Is your dog’s paw slipping too often on the floor? Here’s what you can do to help

While it might look cute to see your dog's paws sliding across the floor or tiles, it's an unpleasant experience for them. Here's how you can help!

Most pet owners have likely seen their dog slipping on the floor. While it may look cute, it’s uncomfortable for your furry friend. Here are a few tips to help reduce paw slippage on floors or tiles.

Trimming the hair between the paw pads

Slipping paws can often be caused by excessive hair growth between the pads of your pet’s feet. When your pet takes a step, it may step on the hairs instead of the pads, creating a much slipperier surface. You can ask a professional groomer for help with trimming or try it yourself. The key is to use blunt-edged scissors to avoid injuring your dog. This process should be repeated whenever the hair begins to cover the pads.

In the following video, a professional shows you how to do it:

Taking care of your dog’s paws

Dry, chapped paws can slip more easily on certain surfaces. During the winter months, it’s especially important to keep your dog’s feet well-groomed. It’s worth using a paw care product that moisturizes and softens your pet’s paws, helping them grip different surfaces more easily.

Trimming your dog’s claws

When it comes to slippery floors, long claws can make it even harder for your dog to gain traction, as the dog’s weight is more likely to be transferred to the claws rather than the pads themselves. Hard claws also can’t grip slippery surfaces. Additionally, overly long claws can be very uncomfortable for dogs, and in extreme cases, even painful. If you notice your dog’s claws aren’t wearing down naturally, it’s time for a trim. You can do this at home, but if you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a professional. This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to trim your dog’s claws safely and effectively.

In the video below, a groomer demonstrates how to trim a dog’s claws:

Carpet for important areas

It’s no coincidence that many homes feature tile and parquet flooring. After all, they are easy to clean, unlike carpeted floors. Most dogs eat in kitchens, which often have tile floors. If this is where you serve your pet’s food, it’s a good idea to place a large, non-slip, easy-to-clean mat (such as one made of plastic) under the bowl to prevent any inconvenience for your dog while eating. If your dog frequently slips in certain areas, using securely placed mats can help provide better traction.

Unconventional solutions

Many people recommend socks and shoes for dogs to solve the problem of slippery floors. While these can be useful, most dogs find them uncomfortable, so your pet might not be a fan. A more recent innovation is anti-slip claw covers for dogs. These are made from materials that help dogs gain better traction on slippery surfaces.