The right size starts with a good measurement. Measure wrong and the sock slips down or pinches, and then even the best grip does not work. Luckily, measuring your dog's paw width is quick: all you need is a sheet of paper, a pen and a ruler. In this article you will read step by step how to trace the pawprint and turn it into the right dog sock size.

Why you measure paw width, not the ankle

Many brands set the size on the ankle or wrist. But your dog stands on its foot, not on its ankle. The foot spreads with every step and is therefore wider than the paw at rest.

That is why we measure the width of the spread pawprint. The sock then closes around the wide part of the foot and stays on. It also explains why our sizes come out larger than brands like Trixie: we simply measure a different point.

What you need

You do not have to buy anything. Get ready:

• A sheet of white paper, a little larger than the paw.
• A pen or pencil.
• A ruler or measuring tape in centimetres.
• A treat to keep your dog still for a moment, if needed.

Measure your dog's paw width in 4 steps

Do this while your dog is standing calmly, with weight on the paw. That gives you the real, spread width.

Step 1: place the paw on the paper

Let your dog simply stand and slide the sheet under a front paw. Make sure it puts weight on it, because then the foot spreads as it does when walking.

Step 2: mark left and right of the paw

With the pen, make a small line against the left edge and the right edge of the foot, at the widest point. Hold the pen upright, not at an angle, or you will measure too wide.

Step 3: measure the distance between the marks

Take the paw away and measure the distance between the two marks with the ruler. That number in centimetres is the paw width, for example 4.7 cm.

Step 4: check with a back paw

Measure a back paw too. In most dogs the front paws are slightly wider. If you get two different sizes, go by the widest paw.

From paw width to the right dog sock size

Got your number? Enter the paw width in the size calculator and you get the right size in 30 seconds. If your dog is between two sizes, choose the smaller one that is still comfortable: a slightly snugger sock stays on better than one that is too loose.

Want to know right away which size matches your measurement, the calculator shows it instantly. The Dog Socky anti-slip dog socks run from size S to XL, with XS and XXL in development.

Common measuring mistakes

A few things often lead to the wrong size. Avoid these:

• Measuring at rest: a lifted paw is narrower. Always measure with weight on the foot.
• Holding the pen at an angle: that makes you measure wider than the paw really is.
• Including the fur: on a hairy paw, press the hair down lightly or trim it, so you measure the foot and not the fluff.
• Measuring only one paw: check at least two and go by the widest.

Conclusion: a minute of measuring, months of comfort

Measuring your dog's paw width takes less than a minute, and it is the most important step for a sock that stays on. Measure with weight on the foot, trace the edges neatly and go by the widest paw. Enter the number in the size calculator and you are good to go.

Ready to measure? Grab paper and pen, then check in the size calculator which size fits your dog.

Frequently asked questions

Do I measure the front or the back paw?

Measure one of each and go by the widest. In most dogs the front paws are slightly wider. That way you are sure the sock fits around the largest paw too.

My dog will not stand still. What now?

Measure at a calm moment, for example after a walk. Have someone distract it with a treat, or measure while it leans against you. A few seconds with weight on the paw is enough.

What if my dog is between two sizes?

Choose the smaller size that is still comfortable. A slightly snugger sock stays in place better, while one that is too loose slips off sooner. The strap absorbs small differences.