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Increasing Dog Traction with Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips
Have you ever found a dog product you absolutely love, watched it work for other dogs but had your dog fit into the VERY small category of dogs for which it did not work? But you were still so enamored with the product you still wanted to shout its praises from the rooftops? That is how we feel about Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips. What are toe grips? An amazing product for dogs that need help with traction for their paws. ToeGrips create a “Grip Zone” where the toenail meets the floor to provide traction with every step.
Courtesy of Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips
Courtesy of Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips
Who is Dr. Buzby?
Dr. Buzby is a certified holistic veterinarian and the inventor of ToeGrips. She integrates the best of Western and Alternative therapies to help improve the wellness and quality of life for her patients. We were blessed to meet Dr. Buzby at the BlogPaws Nashville conference in 2015. 
She also has a blog, “The Buzby Bark” with tips, tricks and information to assist people helping their pets live happier healthier lives.
Shasta’s Story
If you’ve been a reader then you have seen our struggle to find the right therapies for Shasta’s Arthritis. If you are new, WELCOME, and you can check out our previous posts: 1. Dog Arthritis: Degenerative Disc Disease 2. Continuing the Discussion of Dog Arthritis 3. Dog Arthritis: Pain Relief
Shasta continues to loose hind leg strength and we continue to adjust how we are treating him (we are changing his Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement again this month so be sure to come back to check out the results). Dr. Buzby helped us size and apply a pair when we met in 2015. Unfortunately Shasta is in a VERY small percentage of dogs that chew the ToeGrip off, but I know they work. I have seen them work. So I decided to take a different angle with my review and interview another user of ToeGrips.
Heather’s Story-A Retirement Community for four-legged family members
Heather’s Pack-Courtesy of Heather
When did you 1st start rescuing?
Heather: In 1990 I was walking my 1st dog Trubble around my apartment complex and a stray began following us. The neighbors said his owners had left behind the Shepherd-mix 6 weeks earlier. No one was able to catch him but I offered, “if we can catch him I will keep him”. We lived happily ever after for more than a decade.
What led you to rescuing special needs and seniors?
Heather: I still remember my husband and my conversation 13 years ago when he described the importance of providing good homes to less-adoptable dogs.
The furry Brady Bunch met in 2003. He had Mocha Bean and Cody, Heather Jade and Bailey. 18 months later, living in one house, he e-mailed Heather a photo of a black shepherd, Molly. “Wouldn’t she make a great addition to our family? It’s only a 25% increase”. Special needs rescues were a part of the pack from the beginning. Heather says, “We love these faithful companions and genuinely wish we could save them all!”
What are some needs you have addressed with your senior and special needs rescues?
Heather:
- Anxiety-Prozac, Trazodone, Thundershirt
- Arthritis-Metacam, Tramadol
- Ear infections-Otomax
- Eye infections-Ointment
- Heart Worm-Veterinary injection treatment
- Hip dysplasia
- Incontienence-Proin
- Nerve pain-Gabapentin
- Skin infections-prescription shampoo, Benadryl, steroids
- Vertigo
- Lymphoma
- Degenerative myelopathy-meds, exercise, wheelchair and most recently we were able to avoid migration to a wheelchair with Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips
Which fur kids are using ToeGrips, their ages and why?
Heather:
- Grizzly Bear-8 yrs-75lb Chesapeake Retriever
- Severe arthritis and degenerative myelopathy
- Luuk-14 yrs-75lb-Golden Retriever
- Age related weakness
- Summer-12 yrs-58lb-Yellow Lab
- Age related weakness
- Max-12 yrs-80lb-German Shepherd/Lab Mix
- Diabetes
How did you learn about ToeGrips?
Heather: Our Veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Willis, of 17 years, originally mentioned them a while back. When I started researching for something to use for Grizzly Bear’s slipping feet I came across ToeGrips and remembered what she had said. I measured and ordered them immediately.
Have you tried and failed anything before ToeGrips?
Heather: I initially used dog boots. Several of our dogs did well but Grizzly really dislikes them.
How has your experience been with ToeGrips?
Heather: Seeing Grizzly realize his traction and increased mobility led to his growing confidence. This is a precious miracle since we were readying our dog-wheelchair for him. Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips augment-enhance our dogs’ natural grip. Boots and wheels do not.
Denise’s Dog Dish also notes, shoes and socks can be problematic because they slip off, twist, are of times hot so problematic in warmer weather, cover the dog’s sensory receptors and do not feel natural to your dog. ToeGrips are the only product I have seen that works with a dogs’ own bio-mechanics to help provide traction.
How have ToeGrips changed your fur kids and your life?
Heather:
Our older dogs have a new leash (…I mean lease) on life. They can live as they once did, without fear of slipping or falling, and they find it easier to rise from their summer naps on our cool tile flooring.
For us, there is joy every day in seeing their improved quality of life. Instead of dog boots on and off or wheels, I do a quick ToeGrips check once or twice a day to be sure they are in proper position. I’ve made adjustments and applied smaller sizes for the ones that pop off.
Grizzly Photo Collage Courtesy of It’s My Treat Pet Care
Photo with dog model Courtesy of Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips
Photo with dog model Courtesy of Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips
Measuring to find the right fit
Measuring for your dog is not based on their weight but rather on the circumference of their toenails. A good measurement is key for sizing correctly. Sizing is important for your dog’s safety and success using the ToeGrips. Dr. Buzby really describes it best.
Applying ToeGrips on Nail
Positioning and monitoring
Positioning and monitoring ToeGrips is also essential to your dog’s safety. Once in a while they can migrate up the nail and cause irritation. ToeGrips should be replaced about every 3 months.
ToeGrips Support Team
ToeGrips have an expert product support team available to answer any questions. Additionally there is a 30-day money back guarantee. I recommend calling them before you begin one of the recommended work arounds of gluing them on.
See what Veterinarians are saying
While writing this review I have had an Ah-Ha moment. As I watch Shasta’s hind leg strength and confidence declining I am heartbroken. I strongly feel ToeGrips are an invaluable piece of his arthritis puzzle (watch for additional pieces in later posts). I am going to try to use them on his hind legs only and get back to you on our success. Dr. Buzby says, “all 4 paws are recommended for senior dogs who need stability/traction”. However, she has used them on only the back paws for dogs like Shasta and those who are recovering from things like an ACL injury. We are going to measure and order another pair to add to his Christmas Stocking! You could win a set for your furry family member by entering the #HoundsandHolidays giveaway.
Regardless of the outcome, this is a product I fully support and know works. If you have any continued doubts, check out “Lessons from a Paralyzed Dog’s Review”.
A final word from Heather, “If I had one thing to tell people about ToeGrips it would be TRY THEM. They can be life-changing for your aging four legged family members and for you!”
Holidays, Hounds and Hot Buys
Time is running out to enter. We are excited to be participating in the 1st annual Holidays, Hounds and Hot Buys Giveaway and Gift Guide hosted by 6 elite pet bloggers. This year we have over $1,000 in prize packages to giveaway. A rundown of the themed prizes and participating brands were featured on #BlackFriday as well as the #houndsandholidays complete Gift Guide. Click on each blogger’s logo below to be taken directly to our sites. Be sure to save each of the participating bloggers to your favorites so you can visit each of us daily increasing your odds to win. The giveaway ends December 9, 2016 so don’t miss out!
Denise’s Dog Dish & Shasta’s Yorkie Yap. We did not receive ToeGrips or monetary compensation to review/promote the product. Dr. Buzby donated to our prize package and is donating a pack of each size to our chosen charity recipient, Best Friends Animal Society. We only accept products that we use ourselves, believe our readers and ourselves will benefit from learning more about & feel you will enjoy. Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips are not responsible for the content of this post.
Smiles, Barks and Wagging Tails,
Denise & ~Shasta
We have joined the Holidays, Hounds and Hot Buys Blog Hop
The information we’ve shared in this blog post is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. These are our experiences and things that helped us while under veterinary care. It should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your dog/pet has a health issue please seek veterinary care.
Hi Denise,
Sorry to hear that Shasta is struggling with his back. I can relate because my eldest GSD has HD. She’s going in for an FHO to help relieve her problem.
I’ve got everything set up and ready but I couldn’t figure out how to help her with slipping. It’s a problem now even before her surgery and I know it will be after too. We have tiled floors and non-slip rugs are not sufficient.
I think these Buzby Toegrips are the answer I’ve been looking for.
Do you know if I can have these shipped to South Africa?
Thanks so much for this wonderful information.
Hello Rosemary, I’m sorry to hear our furry family members have similar struggles. I’m glad you found us and hopefully ToeGrips will be the answer you’ve been looking for. I’m going to ask Dr. Buzby about shipping and respond here. Please let me know when you’ve seen it to ensure you’ve got the information and keep me posted. Smiles, Barks and Wagging Tails, Denise and ~Shasta
I got a very quick response from Dr. Buzby-Yes, we do ship to South Africa, and we have a practice there that sells ToeGrips: https://www.scvc.co.za/
Let me know if you need anything else and keep us posted.
Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips are such a great idea. We met Dr. Buzby and she is the greatest!
Dr. Buzby really is a wonderful person and vet with an incredible product!
We are HUGE fans of Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips for Dogs. Love them for slippery floors. Dexter has been wearing them for about 7-8 weeks for his neurological condition, HUGE improvement for him. He’s now picking up his feet more!
Please Shasta, read this, talk to Dexter, whatever it takes! ?
I have heard a lot of good things about the ToeGrips! I’m sorry that they don’t work for Shasta. I am going to recommend them for an older dog that I love. She’s 12 and having some mobility issues.
Yeah, we are hoping this work around does the trick. I just know, if he’ll leave them in place, he’ll feel so much better!
We were going to try these way back when Zeus got aspiration pneumonia the first time, but never did. Looks like a great product!
Hopefully you won’t need them for a long while but if you ever do, they are great!
I love this innovative idea for our dogs. And…they come in HOLIDAY COLORS! *s*
We are so glad for Dr. Buzby’s desire to help special needs pets and innovation.
I’ve heard nothing but positive things about Dr. Buzby’s toe grips! I tired socks as well, they were the easiest for me to get on Edie but they always slipped off and boots are just not going to happen 😉
Sounds like Toegrips might be PAWfect for Eddie. Keep us posted!
I found it very difficult to get rid of the pop up but it might just be me (sorry)
These grips are perfect for a senior dog, I will spread the word if they post overseas!
Sorry about the pop up, I’ll keep my eye out if it is happening regularly. They do ship oversees, Dr. Buzby just confirmed it last night.
interesting … we have hardwood so … wonder if they come in the 3 pounder size.
They come in many sizes and don’t use weight to determine what size you’ll use. I would measure (like in the video) and see. I’d bet they have your little fur kid covered.
Layla hates having her feet touched so am not sure if I would be able to use them when the time comes – I pay someone to do her nails as I cannot because of her wiggles
BOL, yeah it took two of us to get them on Shasta too… and one was Dr. Buzby. 😉
We have blogged about and are great fans of Dr. Buzby’s. This is such a fantastic product that is changing the lives of dogs.
I really love Dr. Buzby and the product. I’m really excited to try the new work around with Shasta so we can try them again as his hind leg strength continues to decline.
Our entire downstairs is tile, needless to say this results in a lot of slipping and sliding for the pups. This seems like the perfect solution!
I would agree, please keep us posted!
Truly a wonderful product making a huge difference for so many dogs.
????
We’ve always wanted to try Dr. Buzby’s – we hear such good things about their products! We have a pup with neurological deficits that impact his gate, so these sound very promising! Thanks for sharing!
Hopefully they help your fur kid. It is so difficult watching them struggle…
Oh, I love ToeGrips! I did a review on them last year with my Epi-dog, Gibson, who had some serious hind end issues as a result of his medications and the ToeGrips were just wonderful! They gave him back his ability to walk across floors with confidence whether alone or in his lift harness. The change was amazing. I totally agree with you that they are an invaluable aspect of helping manage a dog who has arthritis or hind end issues. Great product!
Oh wow, what a wonderful example of the ToeGrips at work!!
Wow, I wish they’d had those when we had our three-legged girl! That would have been handy with our hardwood floors! I’ll have to keep that in mind if Rita ever needs help with traction!
Here is to hoping Rita doesn’t need them for a very long time! ??
Zora, who is almost 14, has been struggling more and more with being able to get up without assistance. We are actually going to the vet tomorrow morning to see if it’s just worsening arthritis or if there is something neurological happening. I believe the toe grips would be extremely helpful for Zora given how hard it has become for her to get up when on smooth surfaces and how often she is losing her footing. Thank you for sharing Heather’s success stories with her senior and special needs crew!
Oh wow, keep us posted on Zora. Hopefully ToeGrips can help
Could you spray bitter apple on them or soak them in vinegar or something so he wouldn’t chew them?
Oh those are great ideas. I’ll try them too! Thank you!
I just love these toe grips. I’ve seen them help so many dogs and they’ll be my go-to if Mauja and Atka ever need a little extra traction.
Fingers and paws crossed it will be many years b4 Mauja & Atka need them! But it’s anyways nice to know where to turn when trouble arises!
This sounds like something my mom could use on her dog. My only concern would be that he would chew them off.
That is what Shasta did, in the end there was no harm as we saw it before it came all of the way off. I’m going to use some work arounds like just placing them on his back paws and Mr. N’s dog mom mentioned bitter apple or vinegar to dissuade Shasta.
Just recently learned the concept of toe grips and cant wait for it to launch in India i know several dogs that can benefit using this product because they suffer from arthritis and hip dysplasia. I am going to see if i can find this online
I know they ship internationally. You should be able to click my link to ToeGrips but they are definitely easy to find on-line.