
Buying Guide for Dog Stairs

Why buy dog stairs?
Reduce the strain on your pooch’s paws and joints by giving them their own set of stairs. They’ll help them easily reach their favorite elevated spots. If you have a small dog or one hesitant about hopping up on your bed, dog stairs are a great way to help them out. Dog stairs offer a safe and convenient solution for small or elderly dogs, allowing them to navigate elevated surfaces with ease while minimizing strain on their joints. Additionally, dog stairs foster your dog’s independence, enabling them to access their favorite spots without your assistance. It’s a practical investment that not only ensures your pet’s safety but also protects your furniture from potential damage.
What should you consider in dog stairs?
- Size and Weight Capacity: Ensure that the dog stairs you choose are suitable for your dog’s size and weight. The stairs should be sturdy and stable enough to support your dog comfortably as they climb up and down. Check the weight capacity specified by the manufacturer to ensure it can accommodate your dog’s weight.
- Design and Construction: Look for dog stairs that are well-designed and made with high-quality materials. The stairs should be durable, able to withstand regular use and provide a secure footing for your dog. Opt for stairs with a non-slip surface to prevent accidental slips or falls. Get stairs that are easy to assemble, store, and clean.
- Step Size and Incline: Pay attention to the size of the steps and the overall incline of the stairs. The steps should be wide and deep enough for your dog to comfortably place their paws on each step as they ascend or descend. Avoid stairs with steep angles or narrow steps, as they may be challenging or uncomfortable for your dog to use.
- Portability and Versatility: Consider the portability and versatility of the dog stairs. If you plan to use them in different areas of your home or take them along when traveling, choose stairs that are lightweight and easy to move around. Look for foldable or collapsible options that can be conveniently stored when not in use. Additionally, consider whether the dog stairs can be adjusted or extended to accommodate different heights or furniture.
How much should you expect to pay for dog stairs?
The cost of dog stairs can vary depending on size, material quality, brand, and additional features. While it’s essential to find dog stairs that fit within your budget, it’s equally important to prioritize quality and safety. Generally, dog stairs range in price from around $30 to $150 or more. Basic models made of lightweight materials may be more affordable, but they might lack durability and stability. Higher-priced options offer sturdier construction, anti-slip surfaces, and adjustable or foldable designs. It’s advisable to invest in a set of dog stairs that strike a balance between affordability and quality, ensuring your furry friend’s comfort and safety for years to come. Most reliable dog stairs cost around $50, a good average price to expect, and our picks hover around that.
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Our Picks for the Best Dog Stairs
PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Steps
A foldable set of stairs that make it easy for your dog to sleep next to you.
Pros: The PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Steps are a great way to give your dog a boost onto your bed. They have been safety tested for durability, making them a reliable choice. The small size supports pets up to 150 pounds, while the large size accommodates pets up to 200 pounds, ensuring they can safely use the stairs without any risk of collapse. Plus, these stairs are lightweight, so you can move them around the house to whichever bed your dog prefers for the night. You can even fold these stairs up for extra-convenient storage. The stairs are designed with features to prevent slipping and sliding. Nonskid feet, fabric tread covers, and side rails work together to keep the steps stable and secure, ensuring your pet can confidently climb up and down without any accidents or injuries.
Cons: Very small dogs may have some trouble going down these stairs if they’re a bit older. In addition, some complained about the grip pads not staying in place and being ineffective. Slippery steps can be unsafe for pets, leading to fear or injuries. Insufficient grip may deter dogs from using the stairs altogether.
Bottom Line: These dog steps are an easy and sturdy option for helping your pup get up on the bed. In terms of convenience, these dog stairs are simple to store. They can be folded flat, allowing you to easily store them under your couch or bed when not in use. This compact design ensures they don’t take up unnecessary space in your home.
Best Pet Supplies Pet Steps and Stairs
A cushioned set of dog stairs that comes in a variety of sizes.
Pros: The Best Pet Supplies offers a cushioned set of steps for your furry friend to hop up on the bed. This set comes in three-, four-, and five-step models. You can easily remove the stair covers and throw them in the wash. They’re made with mattress-quality cushioning to help protect your pup’s paws and joints. Plus, they won’t be an eyesore in your living room or bedroom. The foam used is CertiPUR-US Certified, guaranteeing the highest quality and safety standards. Adding to their appeal, these dog steps come in 17 different colors and patterns, allowing you to select a style that matches your home decor and personal preferences. They seamlessly blend with your living room, bedroom, or personal space, making them an attractive and stylish addition to your home.
Cons: Some people found that these steps were a little wobbly for bigger dogs on the top step. They don’t fold or collapse like some other models. This can make them more difficult to store or travel.
Bottom Line: Overall, this is a great choice for dog owners looking to offer their pup some comfortable support to reach the bed. If you want a set of stairs that still looks good in the home, try these. With the convenience, comfort, safety, and style provided by these pet ramps, they offer a practical solution to assist your pets in reaching elevated surfaces while minimizing strain on both you and your furry companion.
Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs
An affordable option for helping your dog jump onto your bed or couch easily.
Pros: These pet stairs are a budget-friendly option ideal for dogs up to 150 pounds. They feature wider and deeper stair landings, making them suitable for small and large dogs. The rubber grippers on the bottom of the stairs provide added stability and security. This prevents any slipping or sliding, giving you peace of mind knowing that your pets can use the stairs safely without any accidents. The carpet tread is removable, making cleaning a breeze. You can easily detach the carpet tread for convenient and thorough cleaning. The step height of 6 inches, along with the top step depth of 12.25 inches and second step depth of 11.5 inches, provides optimal dimensions for your pets’ ease of use. The thoughtful design ensures comfortable footing and easy access to elevated surfaces. Assembly is quick and effortless, as these pet stairs snap together very easily without the need for any tools. This user-friendly feature saves you time and effort, allowing you to set up the stairs quickly for your pets’ convenience. With measurements of 22 x 16 x 16 inches, these pet stairs are suitable for pets up to 150 pounds. The sturdy construction and weight capacity ensure that the stairs can safely support your pets as they use them.
Cons: These steps might be a little short for some people’s beds. Additionally, some pet owners might prefer pet stairs with adjustable heights to cater to different furniture heights in their homes.
Bottom Line: Overall, these pet stairs offer wider and deeper landings, secure grip, easy cleaning, effortless assembly, and a size suitable for small to large dogs. They provide a safe, convenient, and comfortable solution for your pets to access elevated surfaces with ease.
Bee Neat 2 Step Folding Step Stool for Pets and Dogs
These portable steps fold perfectly for traveling anywhere you go.
Pros: The lightweight construction of these pet stairs further adds to their convenience. At just 5.75 pounds, they are easy to carry and maneuver, making them suitable for travel purposes. Additionally, when folded, they are only 1.5 inches thick, further minimizing the space they occupy when not in use. In addition, they are sturdy and practical, supporting pets weighing up to 200 pounds. This makes them suitable for various pet sizes and breeds, ensuring reliable and secure support as they climb up and down. The patented one-handed open-and-close design adds convenience to the user experience. This feature is especially beneficial for pet owners who may need to hold their pets or other items with their free hand. The foldable design enhances portability and easy storage. You can take these plastic dog step stools with you in any car, SUV, truck, RV, or boat without taking up much space. When not in use, you can fold and store them under the bed, couch, or sofa, keeping your living space neat and clutter-free.
Cons: The only real complaint about this option is that it can be a little flimsy. While it supports most dogs, it may wobble if they stand on the top stair. In addition, some found the steps to be too narrow for larger dogs.
Bottom Line: Overall, these pet stairs offer a perfect combination of sturdiness, practicality, and portability. The one-hand open and close design, along with their lightweight and foldable nature, ensures a seamless experience for you and your furry friend. Whether you need them for daily use at home or while traveling, these pet stairs provide a safe and convenient solution for your pet’s access to elevated surfaces.
MEWANG Wood Pet Stairs
Wooden dog stairs that get the job done while offering a stylish look to your space.
Pros: The MEWANG Wood Pet Stairs are an excellent choice for pet owners who prioritize aesthetics without compromising functionality. Crafted from high-quality wood, these stairs will be a tasteful addition to any decor. What sets them apart is their innovative convertible design, which offers the flexibility to transform them into a ramp. The fabric-covered steps provide optimal traction and comfort for your pet.
Cons: For some dogs, these stairs were a little narrow. This was only the case for extra-large dogs, but it’s a relevant issue to keep in mind. These may not be ideal for larger dogs.
Bottom Line: Investing in these wood pet stairs not only ensures your pet’s comfort and safety but also elevates the overall ambiance of your living space. Their durable and chic design will continue to impress for years, making them a worthwhile addition to your home that seamlessly blends style and functionality. Whether your pet needs steps or a ramp, these versatile stairs deliver on both fronts, providing a delightful and stylish solution for your furry companion’s mobility needs.
Final Thoughts
Invest in your dog’s health with a set of dog stairs that reduces strain when they’re jumping on or off elevated surfaces. These picks should serve you and your pup well.