We experimented with dozens of different sock ideas before settling on the socks we use.

1. Above all, we wanted the socks to stay on your dog. If your dog pulls the socks off, they won’t accomplish anything. That’s why we came up with the elastic harness idea.

2. Our purpose was to provide socks that covered the irritated part of your dogs legs and paws as comfortably as possible to prevent your dog from chewing at his legs and paws. The more comfortable they are, the less the dog will chew at them. We found most dogs don’t seem to notice they are wearing the socks we use. We think it’s because they are soft and comfortable.

3. We also wanted to keep your dog from licking the Dermapaw off his legs. The longer the Dermapaw stays on his legs and paws, the more effectively it works, relieving itchiness.

4. We wanted to make sure they were safe. We didn’t want to use snaps or Velcro or anything your dog could swallow.

5. We wanted the socks to breathe, because their purpose is to help relieve itching and reduce the spread of infection. If we used anything waterproof, it would also prevent oxygen from reaching the skin. This can make infections worse. Additionally, a dog sweats through its feet. If they were waterproof, they would build up moisture on the inside.

6. We wanted the socks to be washable, so they could be kept clean, dirty socks can hold bacteria, and that’s not good for infections.

7. We think of the socks like bandages, so we wanted them absorbent. The socks are 77% cotton, 20% Nylon and 3% Spandex.

8. We wanted to sell the socks as inexpensively as possible. Because we think of them as bandages, we think it’s better to make cheap socks that can be replaced when they get worn out, than make expensive, longer-lasting socks that cost $20.

9. We wanted them to be adjustable. That’s why they are tied instead of sewn. The better the socks fit, the more comfortable they are, and the better they will do their job.

Here’s what we tried.

1. When we originally tested the socks available at pet stores and the on the Internet, we couldn’t find a single set that our dog didn’t pull off in less than five minutes.

2. There are dog boots that are made from waterproof material and rubber, but they don’t look comfortable enough to sleep in. In fact, they look like they would rub any sores or irritated skin, making the condition worse. It brings to mind wearing shoes when you have a blister. They start at around $40 and go up from there. We’re sure they are fantastic for hiking in snow or walking on hot pavement. We especially recommend them for service dogs. But that isn’t our purpose.

3. Even the socks that said they were made to cover injuries were made from thick, waterproof fabric that rubbed our dog’s skin. They cost $30 per leg, or $120 for a set plus shipping. Our dog was able to get them off in less than 10 minutes.

4. After ordering every conceivable type of dog sock, all of which our dog took off within a few minutes or less, we came up with the elastic harness. Initially, we just cut holes in the tops of children’s bobby socks and tied the elastic through the holes. That way, the socks were adjustable for each dog and the owner could size the harness exactly to the dog by tying the elastic to the perfect length.

5. We also found the tied version went through the wash better. Clean socks means less bacteria, and less infection. 

Here’s what we ended up with