Slippery Paws

Slippery Paws
Written By Patrice Mich

Slip sliding away: How to help seniors on slippery floors

As our dogs age slippery floors ( hardwood, tile, vinyl, etc.) can become a real challenge.  This is due to a number of factors that may include: weakness from inactivity or loss of muscle mass; neurologic issues such as intervertebral disc disease, degenerative myelopathy, geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis polyneuropathy among others; and systemic illness.  If your dog is having trouble with slipping start with a thorough evaluation.  Dr. Mich will perform a complete orthopedic, neurologic, and myofascial evaluation.  Your family DVM can perform a wellness physical exam and labwork ( CBC, chemistry and urinalysis). Here are some tools to help manage slipping in general:

PHYSICAL REHABILITATION FOR STRENGTH & BALANCE

  • This is one of the most important strategies of all.

  • Dr. Mich can recommend a certified therapist or go to our recommended professionals page.

TRIM PAWS

  • Trim the paws of excess fur and keep the nails short

USE TRACTION TOOLS

  • Paw traction stickers can be found on Amazon. Brands are Loobani, Valfrid among others.

  • PawGrips™ help some dogs if the nails are the correct shape, trimmed, and grips properly placed.

SOCKS

  • These can rotate on the paw and so don’t always work. Choose a snug fitting sock with an elastic band just above the paw. Be careful of products that don’t breathe. Dogs only sweat through their paw pads and water-proof coatings cause excessive moisture risking infection.

Boots: ·       These can be helpful. Select the smallest size that fits well to avoid overly large bootie that is awkward and can worsen mobility issues.  Many booties are not shaped like a dog’s  limb.  This is especially true for the front limb.  One bootie that seems to fit fairly well is  Summer Pawtrexx 

https://www.alldogboots.com/Summer-Pawtrexx-Barko-Booties-Dog-Boots-p/pawtrexxsum.htm

HELP FOR SLIPPERY FLOORS

  • Bulk roll yoga mat from  www.yogaaccessories.com

    Cut to fit and place throughout home to provide safe footing.  Mat comes in 100 foot rolls,  1/8 or 1/4” thickness, 24 or 36” width. 

  • Throw rugs and carpet runners with an anti-slip backing 



Patrice Mich
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