Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Socks

This page answers the most frequently asked questions about dog socks. If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us
Original Power Paws (TM) – our original products have been available for more than 15 years. They work perfectly for more than 90% of dogs. This product line is going away make room for more products. Remaining original socks have been discounted, making them a great value. Color choices vary by size, but some options are still available in all sizes. Pick this for mostly indoor use. Power Paws Advanced (TM) – created for dogs with long nails that need a more durable toe. Advanced products have extra stitching at the toe to keep nails from poking through. Soon, these will be our standard. Power Paws Advanced come in our 6 most popular colors, and the Greyhound Edition shape is available in black. Power Paws Reinforced Foot (TM) – Our 3rd generation product is based on the reinforced toe concept, but extends the extra stitching through the entire foot area. The result is a product that is more durable overall, and perfect for abrasive surfaces like asphalt and sand plus rugged outdoor activities such as camping, field work, jogging, etc. Both foot shapes are available in black.
The easiest way to tell what you need is to look at the pad group on the bottom of your dog’s paw. The foot shape is…
“Regular” if the pad group is about as long as it is wide (most breeds are here), or
“Greyhound Edition” if the pad group is far longer than it is wide (Greyhounds, Poodles, Whippets, and the back paws on some working/herding breeds).

T

** IMPORTANT: Look at both the front and back pads!! Some breeds need two sizes or two shapes to get a good fit all around!
Not all people in a family have the same size or shape feet, and not all dogs of the same breed or weight have the same feet. Once you identify the foot shape, use the weight guide to determine size. Please know that the right size will never look like the right size, and socks purchased from us can exchange if needed. *EXCHANGES are done for just a $5 exchange fee which covers our postage. We want you to have what works. Yes, you can exchange socks you have tried on!
Sure! Use the footprint guide! The regular shape  guide is for pad groups that are about as long as they are wide. The Greyhound shape is for long, skinny pad groups. Measure just the longest and widest part of the pad group (not including hair, nails, etc), and see where that falls on the diagrams.
Four socks come in a package. Depending on your pet’s need, you can use just 1, 2, 3, or all 4 at once. If you need four, you have them! If you don’t, you have spares!
Yes. To get the best fit, you may need to buy 2 packages. But in doing so, you will have spares… some to wear and some to wash, or some for inside and some for outside, etc.
Some breeds have different size (or shape) paws in the front and back! Some breeds have skinny ankles/legs in the back. No matter, you may need two sizes or two shapes. We can help you customize the fit, or determine if another size/shape (and another package) will be required. Call us at 877-737-3545 or 669-235-5029 and our team can walk you through this quickly and easily.
All generations of Power Paws have many indoor and outdoor uses. Indoor uses include traction, wound care, fashion, and floor protection. Outdoor uses include protecting paws from heat, snow, and allergens. Our Power Paws Reinforced Foot products will certainly help with rugged wear outdoors. All Power Paws are easy to care for and can be washed and dried in a machine with other laundry.

Helpful hints:

1.For snow, and for damp ground/grass: spray the socks with waterproof spray (like ScotchGuard). When dry, enjoy the protection from frostbite, snow build up, ice cuts, and salt. Reapply spray as needed after washing.

2.For extreme heat, as well as sand and hot pavement, Power Paws protect a dog’s feet from burns. They work out of the package, and need nothing extra for this.

3.For allergies, wear Power Paws while walking through dust, grass, or pollen, then remove them upon returning home. The allergens are on the sock, NOT touching your dog’s pads. If allergens don’t touch the pad, they don’t itch and nothing has to heal!

Yes, we offer the following complementary products.

  • Power On tool designed to help one person put all 4 socks on in 10-20 seconds.
  • Orion Light Up dog collars, these are USB charged, offer several flashing settings, and really add to the safety of you and your dog at night. They’re quite fashionable too!
  • Indestructibone, nearly-indestructible dog chew toys. Made in California, these come in multiple sizes and last up to a year!

Would you like to see us carry t-shirts, bandanas for the dogs, or other products? Let us know.

1. By Web – processed through Stripe, we take all credit/debit cards. Orders generally ship the same day if ordered by 2:00 Pacific.

2. By Phone – we accept all credit/debit cards and generally ship the same day if ordered by 2:00 Pacific. Call us at 877-737-3545 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday Pacific/California time.
We use USPS First Class Mail for standard shipments. Orders generally arrive to US locations in 2 to 4 business days and locations around the globe in 5 to 12 business days. We’ll do our part and get them on their way to you quickly. All orders come with tracking and an estimated arrival date. See our Shipping Policy for more information. For immediate, local-to-you purchases, see our growing list of global retail locations.

We ship globally every day! So far, we have shipped to 58 countries! Shipping charges do vary based on distance. Our shipping chart gives detailed information about costs and expectations for global delivery.

Looks can be deceiving! Power Paws should look too small for your dog. Despite the appearance, please try one on your dog. You will be surprised at how they stretch to become the size of the foot. Trying the socks on will not affect your ability to exchange or return them.
See the video by clicking on the link

The sock is too small if you can’t stretch it enough to put it on your dog’s foot. Call 877-737-3545 to exchange for a larger size.

If you think it’s too tight, and you had 2 or 3 or 4 fingers in to put it on, your dog gets that space back after you slide them on! Are they bothering your dog? OR Call us if you have questions.

If the sock rotates or takes a while to come off, customize the fit by washing in warm when you do laundry. See #3 in the next question, or call us. This won’t affect your ability to change sizes later! If the sock rotates or takes a while to come off, customize the fit by washing in warm when you do laundry. See #3 in the next question, or call us. This won’t affect your ability to change sizes later!

The sock is too big if it falls off quickly. Call to exchange for a smaller size.
Twisting generally happens because the elastic in the leg/ankle is not stretched to hold. In finding the right fit…

1. First, we care about the shape of the foot. Does the grip shape on the sock match well to the pad shape of the paw?

2. Next, we care about the foot size. Is the sock stretched to hold in the foot area? Watch the video on fit above.

3. Finally, IF the foot is right, we don’t want to change size or shape…let’s customize the fit! To do that, machine wash in warm, and air dry. If you need more shrink, machine wash and dry on warm. Still need more? Try a self-sticking wrap (“self sticking” on the package). Find it in the first aid section of drug stores, sporting goods stores, and even large grocery stores. This wrap often comes in 1, 2, or 4 inch width, so if needed, cut a strip appropriate for the size of the dog (1/2 inch for a Chihuahua to 1 inch for a Lab, etc.). Put the strip on the leg above the first bend (ankle). Go around the leg 3-4 times in the same circle (not too tight), and secure back to itself. Put the sock on TOP of the wrap! This thickens the leg, gives the elastic in the sock a reason to stretch to hold, and the rubber in the wrap is a nice surface for the elastic in the sock to grip. **IF the foot is wrong (shape or size), call us at 877-737-3545 to exchange.
Absolutely, IF they are the right size and shape! The cotton material was chosen for comfort. The elastic ensures a snug, custom fit that stays on. With the right size, even a 3 year old lab, running and playing will keep her socks on because the elastic is stretched enough.
Generally, yes! Power Paws are light and comfortable, they fit like skin, plus they allow dogs to walk normally! We don’t use Velcro or buckles because dogs hate those. In addition, our size and shape options ensure a snug fit for any size or shape paw. Even dogs that hate having their paws touched generally do not try to take them off. Simply, there is nothing in the sock that bothers them!
Occasionally, yes. If your dog is not used to having socks or shoes on his feet, he may react this way. It is temporary! Our testimonials and customer videos show that most dogs adapt to Power Paws in seconds. For others, it may take a minute. To help your dog adapt, encourage movement by walking with him, calling him to come to you, throwing a favorite toy, or giving him a treat! Dogs learn quickly that Power Paws are GOOD! If your dog needs them for traction or mobility, don’t be surprised if your dog WANTS them on.
When your Power Paws get dirty or wet, just throw them in the washing machine! Power Paws can be washed just like clothes. If the fit is right, we recommend permanent press or gentle cycle with cold water and drying on low to avoid shrinkage. For a little shrink to help with twisting, machine wash in warm water, then air dry. If you need a little more, wash them on warm and dry on warm. This stepped approach to customizing takes a little longer but is designed to give you the best fit.