Dr. Julie Buzby developed Toe Grips to help our senior dogs who struggle with gripping slippery floors as they age. Just as falls can be a significant risk to geriatric humans, they too can be dangerous to our geriatric dogs.

Toe grips simply slip over your dog’s nails and provide them with a grip on slippery tiles, vinyl, floorboards or laminate. You can find out more information about how toe grips work and how they are applied here. Once you have sourced Toe Grips you are welcome to book an appointment with one of our friendly nurses to help fit them to your pet.

When a senior pet experiences a disease which affects their spinal cord/spinal nerves or they struggle with severe hip and limb pain they can benefit from the additional support that a specially designed support harness can provide. It can help to make trips outside to the toilet easier and can provide assistance when they are going up and down the stairs. It has the added benefit of reducing strain to your back by being specifically designed.

Ramps and small steps can be particularly helpful for dogs and cats who struggle to get up onto the bed or couch but still desperately want to be where they have always slept. It is important to ensure any ramps or steps have a non-slip surface, that they are not too steep, that the steps aren’t too big and that they are a safe width to ensure your elderly pet does not fall.

At first your pet may be unsure of the new stairs or ramp. Be patient and use treats, positive reinforcement and pheromones to help convince them to utilise their new mobility aid. Forcing them to go up an down the ramps or steps will only cause them to fear them and may result in a fall if they panic.

Ramps can also make getting in and out of high cars easier for large dogs who can be difficult to lift. The same guidelines above apply to car ramps.