The Best Dog Stairs
Whether you've got a petite puppy or a mature Mastiff, most dogs could use a leg up now and again. We love to lounge with our furry friends on the couch, take them for car rides, and snuggle up together at bedtime. But not every dog is able to easily jump up and join us. Even for spry, energetic dogs, too much climbing can put undue stress on their joints. That's why our interest was piqued when we checked out the latest crop of dog stairs on the market. Now more than ever, there's a set of steps to fit every dog's needs. To sort out the best from the rest, we considered a few key factors as we evaluated each set of stairs. The height is important, of course, but they also need to be deep and wide enough to be used safely. Second, they need to be sturdy, so weight limits and materials need to be taken into account. Finally, while Fido certainly comes first, these stairs are going to be a part of your life now, too. They should be easy to care for, easy to store, and, if possible, easy on the eyes. Our top honors went to a stellar staircase from Best Pet Supplies, which we loved for its sturdiness, style, and variety of sizes. But though that set is perfect for home use, it's not portable enough to be convenient for car trips, which is where the folding stairs from PetSafe stood out from the pack. Read on below to check out our favorite picks and why we think they're a step above the rest.
Best Pet Supplies Pet Steps
Canine comfort
For a variety of size and color options, check out these dog stairs from Best Pet Supplies. They come in a three-step 13.5-inch size, a four-step 18-inch size, and a five-step 22.5-inch size so that you can choose just the right size for your dog and your intended destination. With four colors and eight patterns to choose from, you can find the look that best matches the interior design of your house. Made with mattress-grade foam, these stairs are comfortable and supportive of your dogs. The foam is CertiPUR-US Certified, so it contains no harmful ingredients that could hurt your dog.
Pros:
- We expected these relatively soft steps to slide around during use, so we were pleasantly surprised by how effective the anti-skid bottom is.
- The washable cover is a huge bonus for us. We prefer the look of these stairs compared to more rigid, utilitarian options, so we love that we can just unzip the cover and toss it in the washing machine to keep the fabric looking like new.
Cons:
- These are best for at-home use since they aren’t the most portable design.
PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Steps
Stairway to pooch heaven
You wouldn’t be the first person to balk at the idea of buying pet stairs because of how bulky and unsightly they can be. Who wants to go through the arduous process of decorating an entire home, only to then place an unsightly pair of doggie-stairs next to that big-ticket couch? With the fold-up set of stairs from PetSafe, you don’t have to worry about that. With its carpeted stairs for added grip, its raised rails for security, and rubber feet to help keep it stable, these stairs offer the ultimate in terms of convenience. Set them up when you want to, and then fold them down and stow them away when you don’t need them. They’re especially useful to use at night for those of us with pooches who insist on sleeping in bed with us.
Pros:
- We love a soft fabric finish as much as anyone, but this pick’s lightweight plastic construction is a travel-friendly dream come true. Even if we’re staying at home, we appreciate the ability to fold them up and tuck them away as needed.
- PetSafe’s option avoids a common problem we run into with foldable dog stairs — these steps are very level, while comparable products often have a slight downward grade to them. The flat surface plus the textured carpet inlays make these stairs easy for pets to use without issue.
Cons:
- The rubber feet tend to grip better on carpet than hard flooring.
Furhaven Pet-Steady Paws Furniture Assist Multi-Step
Baby steps
Have a little pup who’s a bit too timid to hop onto that window-facing couch? Or maybe Mimi’s gotten a bit too old to rely on her legs to have the strength to make that glorious leap? Whatever the reason, if you’re looking for a pair of stairs for a smaller pooch, this one from Furhaven is a great bet. Lined with plush faux fur, this three-step unit has its stairs placed closely together so that canines of the smaller persuasion can climb it without struggling. The company is highly trusted in the pet world, so you can rest assured that a strong industry name is behind this product.
Pros:
- These are some of the tallest dog stairs we’ve found on the market. For little dogs who love to perch as high as possible, this set easily gets them to their favorite spot.
- For being as tall as they are, we love that they won’t stick out like a sore thumb among your decor, thanks to their streamlined design and stylish selection of colors.
Cons:
- The carpeted surface is soft on your pals’ paws, but it’s harder to clean than plastic or a removable cover.
Petmaker Folding Plastic Pet Stairs
Durable does it
For steps that you can use outdoors, pick up these stellar dog stairs from Petmaker. They are made of hard plastic that will last. At 19 inches in height, you can use this set on the street or driveway to help your dog get into your car. They fold up quickly and easily, and they don’t take up much space when they’re folded, so you can toss them in the trunk and take them with you. These stairs were clearly built with a dog’s safety in mind, featuring a snap lock that keeps them from folding when your pup is on them. The felt step covers keep your dog from slipping, and the safety rails along the sides prevent your dog from falling off. Easy to clean with a damp cloth, these stairs are effective anywhere.
Pros:
- Between their foldable design, sturdy plastic construction, and low-maintenance plastic material, these stairs are the perfect set to keep in your vehicle for impromptu adventures.
- The 120-pound weight capacity impressed us, especially considering the piece’s versatility. A collapsible design that won’t collapse under our big buddies? Sign us up.
Cons:
- These stairs are more practical than pretty.
Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs
Step by step
These are an excellent set of dog stairs from Pet Gear. These stairs snap together so easily you’ll hardly even need the instructions. There are two wide, big steps. For smaller dogs, their whole bodies can fit on each step. Bigger dogs can zoom right up with sturdy support underneath them. These steps cover more height — 16 inches — than you would expect from two steps because each step is on an incline, so the end of the step is higher than the beginning. This may be preferable to more steps because fewer steps mean less stress on your dog’s body. The carpet tread on the steps provides traction and comfort for your dog and is easily removable and washable for simple cleaning. You can’t go wrong with these dog stairs.
Pros:
- These are some of the deepest steps we found, and they’re a very manageable height at six inches each. That makes us more likely to trust them with our older pets who need to take their time.
- Between the hard, durable plastic base and removable carpet treads, this set of stairs is extremely low-maintenance, so we can spend less time cleaning up after our dogs and more time hanging out with them.
Cons:
- We recommend placing a mat underneath these stairs to keep them in place on hard flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my dog to use dog stairs for the first time?
If your dog is reluctant to use dog stairs, lift up their paws and guide them up the stairs. Pick them up and put them on the top stair. Then reward them with a treat. The main thing is showing them that they can trust the stairs to hold their weight. Because dog stairs are lightweight, some dogs are suspicious at first that the stairs won’t be able to hold them.
Can I use dog stairs for other pets?
Yes, you can use dog stairs for other pets that fit within the size and weight limits of the stairs. Cats, of course, are the most common other household pet, and any of these stairs would work great for them.
Will the stairs hold my dog?
Weight limits can vary from model to model, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s product page to determine whether your set of stairs is appropriate for your pet.
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