Does your pet need help in climbing your bed or couch? It’s probably time to buy them some stairs meant to help them with just that. Pet stairs are created to help out pets with mobility issues in order to get around their homes with ease. Choosing the right kind of stairs for your pets is quite easy; you just have to take note of several things:
Why Buy Pet Steps?
If you’re worried about the safety of your pet climbing and going down elevated areas such as your bed or couch, it’s best to use these dog stairs or cat steps to give your pet a helping hand (literally). Pet steps or stairs make it a lot easier for your healthy young to middle-aged pet go on areas inside and outside your house that it would not be able to reach otherwise.
Because most of these steps are designed for maneuverability, your pet will have ample space to move. Some designs also offer railings for those hyperactive pets that need more secure stairs to use. For older and impaired pets, you might want to look into pet ramps instead.
Also Read: Why these dog crates are so popular!
Steps vs. Ramps: What’s the Difference?
As mentioned above, pet stairs or steps are fit for younger, healthier pets familiar with human stairs. Pet ramps are perfect for older or impaired dogs or cats that suffer from arthritis. Save time and money by choosing the right aid that’s fit for your pets.
In terms of space, stairs generally use up less space to achieve the same height as ramps. So if you’re looking to save up on some space, then steps are probably better fit for you.
Also Read: What are the best seat covers for your car to protect from pet fur/dirt?
What to Look Out For?
First and foremost, you have to determine the capability of your pet in climbing up stairs. After that, there are several other things that you have to consider when choosing the right pet steps for your pets:
Step Size & Count
The larger the steps you want for your pets, the less steps there tend to be. So make sure to know whether your pet will find it easier to go up 3 high steps or 6 small steps.
Inclination
Check if the inclination of your pet steps makes it harder or easier for your pets to climb. If you want to make it easy for your pets, it’s best to find less flat stairs to climb.
Height
Measure the height from the floor to the destination. This could be your couches or bed. Getting pet steps with a height that is just right for this height would be good for your pets.
Width
If you have medium or larger dogs, then you might want to consider pet steps with wider steps. This is so that they can fit and climb on the steps with much more ease.
Grip
To avoid accidents, you can choose pet steps that can provide traction for your pet’s paws. Keep them from slipping and sliding by choosing steps with a non-skid texture.
The following are other things that you might want to consider, but are not necessarily needed for your pet steps:
Material
The aesthetic of your pet steps may depend on the material from which they are made. Sometimes, the ease of cleaning also depends on this. You can consider whether or not you want your pet steps to be made from plastic, wood, or another material.
Padding
Some steps also offer padding for a more comfortable climb for your pets. You might want to choose steps with this feature if you want your pets to be more comfortable when using them.
Storage
You can choose steps that are collapsible for easier storage. If you’re constantly on the move or always shift the position of your pet steps, then collapsible ones may be a better choice for you.
Best Pet Steps To Help Your Cat/Dog With Better Mobility
Solvit Domestic Pet Dog Stairs
Your pet will have no trouble reaching high places with these tall non-skid steps. Because of its wide and tall design, dogs of all sizes can use these pet steps. While it is light at 9lbs, it is sturdy and can support more than 200lbs. You can also store it with ease because of its foldability.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Lightweight
– Sturdy
– Non-skid
– Great for dogs of all sizes
– Foldable
Check price and more details here
Keep In Mind:
– No railings
– Cracks easily
– Slides around when used
Dallas Home Décor Pet Steps
These pet steps are available in two options: 3 steps and 4 steps. You can be sure that your pet is comfortable when using this product because the steps are padded with machine-washable material. It is heavy-duty as it can support up to 200lbs while remaining lightweight at 6lbs.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Available in 2 sizes (3 steps & 4 steps)
– Padded
– Machine-washable padding
– Lightweight
Check price and more details here
Keep In Mind:
– Not made for larger dogs
– Cardboard material is easily damaged
– Steps are narrower than advertised
Armarkat Pet Steps Stairs Ramp
Perfect for smaller pets with its 70lbs capacity, these pet steps are available in 2 step depths: 4 steps of 7” depth and 3 steps of 9” depth. Your pet will be comfortable with the faux fleece padding and the pressed wood material.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Easy to assemble
– Sturdy
– Available in 2 options (4 steps of 7” depth & 3 steps of 9” depth)
– Padded
Check price and more details here
Keep In Mind:
– Exposed bolts scratches flooring
– Carpet rips up easily
– Steps are steeper than advertised
– Open back
Homdox Wooden Folding Pet Dog Steps
If you’re looking for pet steps that can also double function as a pet ramp, then this product may just be what you’re looking for. With safety railings to secure your pet, this attractively designed pet steps can be folded down for storage or transport purposes. The capacity of this pet steps is up to 80lbs.
Why It’s So Popular:
– No assembly needed
– Foldable
– Can turn into a ramp
– Safety railings
Check price and more details here
Keep In Mind:
– Depth of steps might be too challenging for some pets
– Reportedly breaks easily
Pet Gear Step and Ramp Combination
This step and ramp combination is lightweight and easy to assemble. The carpet tread is machine washable and can be removed with ease. This product is designed to prevent slipping on your floors as well.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Easy assembly
– Step and ramp combination helps pets reach high places
– Tread is machine washable
Check price and more details here
Keep In Mind:
– Steep inclination
– To slippery to use
Pet Gear Easy Step III Pet Stair
Available in 2 capacities, these pet stairs are great for pets of all sizes. It easy to assemble and the carpet tread can easily be removed for cleaning. These steps are also designed with rubber grips on the bottom to keep the stairs from slipping.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Tread is easily removed
– Easy to assemble
– Available in 2 capacities (For pets up to 50lbs & 150lbs)
– Wider stair landings
Check price and more details here
Keep In Mind:
– Slanted steps
– Oddly shaped
– Not waterproof
– Zippers have issues
Majestic Pets Portable Stairs
Made from high density foam, these pet steps are perfect for any pet suffering from joint problems. Its polyester slipcover can also be easily removed for a washing. It is available in a variety of colors and you can choose from 3 steps or 4 steps.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Waterproof base
– Available in 2 choices (3 steps & 4 steps)
– Slipcover can be removed
– High density foam
Check price and more details here
Keep In Mind:
– Does not support heavier dogs
– Moves around without support
– Foam steps are wobbly
Conclusion
Not only will pet steps make their climbs more convenient and comfortable, you will also reduce any possible long-term damage to their joints. Choosing the right pet steps for your cat or dog will benefit both of you physically (no more carrying!) and emotionally (no more worrying).
