Frequently asked questions

You measure the width of the paw, not the length. Here's how:

1. Have your dog stand upright on a flat surface, with full weight on all four paws
2. Place a sheet of paper under the front paw and trace the outline of the paw, or place a ruler next to the paw
3. Measure the widest distance of the paw print, from one side of the paw to the other
4. Read the value in centimetres

Always measure while your dog is standing upright with the paw flat on the ground. If you lift the paw and measure while it's in the air, the toes are squeezed together and you get a value that's too small.

Unsure about the size? Always choose the larger size. A slightly roomier sock that's fastened well fits better than one that's too tight.

Use the size table below as a starting point. Then always measure yourself for the surest choice, or use the size calculator and you'll know the result in 30 seconds.

• S (4.3 to 4.9 cm): Jack Russell, Dachshund, Bichon Frisé, Westie, Miniature Schnauzer
• M (4.9 to 6.3 cm): Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, Welsh Corgi, Whippet
• L (6.3 to 7.3 cm): Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Dalmatian, Samoyed, English Bulldog
• XL (7.3 to 8.6 cm): Labrador, Husky, Boxer, Belgian Malinois

Keep in mind that every dog is different. A Labrador can be an L or an XL depending on its size and build. Measuring always gives the surest choice.

Always choose the larger size. The strap allows adjustment and a slightly roomier sock stays in place better than one that's too tight. Too tight is always worse: it cuts off circulation, is uncomfortable and your dog pulls them off sooner.

For dogs with thick or long fur between the toes, choose one size larger than the measured width indicates. The fur takes up extra space in the sock and a slightly roomier sock is then more comfortable.

This applies especially to Golden Retriever, Bichon Frisé, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Goldendoodle and Labradoodle.

Dogs with short fur on the paws, such as the Boxer, Beagle, Pug or short-haired Chihuahua, you simply measure without correction.

Yes, you can. With some dogs the front and hind paws differ slightly in width. Just order two packs in the sizes that fit. Questions? Send us a message at info@dogsocky.com.

Yes. Dogs with webbing between the toes such as a Labrador, Newfoundland and Portuguese Water Dog have a wider paw print than other dogs of comparable size. When in doubt, choose the larger size.

Anti-slip dog socks, also called non-slip socks or grip socks for dogs, are soft socks with a special grip layer on the underside, so your dog no longer slips on a smooth floor. Dog Socky socks have that grip layer on both the top and the bottom of the sock. Does the sock twist while walking? Then your dog still has grip, because the top also has the anti-slip pattern. A soft strap keeps the sock neatly in place. Each pack contains 4 socks, 1 for each paw.

A dog shoe has a hard or thick sole and protects the entire paw, including the underside. That's handy outdoors on gravel, ice or hot pavements. A dog sock is softer, quicker to put on and more comfortable for all-day indoor use. Dog Socky is an indoor sock. For outdoor use on rough terrain we recommend a shoe.

Each Dog Socky pack contains 4 socks. That's a complete set for your dog's 4 paws. Not 2 and not 1 pair of 2: 4 socks so every paw is protected.

Tip: order two packs at once so you can alternate. While one set is drying after washing, the other is ready to use.

Dog Socky socks are for:

• Senior dogs of 7 years and older that become unsteady on smooth floors like parquet, tiles or laminate
• Older dogs that struggle to get up or slip with their hind legs on a smooth floor
• Dogs with arthrosis or hip dysplasia that need stability when walking
• Dogs recovering from surgery on paws or joints
• Dogs that constantly lick their paws due to allergy or stress
• Young dogs and puppies that don't yet have grip on a smooth floor
• Anyone who wants to protect their parquet or laminate from nail scratches

Dog Socky is an indoor product. For prolonged outdoor use on asphalt or rough terrain we recommend a dog shoe.

For most dogs yes, if the size fits and the floor is dry. The silicone nubs significantly increase friction on smooth surfaces. Dogs that have long struggled with slipping often notice the difference after the very first wear.

One note: socks are a complement to a good nail length, not a replacement. Nails that are too long push the toe knuckles up, so the paw makes less good contact with the floor. Trimming nails regularly strengthens the effect.

Older dogs with hip dysplasia or arthrosis slip constantly with every step on smooth floors, which puts extra strain on the joints and worsens the pain. Dog Socky's grip reduces that slipping and the compensating movement that comes with it.

It is not a medical treatment and does not replace a vet or physiotherapist, but as a daily comfort improvement at home, an anti-slip dog sock is one of the most practical aids you can use. Many vets recommend anti-slip socks as a first step alongside medical treatment.

Yes. Dog Socky forms a soft barrier between the paw and the mouth. For dogs that constantly lick their paws due to contact allergy, skin conditions or stress, the sock reduces access to the skin and helps break the licking habit.

Always combine this with your vet's advice for the underlying cause. The socks relieve the symptoms but do not treat the cause.

Dog Socky can serve as a soft protective layer after surgery, for example to prevent your dog from licking its wound or to keep the paw warm.

Never use the socks over an open wound or shortly after surgery without your vet's permission. If there is any doubt about infection or circulation, stop use immediately.

On all smooth indoor floors: parquet, laminate, tiles, vinyl, marble, concrete and linoleum. The socks are not made for wet floors such as in the shower or bath, nor for prolonged use on asphalt or rough outdoor terrain.

No. The sizes and the fit are designed for dog paws. Cats have a different paw shape and react very differently to something on their paws. We advise against use with cats.

Yes. Puppies don't yet have full grip on smooth floors and can fall, which is bad for the developing joints. Dog Socky helps avoid falls and gives your puppy confidence at home. Puppies grow fast, so check the size again after four to six weeks.

At the moment Dog Socky anti-slip dog socks are only available in black. Black was deliberately chosen because it hides dirt well and matches every dog coat.

Here's how to put the socks on in four steps:

1. Open the strap completely
2. Hold the sock with both hands like a funnel so the opening is wide
3. Gently slide the paw into the sock until the pads rest fully on the sole
4. Fold up the cuff and close the strap

Then always check: can you slide one finger comfortably under the strap? Then it fits well. Can't? Loosen the strap a little.

Practical tip: trim your dog's nails before putting the socks on. That gives a better fit and the socks last longer.

Most dogs need two to five wearing sessions to get used to the feeling. The very first time, some dogs walk a bit exaggeratedly high or shake their paws. That's completely normal and disappears quickly.

Tips for a smooth adjustment: start with ten to fifteen minutes on the first day. Put the socks on just before something your dog enjoys, like eating or playtime. Give a reward right after the socks are on. After three to five sessions, most dogs walk completely normally with them.

Yes, completely normal. Dogs navigate via the sensory feedback of their paw pads. As soon as that input is blocked by a sock, the dog interprets it as a strange feeling and reacts with exaggeratedly high steps or by stopping. Most dogs adjust their gait after a few sessions.

Three common causes:

1. Wrong size: too tight causes discomfort, too loose feels strange. Re-measure the paw.
2. Adjustment not yet complete: start shorter and reward more.
3. Too little distraction: put the socks on right before an activity so your dog doesn't get the chance to think about them.

Never take the socks off in response to protest, or your dog learns that resisting works. If none of these solutions help after two weeks, contact us at info@dogsocky.com.

For the first sessions we build up the wearing time gradually: the first two days a maximum of two hours per session, from day three to five a maximum of four hours, and from day six your dog can wear the socks all day indoors.

On first use, check after two hours how the paws feel. Are they normally warm? No swelling? Then all is well. Remove the socks immediately if you notice a swollen or abnormally cold paw.

Dog Socky is not intended for nighttime use. Is your dog going to sleep? Then the socks come off.

No, provided the size is right. Dog Socky has two mechanisms that prevent the socks from falling off:

Double-sided silicone grip, on both the top and the bottom of the sock. If the sock twists while walking, there is still always grip because the top also has the anti-slip pattern.

Elastic strap, with which you set yourself how tightly the sock holds. The elastic always gives with the movement of the paw. With the right size and put on correctly, Dog Socky socks easily stay in place for eight hours.

This is a valid concern with socks that have hard or fixed straps. With Dog Socky the strap is elastic, so you decide yourself how tightly it sits. The elastic always gives a little with the movement, so there is never constant pressure on the paw.

The golden test: you must always be able to slide one finger comfortably under the strap. Can't? Loosen the strap a little.

On first use, check the paw after two hours. Is the paw swollen, abnormally cold, or is your dog behaving restlessly? Then remove the sock immediately and consult your vet.

Yes, if you close the strap correctly. The strap closes around the cuff of the sock, above the dewclaw. Make sure you don't close the strap too low or too close to the dewclaw. After the first wearing session, check that there is no pressure or friction on the dewclaw.

The materials are non-toxic, but chewing damages the sock and can loosen small pieces of silicone. So always use the socks under your supervision. Take them off when you leave the room and certainly before your dog goes to sleep.

Does your dog chew its paws structurally? That can also point to a skin problem or allergy. Discuss this with your vet.

For a short trip to the garden on dry grass or a terrace, that's no problem. However, the socks are not made for prolonged outdoor use on asphalt, wet surfaces or rough terrain. On those surfaces the silicone pattern wears off quickly. Take the socks off right after outdoor use and let them dry well before storing them.

The socks are made of 80% cotton, 15% nylon and 5% elastane. The anti-slip pattern is of thick double-sided silicone and is latex-free. No aggressive dyes have been used. The material is soft, breathable and suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.

Yes. Wash the socks at 20 to 30 degrees Celsius on a normal programme. Close the straps before washing so they don't stick to other laundry. Preferably put the socks in a laundry bag for delicates.

After washing, lay the socks out to air dry. Not in the dryer: the heat damages the silicone pattern and the elastic of the strap.

With daily indoor use, the socks last an average of three to six months. That depends on how active your dog is and whether it also uses the socks outdoors.

You extend the lifespan by alternating two sets so each set gets enough drying time, and by using the socks indoors only.

Replace the socks if you see one of these signs:

• The silicone anti-slip pattern has become smooth and no longer feels ribbed
• The strap no longer grips well, even after cleaning
• The sock is so stretched out that it no longer stays in place
• There are holes or tears in the fabric

Shipping is free from 30 euros in Belgium and the Netherlands, and from 50 euros in the rest of the EU. For a single pack of 19.95 euros, shipping costs 4.95 euros. Order two or three packs and shipping becomes free.

Orders placed before 4 PM on a business day ship the same day. Orders on weekends or public holidays are processed the next business day.

Delivery times: Belgium 1 to 2 business days via Bpost. Netherlands 1 to 3 business days via GLS, DPD or DHL. Rest of the EU 3 to 5 business days via GLS, DPD or DHL.

Yes. As soon as your package is on its way, you receive an email with a tracking number. With it you can follow your order live.

A size exchange is completely free with us. Contact us within 30 days at info@dogsocky.com and we'll arrange the exchange free of charge and send you the right size for free. The socks must be unworn and in the original packaging.

Legally you have 14 days to change your mind, but we give you 30 days.

1. Send an email to info@dogsocky.com with your order number and what you'd like to do (exchange or refund)
2. We confirm your request
3. Send the package unworn and in the original packaging to Geldhof TW (BV), Edgar Tinelstraat 6, 8200 Bruges, Belgium
4. Once we receive the return, we send the new size or process the refund within 14 days

If you want a refund, the return shipping costs are yours. If you exchange size for free or the product was defective or wrongly delivered, we cover the costs.

Within 14 days of receipt, send an email to info@dogsocky.com with your order number, a short description and photos of the problem. We'll find a suitable solution together. In this case we cover the return costs.

Yes. As a consumer you have a two-year legal warranty under Belgian law. This warranty covers manufacturing faults and defects that were already present on delivery.

Normal wear from use, damage from chewing or pulling and damage from incorrect washing are not covered by the warranty.

By email at info@dogsocky.com. We answer messages in Dutch and English within 1 business day.