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If you have a small dog or a senior dog, you will want the best dog stairs to make your home more accessible for them. Not all dogs can access the bed and couch even if they’re allowed to. So, stairs can give your pup a boost to ensure that they don’t feel left out when the rest of their family is relaxing.
Yet, there are a lot of dog stairs on the market, so how can you choose the best option for your dog? In this article, you’ll find a list of effective products and some features to look out for to help you make a decision.
Best Dog Stairs
1. PetSafe CozyUp Folding Dog Stairs
PetSafe’s CozyUp folding stairs are a simple plastic design that can be placed anywhere in your home. There is a small size (20 inches tall) and a large size (25 inches tall). The smaller option can support dogs up to 150 pounds, while the larger one can support dogs up to 200 pounds.
Each step has a fabric tread and side rails so your dog won’t slip while climbing. The stairs also have non-skid feet to prevent the product from sliding on smooth surfaces. When not in use, they fold up for easy storage. You can purchase these stairs in gray or tan.
Features:
- Two heights available
- Two colors available
- Supports up to 150 or 200 pounds
- Fabric tread and raised sides
- Non-skid feet
- Folds for easy storage
- Made in the USA
2. Pet Gear Easy Step Bed Stairs
These dog stairs take up more space than other products, but they’re great for dogs who need gradual steps. They curve around the bottom corner of your bed so your dog can climb up and cuddle with you. With an L-shaped design, they also stick out from the bed less than other products.
The pieces can be snapped together in a way that works for either side of the bed, and no tools are needed. There’s a fabric tread on each step to prevent slipping and rubber grippers on the bottom to keep the stairs in place. These stairs can hold up to 75 pounds and they come in two colors: gray or chocolate.
Features:
- Curves around the edge of the bed
- Gradual steps for easier access
- Fabric tread
- Rubber grippers
- Snaps together with no tools needed
- Comes in two colors
- Holds up to 75 pounds
3. Best Pet Supplies Foam Pet Steps
These foam pet steps are more customizable than their competitors, and they have soft edges. You can choose between three and five steps, and you can pick from 15 fabric colors. Choosing a product with more steps can make the steps less steep for senior dogs. Some of the colors available are vibrant and fun, while others are neutral to blend in with the other furniture.
The stairs are made with CertiPUR US Certified foam, so all the materials are safe for pets. These stairs are lightweight, so they’re easy to move from one piece of furniture to another. They have a no-skid bottom to keep them safe, and the fabric cover can be removed and washed.
Features:
- Three, four, or five step options
- 15 colors available
- CertiPUR US Certified foam
- Easy to move
- No-skid bottom
- Removable cover
4. ZINUS Foam Pet Stairs
Another product made of foam, this set only comes in beige. However, you can choose from five sizes, ranging from extra-small to extra-large. The extra-small stairs only have two steps, while the extra-large ones have four. These stairs are ideal for small breeds, and they’re made with CertiPUR US Certified foam.
You won’t have to worry about your dog making a mess because the fabric cover is removable and washable. The fabric on the bottom has no-skid spots to keep the stairs in place on smooth surfaces. All parts of the steps are soft, making them safe even if your dog slips.
Features:
- Five sizes available
- CertiPUR US Certified foam
- Removable and washable cover
- No-skid bottom
- Easy to move
5. Petsfit Wooden Dog Stairs
These wooden pet stairs can work great beside any furniture piece. They come in black or white, and they can come with two steps or three. The surface of each step has a textured fabric to prevent slipping, and the sides of the stairs are raised to stop dogs from falling off. The middle of the stairs is hollow with two openings so cats and small dogs can hide inside the stairs if they’d like.
This product requires some assembly, but it has pre-drilled holes to make the process quick. There are rubber grippers on the bottom of these stairs to prevent them from damaging flooring. They can hold pets up to 100 pounds. These stairs are heavier than other products, so they work best if they stay in one spot.
Features:
- Two colors available
- Two heights available
- Requires some assembly
- Textured fabric on steps and raised sides
- Rubber grippers on the bottom
- Holes for pets to hide in
6. Loobani Dog Car Ramp for Large Dogs
These dog stairs are made for those needing help loading their dogs into their cars. Some dogs can’t jump high enough to get into the vehicle, while others shouldn’t be putting that much stress on their joints. When they’re not in use, these stairs can fold into a compact cube with a handle since you’ll need to move them whenever your dog gets in and out of the car.
This stable product can hold dogs up to 150 pounds. The surface of each step is covered in anti-slip Oxford cloth to help your dog feel comfortable when climbing the stairs. You can also choose a grass-like surface instead. There are rubber strips on the top and bottom to keep the stairs in place. The stairs come with five or six steps, and there’s an extra-wide option available.
Features:
- Stairs for the car
- Folds up into a cube with a handle
- Supports up to 150 pounds
- Anti-slip surface on steps
- Rubber strips keep the stairs in place
- Comes with five or six steps
7. Pet Studio Pine Frame Dog Steps
If you’re going for a more natural look when decorating, then you may want to consider these dog steps. Their structure uses dark brown wood, and each step is covered with beige carpet to prevent your dog from slipping. You can purchase these stairs with either two or three steps, depending on how tall you need them to be.
These stairs can fold down into a ramp if your dog is having trouble walking up stairs. When the product isn’t in use, it can simply fold up and slide under your bed. The mahogany-finished pine frame can hold up to 130 pounds.
Features:
- Can convert into a ramp
- Comes with two or three steps
- Pine frame with carpeted steps
- Folds up for easy storage
- Supports up to 130 pounds
8. Cozy Pet Soft Dog Steps
The fuzzy fabric of these stairs creates enough traction to prevent dogs from slipping. The fabric comes in gray or tan, and you can choose from three steps or four. They’re lightweight with a tote handle on the back, making them easy to move from one room to another.
These stairs are made with DuraCore technology, which is a dense cardboard configuration that allows the steps to support up to 200 pounds. However, it’s best suited for small breeds, 20 pounds and under. If the steps get dirty, you can remove the fabric cover to clean it in the washing machine.
Features:
- Easy to move
- Removable and machine washable cover
- Supports up to 200 pounds
- DuraCore dense cardboard configuration
- Comes in two colors
- Comes with three or four steps
9. Furhaven Steady Paws Pet Stairs For High Beds
These unique pet stairs have a similar appearance to a cat tree. They’re tall with a fuzzy exterior, but the steps may be too steep for older dogs. The fabric gives pets comfort and prevents them from slipping off. You can choose between three or four steps, with three color options: brown, cream, and gray.
Each step is held up by pillars so pets can sit under the steps if they’d like. All the steps are attached to a rectangular base that keeps the steps sturdy. This product is a great choice for your home if you also have cats that will use it. It’s heavier than other options, so keeping it in one spot is ideal.
Features:
- Resembles a cat tree
- Soft, fuzzy exterior
- Pets can sit under the steps
- Comes in three colors
- Comes with three or four steps
10. Snoozer Scalloped Dog Ramp
The Snoozer Dog Ramp is the perfect mix between stairs and a ramp. It has a ramp-like shape, but instead of having steep steps, it has bumps. Thus, it’s easy on the joints of senior dogs. Its removable cover is made with micro-suede fabrics that are machine-washable. The inside of the steps is made with high-density polyurethane foam.
This product comes in three sizes. The smallest size only has three bumps, while the largest size has five. There are also seven fabric colors to choose from. It can support up to 100 pounds, but it works best for small breeds.
Features:
- Very shallow steps
- Micro-suede fabric and polyurethane foam
- Removable and machine-washable cover
- Supports up to 100 pounds
- Comes in three sizes
- Comes in seven colors
Best Dog Stairs Buyer’s Guide
Not all dog steps are created equal. One product may be better than another, depending on your dog’s needs. So, here are a few factors to look out for when choosing the best dog stairs.
Purpose
Where are you planning to put the stairs? They could be for the couch, bed, car, or any other place that your dog can’t reach. Some steps can tackle all these purposes, while others are designed for one specific purpose.
Size
Consider the height and width of the stairs before buying them. The stairs should be high enough to reach your desired surface, and they should be wide enough for your dog to feel comfortable walking on them.
Number of Steps
The number of steps can matter for your pet’s comfort. More steps usually mean that the steps aren’t as steep, so that could be a good choice for dogs with bad joints or dogs that are scared to climb up steep steps.
Weight Capacity
Most stairs can hold a decent amount of weight, but it’s always good to check the weight capacity before purchasing. If you have a large dog, the stairs could break or fall over if they’re not meant to support that much weight.
Material
The material could be important for some dogs. Soft, plush exteriors may be more comforting to some dogs, while sturdy, wooden materials may feel more stable to other dogs. Consider which materials your dog will be most likely to climb.
Price
Dog stair prices can vary drastically. If you’re on a budget, you may want to go with the cheapest option, but make sure it still has good reviews. More expensive steps tend to last longer and support more weight, so if you’re able, consider buying a higher-quality product for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should You Use Stairs for Dogs?
Most dog parents use stairs for their pups to either help small dogs get on and off of tall furniture or put less strain on their dog’s joints. So, stairs are most common for families with small breeds or senior dogs.
Are Ramps or Stairs Better for Dogs?
It depends on the dog. Both ramps and stairs are great for dog joints, but some dogs feel more comfortable walking up stairs, while others prefer ramps. Many dog parents prefer stairs because they typically take up less floor space when set up.
Why Won’t My Dog Climb Stairs?
Some dogs are scared to climb stairs because they’ve never done it before. In that case, they’ll need a lot of positive reinforcements to be okay with doing it. However, if your dog normally climbs stairs but suddenly stopped, it could be a sign of pain, anxiety, or fear. Talk to your vet if you suspect your dog is avoiding stairs because of pain.
Can Dogs Climb Stairs After Getting Spayed/Neutered?
No, dogs shouldn’t run, jump, or climb for 10 to 14 days after getting fixed. Too much activity after a spay/neuter could disrupt your dog’s healing process and lead to health complications.
Can Dogs Climb Stairs During Heartworm Treatment?
No, when dogs are going through heartworm treatment, they must avoid anything that could increase their heart rate too much. That means no running, jumping, or climbing for about 6 to 8 weeks.
Final Thoughts
Some dogs are too short to jump onto furniture while others are too old to be putting stress on their joints. If your dog fits into either of those categories, they may benefit from the best dog stairs. Using dog stairs for beds, couches, or cars can make it easier for your dog to be included in family activities.
If you’re struggling to decide on the best dog steps for your home, consider one of the ten great products mentioned in this article. With so many different styles, sizes, and types, you should be able to find one that will help your dog live a happier and healthier life.
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