It is always a rewarding feeling of being a pet owner, much more being an owner of cute, little dogs. However, you know that they have trouble reaching high areas and that's why there are pet stairs or pet steps for small dogs.
To care for dogs is one thing, but to be able to treat them like ordinary people is another. It is important to remember that your struggles could be their struggles too! Good thing that people have the means to get a tool or device that could help them reach things, but what about your cute, little puppies?
As an owner, you should make sure that you maximize the needs of your pup. Your dogs wouldn't have twice the fun and learning stimulation if they remained in one ground level, right? Think of it as their means of exploring the world. As small dogs, they have half of their environment to explore. Aside from your young ones, pet stairs and steps are also of great help to your old canine to mobilize around his or her environment, as well. These are just some of the most important reasons why you need to get pet steps for small dogs.
With that, here are some of the things you may want to consider before purchasing pet stairs.
Things you need to know when buying Pet Ramp or Pet Stairs
There are five essential things to consider when you're buying either pet ramp or pet stairs - material, grip, space, storage, and width.
Material โ what is it made of?
It's important to note that the material will contribute a great deal when it comes to your pet's stairs or ramp. The most commonly used materials used for pet stairs for small dogs are wood, metal, and foam. If you have dogs that have special needs, like they have arthritis or weak bones, foam pet stairs are the best for them so as not to injure your pup. However, you have to make sure that the pet stairs are durable enough to support the weight of your dog.ย ย ย
Ramps can also be made from foam, wood, metal and pet ramps for small dogs are made for them to slide to. So, if you're getting a ramp that's made of metal, you should check if it's not that slippery so your pup couldn't get hurt as much as possible.
Grip โ is it stable enough?
Pet steps or ramps bear the weight of your pup so these should hold your dog into the right places and not just let it slip. Get stairs or ramps that have non-skid feet or non-skid material attached to it to prevent your doggie from sliding all over.
Space โ how much area will it take?
Pet stairs and ramps take up a lot of space so you must get one that's just suitable for your place. ย Pet stairs and pet steps for small dogs vary in size and shape. There are also space-saver products so as not to take up so much space when in use.
Storage โ will it take up a large amount of storage space?
This usually comes hand-in-hand with space. After using your pet stairs or ramp, these should be able to be put away so as not to be a hazard to other pets or people in your home. Consider also how frequent you are to use the dog stairs or steps.
Width โ how wide should the ramp or stairs be?
The optimal width of pet stairs or ramps for small dogs is about 12 inches while large dogs need about 24 inches. If you think that your pups are scared of heights, you may want to get a wider ramp or stairs to make your doggy feel secure.
For some additional reminders, it is also important to take notice at the height and depth of the steps. The usual range of pet stairs is about 6.5 up to 7.5 centimeters. This can vary, however, depending on the height of your pooch. If your dog has longer legs, then your pooch may be able to handle taller steps compared to dogs who has shorter legs and can only be able to handle shorter steps. The depth of the usual pet stairs is about 10 to 12 centimeters.
For ramps, you should take note of the slope. Usually, small pups can handle up to 18 degrees inclination. More than 23 degrees of inclination will make it hard for them to climb or slide down to, as it is steeper than the usual. The length of the ramp will depend on the angle you choose for your pet.
Here's a simple calculation on how you can choose the right length for your pet:
Which is a Better Choice - Pet Stairs or Pet Ramps?
So now the question is which kind of support shall you choose for your pooch - a dog ramp or stairs?
There's no such thing as better when it comes to this because it will depend on how your puppy will respond to it. However, there are some advantages of on over the other.
Dog stairs take up less space and are generally easier to move around. Buying dog stairs for your small dog is recommended if you often move the stairs around your house for your canine to get by. There can be dog stairs for bedroom use, living room, or even in the recreational area. Your puppy could get used to using the stairs especially if it's not that much used to taking one so you will also need to invest in some time training your canine to use this new tool.
Dog ramps, on the other hand, areย recommended for arthritic dogs.ย In this way, they could slide up and down, not exerting much effort as they would give on using the stairs. Ramps for small dogs are sturdier than dog stairs; however, they are also harder to move around so you may want to consider using pet ramps for semi-permanent use. Generally, smaller dogs find it harder to take on a step, so pet ramps are the best way to go for them to mobilize.ย
As the owner, you know your pup better than anyone else. Try to gauge your pooch's needs and capabilities and whichever work best for him or her.
Ramps and Stairs For Pets Review
#1. PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs, Foldable Steps for Dogs and Cats
The Solvit PupSTEP + Plus Pet Stairs is one of the most preferred purchases of small pup owners. The best thing about Solvit PupSTEP is that these are made of lightweight yet durable materials, which are perfect for moving around your place. It is made by PetSafe, one of the leading US manufacturer of pet behavior, containment and lifestyle products since 1991.
The tread and spacing size is just right for small and medium-sized canines. It also incorporates comfortability and security in their design with its built-in side rails and non-skid feet. You are sure that your dog shall enjoy using this for climbing up and down. Once not in use, the pet stairs should not be an obstacle around your place because this can be easily folded and stored away until your next use.
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#2. Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs, 2 Step for Cats/Dogs
The Pet Gear Easy Step II features a washable carpet tread that is made to be easily accessible for cleaning every now and then. It also has broader and deeper stair landings for small and large dogs and rubber grippers placed at the bottom to keep the step secure. It has a step height of 6 inches, 12.25 inches for the top stepโs depth and 11.5 inches for the second stepโs depth. Itโs also easy to set-up, no need for you to work with tools as it snaps together very quickly. In this way, the Pet Gear Easy Step II can also be moved around your place every now and then. It can also hold up any of your petโs weight up to 150 pounds.
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#3. CertiPUR-US Certified Foam Pet Steps / Stairs for Dogs & Cats by Best Pet Supplies
The CetiPUR-US Certified Foam Pet Steps by Best Pet supplies is the best accessory for your pet if youโve always been paranoid about your pooch getting harmed while climbing up or down the stairs, then worry no more with because the steps are made of foam. It is a certified foam to ensure that your pet will get the safest steps. These foams are manufactured with no ozone depleters, PDBW flame retardants, mercury, lead and other chemicals that may cause harm to your canine.
There are also different variations of the product. It comes as a 3-step, 4-step of 5-step stairs. For this 5 step stairs, it has a height of 22.5 inches. This pet step is perfect if your bed or any stable surfaces in your home are a bit taller than the usual. It has an ideal width that keeps your dogs safe with 15 to 16 inches of clearance, and it has an anti-slip or non-skid bottom so that it is securely placed against the surface.
If youโre wondering about the cloth โ then you should know that The CetiPUR-US Certified Foam Pet Steps is very easy to maintain. You donโt have to worry about cleaning the fabric because it is covered with a removable ultra-soft fleece-like fabric that can be laundered with a washing machine. Its manufacturers, Best Pet Supply, also sells replacement covers which are available in all sorts of colors, giving you the freedom to choose whichever suits you and your poochโs tastes best.
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#4. Aeromark International Armarkat Pet Steps Stairs Ramp for Cats and Dogs
The Aeromark International Armarkat Pet Steps is a type of pet stairs that are good both for cats and dogs, alike. Its covering material is made of faux fleece, so you know that your pooch wonโt feel uncomfortable while climbing up and down the stairs.
The overall material of the product is made of pressed wood, making it durable enough to hold up to 70 pounds of your animalโs weight. It is 25 inches tall, 25 inches deep and 17 inches wide. Indeed, just the right and perfect dimensions for your pets to feel secure while using the stairs.
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#5. Zinus Step Comfort Pet Stairs/Pet Ramp/Pet Ladder
Help your pet move up and down around your house quickly and safely with the Zinus Step Comfort Pet Stairs/Pet Ramp/Pet Ladder. It is made from the sturdiest materials which are a high-density CertiPUR-US Certified foam interior.
Its high-density foam is made to be more compact than the usual to keep your doggy safe while trudging up and down. This is an ideal buy for small to medium-sized pets, especially to those who are afraid of heights.
These pet stairs have three steps that will make your pooch feel more secure and safe but can still go to high-level surfaces. It also has a removable and washable comfort cover, and the whole set-up can easily be assembled. The product is 15 inches high and 18 inches wide. Its steps are wide enough to make your pup feel secure.
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#6. Pet Studio Pine Frame Dog RampSteps (Lightweight)
Torn between choosing if your pet will like stairs or ramp? Worry no more because the Pet Studio Pine Frame Dog RampSteps is a combination of both. This pet โramp stepsโ are perfect for pup owners who have young and aged pooches.
You can easily convert this from steps to a ramp and vice versa, to cater to your poochesโ needs. Itโs very much easy to use and you know itโs durable enough because it locks in place whenever you switch it from one type to another. In addition to that, it is made from sturdy and classy mahogany-finished pine frame that could hold up to 130 pounds of pet weight.
It has a soft, non-slip, and easy-clean carpeting that your pets could enjoy walking on and at the same time, you wonโt have to worry about cleaning it. Its steps measure 40 inches in length, 17. 5 inches in width and 19.5 inches in height. Assembly is not required! You need to lock the steps and ramps in place, and it can be used.
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#7. Niubya Folding Car Dog Steps Stairs (Lightweight and Portable)
Are you always traveling around with your dog? Then Niubya Folding Car Dog Steps Stairs may be the perfect pet stairs for your pup! This folding dog steps revolutionized the pet stairs industry and stepped up the standards when it comes to portability and comfort. The product is collapsible so that it could fit any storage areas of your car or home. Even if itโs collapsible, its durability is not compromised. It is made of extra thick rustproof steel frame and non-slip oxford cloth for its cover.
The overall assembly can carry your petโs weight up to 130 pounds, so this is indeed the perfect travel-buddy even for medium to large dogs.
Its clothed steps are stretched enough for it to be a safe walking ground for your pup. It also has an anti-slip bottom that keeps the feet of the stairs in place, so you donโt have to worry about your canine getting injured from using this.
Aside from its portability, it can also be adjusted conveniently to accommodate your dogโs height and the surface where it is going to be placed on. It has an adjustable height of 20โณ to 30โณ and has an adjustable length of 40โณ to 60โณ. Pretty convenient, right? But thatโs not all โ you can also change the inclination of the steps so it could cater even to the smallest and largest dogs.
On top of it all, the dog stairs and steps have a 2-year warranty and has available 24-hour customer support should any problems or questions arise.
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#8. Zinus 2 Step Easy Pet Stairs/Pet Ramp/Pet Ladder (Removable and Washable)
Want to show your cute-sized pooches an extra love? The Zinus 2 Step Easy Pet Stairs is perfect for smaller canines because of its 2-step configuration. It is made from high-density CertiPURโ the US certified foam interior and is covered with a removable and washable cozy cover. The product is 15 inches high, 18 inches wide with 7-inch steps. It is also easy to assemble; no tools are required for this.
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#9. Pet Gear Easy Step Bed Stair For Small Dogs
Want to show your cute-sized pooches an extra love? The Zinus 2 Step Easy Pet Stairs is perfect for smaller canines because of its 2-step configuration. It is made from high-density CertiPURโ the US certified foam interior and is covered with a removable and washable cozy cover. The product is 15 inches high, 18 inches wide with 7-inch steps. It is also easy to assemble; no tools are required for this.
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#10. Zinus Easy Pet Stairs, Sand For Large and Small Dogs
The Zinus Easy Pet Stairs is perfect for your bigger-sized pooches. It is made from high-density CertiPUR-US certified foam interior, and it has a removable and washable cozy cover. The dimensions for this pet stairs is indeed perfect for large dogs. It is 22 inches high, 18 inches wide and its steps are 7 inches tall. Itโs also very much easy to assemble; no tools required.
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Doggie Stairs And Ramps For Beds (FAQS & BUYERS GUIDE)
Effective Tips On How I Could Teach My Dog To Use Doggy Steps
Dog stairs are one of the best accessories you can invest in for your pooch. Helpful as it may be, your canine will get some time to get used to using the pet stairs. There are different kinds of reasons for this, but most of the time it's because your pup may be scared of heights, especially for the first-timers.
The next requirement that you should have after buying your pet stairs is a vast amount of patience. Again, training your dog on using the pet stairs is a tedious yet rewarding task. You should be ready to take so much time teaching these behaviors, as it is a learned skill rather than an acquired one.
The most effective way of teaching your dog how to climb up the stairs is to reward your pup as he or she goes along the way. Start with surface heights that you feel your dog will most feel comfortable with. Put your canine's favorite treat at the bottom of the stairs first and lead your puppy to it. Afterward, put treats on the next set of stairs so your dog could understand that he needs to climb to get the treat. Do the same method when you're teaching the dog to go down.
While doing this, make sure that you stay close to your dog so your puppy could feel safe as he is just being accustomed to the new skill he's learning. It is also important to note that your pooch doesn't need to rush to go up and down the stairs. You should both learn that it's alright to take one step slowly but surely until it is a learned skill.
Do I Need To Purchase Dog Steps Or Dog Stairs Right Now?
It's okay if all dog owners have either dog steps or dog stairs at their place. The importance of this cannot be stressed enough because it aids your puppies in doing a lot more than they are used to. However, there are a couple of reasons why some owners choose not to buy dog steps. But if you have a dog who's keen on going up and down the bed or couch, and you continuously worry of your dog getting injured from doing so then it's probably best to invest in a durable pet stair.
To sum it all up, it is very much essential to invest in pet stairs or pet steps for dogs. Small dogs aren't the only dogs who can use these types of accessories. Old dogs who have a hard time walking but needs to climb surfaces every now and then definitely needs support accessories like dog steps. There are a lot of pet stairs or pet steps available in the market today. As an owner, it is both your responsibility and privilege to choose the most suitable pet stairs or steps for your fido. Again, while doing so, you should keep in mind the things your pup needs the most.
Ask yourself different questions before making a sound decision - does your dog need a stair or a ramp? Should you opt to choose accessories made from foam or wood? Will you have vast storage space for it or only have a limited one? How high are the couches, beds or other types of furniture or surfaces you will put the accessory against? Overall, all the pet stairs and steps out there look forward to one thing - help your dog climb up and down from the ground. Surely, after making this investment, your dog will truly appreciate this sweet treat.
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i am DES
I AM DESPERATE! I NEED A SET OF PET STEPS. I WANT ONE THAT IS PLASTIC AND COVERED WITH A COVER. MY CAT IS BLIND AND CAN โT GET DOWN WITHOUT FALLING. HE IS 17 AND WILL DIE IF HE FALLS.
PLEASE SEND ME SOMETHING TELLING ME WHAT KIND OF STEPS YOU HAVE โ I STEPPED IN MINE AND BROKE IT.