The Best Tall Dog Stairs For Your Bed
Swore you'd never let your pup sleep in your bed? Yeah — been there, done that. And yet here we are, trying to figure out how to help our aging lassie snuggle up with us every night. The solution? While we don't discount simply lifting Fido up, it's a lot easier for our own bodies to use a puppy staircase. This way, they can also sneak up onto the bed when we're not home, too — we all know they do it, allowed or not. In fact, dog staircases aren't just for older pups, but young ones, too. After all, the less stress on their joints, the better.
What to Look For
No matter your dog’s age, the best stairs for your bed should be sturdy enough to hold plenty of weight, easy enough for dogs of all types to climb, and simple enough for you to put together. Our favorite is the Best Pet Supplies steps, which are perfect for both dogs and cats. If you have an older pet, we also recommend the PetSafe CozyUp ramp, which is even easier on aging joints. Read on to discover more options and find a set of stairs right for you and your canine companion.
Best Pet Supplies Steps With CertiPUR-US Foam
One step at a time
There’s a lot that we love about this staircase. For starters, it’s not only better for your pup’s hips, but the cushioning it provides – it’s made of quality foam –offers a more supportive step for their paws. The foam is mattress-grade, which means that pressure is relieved not just on paws but on your dog’s joints overall. And while we can’t exactly say that this is the most stylish addition to your bedroom, we do like that the fabric is removable and easy to wash.
Pros:
- Because of its soft exterior, this staircase is ideal for older pups who could benefit from joint pressure relief.
- We love the machine-washable cover, making this model very easy to clean.
- Though it’s not collapsible, it is compact enough to tuck into storage when not in use.
Cons:
- While it is machine-washable, the fabric tends to attract hair.
Best Pet Supplies Foldable Pet Steps
Out of sight, out of mind
The problem with the majority of pet stairs is the fact that they are, by nature, a bit cumbersome. While we just want what is best for our beloved dogs, it’s not exactly ideal to have a bulky stairway attached to our bed all the time. Enter this folding pet stairway. Sturdy enough for dogs to confidently climb, we love the fact that this convenient cushion folds to fit under the bed or in a closet. It’s thoughtfully made of high-quality foam, so your pup’s joints will reap its benefits, too.
Pros:
- We love how easily and compactly it folds to stow away, helping to keep our bedroom clear of obstacles.
- The stair covers are machine-washable, making it a cinch to clean.
- We also like that this is available in a variety of colors to match our bedroom decor.
Cons:
- Because of the fabric, these stairs may slip on hardwood floors, so it’s best to use them with an anti-slip mat.
Petmaker Folding Plastic Pet Stairs Collection
Support to go
Made entirely of plastic, this bad boy is easily washed right off and kept clean. This is part of what makes it ideal for travel – you can pack it away and bring it with you without having to worry about excess dirt, debris, or dog hair. Other parts we love are that it easily folds, fits in compact spaces, and has anti-slip padding for the paws. It’s a thoughtful design that makes snuggling with your pup on vacation a total breeze.
Pros:
- Not only does this set fold up, but it folds up extremely easily, so the setup takes just seconds.
- The raised rails and non-slip padding ensure each step is secure.
- We love that we can simply rinse off the stairs when it comes time to clean them.
Cons:
- These stairs are a bit narrow, so they’re not the most ideal for large dogs.
PetSafe CozyUp Bed Stairs for Dogs and Cats
Slow and steady
This durable ramp is ideal for larger dogs – up to a full 120 pounds, in fact. That’s because this style of support is a gradual, sturdy, wooden ramp. There are no stairs for aging hips to navigate and no awkward small steps for larger dogs to try and climb. Made of furniture-grade wood, there’s no fear of slipping, either, with the heavy-duty carpet covering that keeps Fido safely climbing. The solid wood finish looks stylish, too, so while this isn’t exactly small, it’s not an eyesore.
Pros:
- It’s made of solid wood with an anti-slip rug, so the whole thing is very sturdy.
- Thanks to the gradual incline, this is the perfect option for older and larger dogs.
- Because there are no steps, this model will put much less stress on joints.
Cons:
- It is a bit pricier than other stairs on the market.
Mewang Wood Pet Stairs
Canine comfort
Not only foldable but also convertible, these versatile pet stairs are an ideal option for growing along with your pup. That’s all thanks to the smart design of the interchangeable stairs and ramp system. Ideal for smaller pups, the stairs are covered in an anti-slip carpet that keeps them safely climbing up, while the ramp works wonders for a larger, old dog that needs to skip the stairs. Made of wood, this is a sturdy, secure option for dogs up to 110 pounds. And although that wood means it is naturally heavier than other options, it is still lightweight enough to fold right up and tuck away for storage.
Pros:
- Thanks to its sturdy, convertible design, this is an ideal option for households that are home to both smaller and older pups.
- The attractive wood and carpet give this a modern, minimalist look.
Cons:
- The ramp is very steep, making it more suitable for larger dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you start using a dog staircase?
You should start as soon as your dog comes to live with you. Why? No matter what their age, jumping up and down a high surface is extremely bad for their hips and joints. It can lead to pain and injury down the road, as well as issues with their development. That’s why it’s important to start with new puppies, too.
Are dog staircases safe?
Provided the stairs are made for dogs, yes, they’re perfectly safe. It’s good to be concerned, as stairs are known to wreak havoc on hips and joints as well. If you’re still on the fence, consider a convertible pet staircase. This way, it can be both used as a staircase as well as a ramp.
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