, vinyl and tile; hand wash only per the current listing | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Specs are from manufacturer and retailer listings and can change between versions; check the listing before you buy. We don't show prices because they change often; the button shows the current price on Amazon.
- Runners and rugs fix the floor rather than the dog, so they help every pet and need no fitting. See non-slip runner rugs for hardwood.
- Rubber boots like Pawz cover the whole paw and are cheap, but some dogs hate them and they are not meant to stay on all day.
- Grip socks are soft and quick to put on, but often twist or slide off.
We compare all three in toe grips vs dog boots vs grip socks. In many homes the best answer is runners on the main routes plus ToeGrips for the spots you cannot cover. Our wider guide to stopping a senior dog slipping on hardwood floors covers nail trims, paw fur and floor layout too.
Who should buy them
ToeGrips are worth trying for a mostly indoor senior dog that slips on hardwood, laminate or tile, tolerates having its feet handled, and does not chew at its paws. They are also worth asking your vet about during recovery from orthopedic surgery. Skip them, or start with runners, if your dog will not let you handle its feet, drags or knuckles its paws without a vet plan, or spends a lot of time on rough ground.
Related reading: our guides to grip socks that stay on.
FAQ
Do Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips really work?
For many slipping senior dogs, yes, according to a vet practice that fitted them and several independent reviews. Results depend on correct sizing and whether the dog leaves them alone.
How long do ToeGrips stay on?
The maker says 1–3 months, about two on average. Active dogs and dogs with an abnormal gait wear them faster.
Do ToeGrips go on the dewclaws?
No. The maker recommends the 16 weight-bearing nails, not the dewclaws.
Can I glue ToeGrips on?
The maker says glue is not needed for most dogs but is an option for dogs with an altered gait, such as three-legged dogs or those that scuff their paws.
What if my dog swallows a ToeGrip?
The maker says they should pass through, based on their size. Call your vet if your dog swallows several or seems unwell.
Prices change often, so we do not list them. Check the current price on Amazon.
Sources
- Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips, FAQ and official site.
- Vet Practice Magazine, Tools of the trade: Dr Buzby's Toe Grips.
- Hepper, Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs Review.
- Dogster, Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs Review.
- Greytalk forum, Experience with Dr Buzby's Toe Grips?
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Creating a comfortable home for your mobility-compromised dog.
- Amazon listing for ToeGrips Medium (B00GWHIRFU), checked 2 November 2026.
