Dog wearing non-slip socks indoors to prevent paw licking and slipping | HappyBarker

The Best Dog Shoes, Booties & Socks for Paw Protection All Year Round

As a lifelong dog parent, I’ve learned that paw care is just as important as feeding the right food or giving enough exercise. From scorching summer sidewalks to icy winter mornings, our pups’ paws go through a lot. And when you add in issues like dog licking paws or slippery hardwood floors, the need for reliable paw protection becomes even more urgent.

Today, I’m sharing my experience with two outstanding products, the DOK TigerToes Premium Non-Slip Dog Socks and the EXPAWLORER Anti Slip Dog Socks, plus practical tips on how to choose the best dog shoes, booties, and socks for year-round paw care. Whether you’re dealing with a senior dog struggling with traction, a puppy learning to navigate the house, or a dog that simply is licking paws a lot, you’ll find solutions here.


Why Paw Protection Matters More Than You Think

Most of us notice our dog’s paws only when something goes wrong, a limp after a long walk, excessive dog licking paw, or visible cracks on the pads. But paws face multiple threats year-round:

  • Hot Pavement in Summer, Walking your dog on asphalt during July can be as damaging as putting your own hand on a stovetop. Dog shoes for hot pavement or booties for dogs are essential here.
  • Ice and Salt in Winter, Road salt can dry and crack paw pads, while ice buildup between toes can hurt. Dog shoes for winter or dog booties for winter provide insulation and protection.
  • Slippery Indoor Floors, Hardwood or tile can make a dog with shoes or socks more stable and confident, especially a senior dog with mobility issues.
  • Allergies and Licking, If your dog is licking paws due to allergies or skin irritation, covering them with breathable socks for dogs can prevent further damage and allow healing.

I once had to learn this the hard way with my own Labrador, Max, who began licking paws a lot after we moved into a house with hardwood floors. Between slipping on the floor and chewing at his itchy feet, he was miserable, until I discovered the right paw gear.


DOK TigerToes Premium Non-Slip Dog Socks

Why I Love Them


The DOK TigerToes Premium Non-Slip Dog Socks are more than just “cute socks for dogs”they’re engineered for function. The extra-thick grip actually works even if the sock twists, which was a lifesaver for Max because he’s a chronic “sock shuffler.”

How They Work

  • Anti-Slip Grip: Thick rubberized traction that gives a dog confidence on hardwood and tile.
  • Paw Protection: Helps prevent further injury if your dog licking paws habit has caused redness or sores.
  • All-Season Comfort: Breathable enough for summer, warm enough for winter indoor wear.

Results I’ve Seen


Within days, Max stopped sliding around corners. More importantly, because the socks covered his paws, he wasn’t able to keep licking them raw. A reviewer on Amazon echoed this, saying her senior dog regained the confidence to walk around the house without fear of falling.

When to Use:

  • Indoor traction control for hardwood or tile
  • Covering and protecting irritated paws
  • Extra grip for toe grips for dogs alternative use indoors
  • Large fits paws 2.5″ – 2.8″. Measure while dog is standing with weight on paw. Includes 4 dog grip s…
  • 3x More Grip: Performance grip is engineered to provide reliable traction even if the sock twists wh…
  • Senior Dogs: Specifically created with senior pet owners in mind. Maximum traction on hardwood floor…

EXPAWLORER Anti Slip Dog Socks

Why They’re a Great Option

The EXPAWLORER Anti Slip Dog Socks have a slightly different design focus, they double as dog shoes for hot pavement in addition to indoor use. Their grip and heat-resistant sole make them versatile shoes for dogs who transition from indoors to outdoors often.

Features & Benefits

  • Thick Rubber Soles: Protects from both heat and rough outdoor surfaces.
  • Traction Indoors: Same anti-slip benefits for hardwood floors as the TigerToes.
  • Paw Coverage for Lickers: Keeps your dog licking paws a lot from aggravating skin irritation.

One Amazon reviewer shared that these socks worked wonders for her puppy shoes training stage, teaching her pup to tolerate footwear before upgrading to best dog boots for hiking.

When to Use:

  • Summer walks on warm surfaces
  • Transition gear before dog booties for hot pavement or boots for dogs
  • Year-round paw injury prevention
  • Size Medium:Paw width 2.55″, Length 6.3″, Grip Width 1.7″. Muti sizes available, fit for many pets. …
  • [Prevent From Licking] Our innovative dog socks are specially designed to help prevent your furry co…
  • [Double Side No-Skid] It’s our patent-exclusive design, Each side of the sock has [21 Cute Little Pa…

How to Choose Between Dog Socks, Booties, and Shoes

The right paw gear depends on your dog’s specific needs:

NeedBest OptionWhy
Indoor traction & paw licking preventionNon-slip socks for dogsBreathable and comfortable for all-day wear
Outdoor heat protectionDog shoes for summer / dog booties for hot pavementShields paws from burns
Winter walksDog shoes for winter / dog booties for winterInsulates against cold and ice
Multi-surface protectionBest dog bootsDurable for varied terrain

Signs Your Dog Needs Paw Protection Now

  • Dog is licking paws excessively
  • Slipping or sliding on smooth floors
  • Hesitation to walk on hot or cold outdoor surfaces
  • Visible redness, cracks, or swelling
  • Senior dogs losing stability indoors

When Max started limping after walks and chewing his toes raw, it was the wake-up call that led me to dog shoe solutions. I wish I had acted sooner.


Personal Tip: Introduce Paw Gear Slowly

If your dog has never worn puppy shoes, boots for dogs, or socks of dogs, they might react with a little drama at first.
Here’s what worked for me:

  1. Let them sniff the socks or shoes first.
  2. Put them on for just 5–10 minutes indoors.
  3. Use positive reinforcement with treats.
  4. Gradually increase wear time.

Before long, Max was trotting around the house like a dog with shoes was the most natural thing in the world.


Final Verdict

If your dog is dealing with paw irritation, slipping indoors, or seasonal weather extremes, investing in dog booties, dog shoes, or socks for dogs isn’t just about style, it’s about health and safety.

  • For indoor paw protection and licking prevention, I recommend the DOK TigerToes Premium Non-Slip Dog Socks.
  • For indoor/outdoor versatility, the EXPAWLORER Anti Slip Dog Socks are the way to go.

Both will help your dog stay comfortable, safe, and happy year-round.

Your dog’s paws work hard every single day, give them the comfort and protection they deserve. Check out the DOK TigerToes Premium Non-Slip Dog Socks and the EXPAWLORER Anti Slip Dog Socks to keep your pup happy and safe all year round.


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