FAQs (or Frequently Barked Questions!)

Grip Trex Boots Rubbing/Causing Sore

Q.  I purchased the Grip Trex Boots for my dog and noticed they are causing sores on my pup's paws.  What should I do?

 

A.  Typically rub spots are caused by an incorrectly sized boot, a boot not properly adjusted or a boot that has not been given adequate time to break in.  Boot Liners are available and, like socks you wear with your own shoes, cushion and protect paws from any abrasion that might occur.  

Firstly make sure you have the correct size boots.  For guidance, the boots should do up above the dew claw but below the carpal pad on the front paws.  Once you are certain the boots fit correctly, Ruff Wear recommend you allow time for your pup to break their new boots in so they will conform to their paws. Start out using them for shorter walks or play time then have a quick check of your dog's paws to ensure the boots are not rubbing the fur or pads.  If there are sore spots, stop using the boot to allow the paw to heal.  

Just like if you were to wear shoes without socks, you would probably develop a sore or blister - the same thing can happen to some dogs who wear boots without boot liners.  Ruff Wear recommend the use of Boot Liners to cushion and protect the paw from any abrasion that might occur.  

Also check that the dew claw is trimmed so not sharply rub on the paw, keep the paw and interior of the boot dry and you may want to try a bit of VetWrap for a small sore.  This will protect it just like plaster.

If you continue to have issues, please drop us an email.

 

What Boot Size is Best for my Dog

Q.  How do I determine which size boot will best fit my canine companion?

A: In order for the boots to stay on and be comfortable for your pup, it is important to ensure you choose the correct size boot.  We have a size chart below the paw width and length measure and 'typically fits' to help guide you with your choice.

The width measure is the MOST IMPORTANT measure:

 

1. Have your dog stand on a flat, firm surface with a piece of paper under one of his front paws..
2. Lift your dog's opposite front paw so the weight is placed firmly on the paw being measured. 
3. Mark the paper at the paw's widest point on the left and right edges of the paw. 
4. Measure the distance between these two marks, then use the size chart to find the proper size. e.g., If the width is measured between 2.25" and 2.5", the dog would wear a Small boot, between 2.75" and 3.0" would wear a Large, etc.

The length measure is a secondary measure - the width is the most important though:

1. Measure the distance from the tip of the dog's toes underneath the foot pad and up to the carpal pad. Note: The carpal pad is the circular pad just below the wrist on the front leg. See graphic for location.
2. Use the sizing chart to verify that at the proper width your dog's paw length exceeds the listed measurement. eg: Medium boots will work for dogs with a paw length that exceeds 4.5". 
   

Most dogs wear the same size on the front and the back paws but, there are few dogs that may need to split sizes.

For dogs with slender legs, such as Greyhounds and Whippets, the Skyliner Boots are generally a better fit as they are longer and grip tighter to the leg.

 

Boot Sizing Chart

Size	Width	Length - Grip Trex Boots	Typically Fits
XXXS (Skyliners Only)	1.25-1.5" or 32-38mm	2.5" or 64mm	Toy Dogs (about 1-3kg)
XXS	1.5-2.0" or 38-51mm	3" or 76mm	Small Jack Russells (about 3-7kg)
XS	2.0-2.25" or 51-57mm	3.5" or 89mm	Cocker Spaniels (about 7-14kg)
S	2.25-2.5" or 57-64mm	3.75" or 95mm	Border Collies (about 14-23kg)
M	2.5-2.75" or 64-70mm	4.5" or 114mm	Labradors (about 23-29kg)
L	2.75-3.0" or 70-76mm	5.75" or 146mm	Retrievers/GSD (about 29-35kg)
XL	3.0-3.26" or 76-83mm	6.75" or 171mm	Large GSD/Ridgebacks (about 35-40kg)
XXL (Grip Trex Boots Only)	3.25-3.75" or 83-95mm	8.0" or 229mm	Giant Dogs (over 40kg)

†width=measurement across widest part of paw, when bearing weight
‡length=measurement from toe tips to below carpal pad