The Best Dog Stairs For Large Breeds
As large dog breeds age, they often develop bone and muscles issues that worsen over time. Using dog stairs will not only aid your dog if they suffer from pain but will also help to prevent these issues from arising in the first place. No matter their breed or size, we've done our research to find a variety of dog stairs to fit your daily routine. Keep reading to discover the best dog stairs for your pup.
PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Pet Steps
Step it up
Whether your dog has short legs or just needs some extra help making it onto the couch, these dog stairs from PetSafe will do the trick. The hard plastic steps hold up to 150 pounds and have nonslip treads to support your large pup. These steps were designed for easy cleaning and storage, so simply wipe clean and fold them up to slide under your bed or couch. Your pet is sure to feel special knowing they’re taken care of.
Pros:
- These dog stairs have side panels that help to prevent your dog from falling off. These sides will help them feel more secure and allow them to be more aware of where they are supposed to walk.
- Setting these stairs up by your couch or bed will give your dog more independence if they can’t normally get up on their own. It will also help them gain confidence being in these parts of your home when you’re not around.
Cons:
- The steps aren’t wide enough for some extra large dogs to walk up comfortably.
Furhaven Steady Paws Easy Multi-Step Pet Stairs
While many large breeds are agile and in good shape when they’re young, their health can start to decline as they get older. But just because they aren’t as young as they once were doesn’t mean they will want to stop snuggling on the couch with you or going on long car rides. With these dog stairs, you can feel great knowing your dog will be able to climb up them with ease. The platform style can be converted to best suit your dog’s size and the faux fur exterior will make each step feel extra comfortable.
Pros:
- When adjusting the steps for your dog, each section is secured with bolts to keep everything securely in place. You won’t have to worry about anything coming undone while in use.
- These stairs are available in a few colors, so you can choose the right option for your space. Match one to your bedroom and one to your living room to help your dog and make them feel included.
Cons:
- The spacing between the steps may not be even depending on how you set it up. This could make it difficult for your dog to move up and down the stairs.
Heeyoo Nonslip Car Dog Steps
Getting your large dog into a truck or car can be a stressful experience, so make it more manageable with these heavy-duty dog stairs. The metal frame can hold up to 150 pounds and the nonslip treads help larger breeds feel more comfortable. Set these stairs up in a low or high angle position depending on your dog’s needs and watch them easily climb into the vehicle.
Pros:
- These dog stairs can extend to 30 inches tall in the high angle position, making them a great option if you drive a tall vehicle. Your dog won’t have to jump or put unnecessary strain on their bodies to get up.
- Even though they are sturdy, these steps are lightweight, which makes them easy to expand and collapse. Since they are fairly small when not in use, you can keep them in your vehicle to pull out whenever you need them.
Cons:
- If you want your dog to climb into the passenger seat or backseat, these steps may not easily fit into the doorways of smaller vehicles.
Best Pet Supplies Pet Steps
Designed with your dog’s health in mind, these dog stairs are made with mattress-grade cushioning to give them the best experience possible. Available in a variety of fun and neutral colors, the fabric covers can easily be removed and are machine washable. Breeds large and small will be able to share these stairs to get them where they need to go in style and comfort.
Pros:
- These lightweight stairs are easy to move around to different areas of your home when needed.
- Depending on how stable your dog is, you can choose fabrics that are softer or more textured to help them easily move up and down the stairs. You can even purchase replacement covers so you have multiple options in case of accidents or spills.
Cons:
- The zipper on the fabric cover sits on the floor and may scratch the surface if the stairs shift a lot while in use.
Pet Gear Easy Step II Extra Wide
Safety first
With these extra-wide dog stairs from Pet Gear, large breeds like Saint Bernards and Great Danes won’t be afraid of falling off or tripping over their feet. Each of the steps is 20 inches wide and the stairs can hold up to 200 pounds, more than most dog stairs. The sturdy plastic design has rubber grippers on the bottom and carpet treads to make the entire structure more stable.
Pros:
- These dog stairs are a great alternative to a ramp as most dogs will feel more comfortable climbing stairs. Plus, they don’t take up very much space in your vehicle if you need them for road trips.
- Each step is slightly slanted and is 11 inches deep, which makes it easier for large dogs with arthritis or other similar health concerns to make their way up the steps.
Cons:
- These dog stairs are more expensive than other similar products on the market.
Our Tips and Tricks
Training your dog to use their dog stairs can be tricky, especially if they haven’t had much experience with indoor or outdoor stairs up to this point. When you first receive your stairs, set them up and put them near your couch, bed, or wherever you’re planning on using them. Introduce your dog to the stairs and tell them how great the stairs are, using a positive tone. At this point, some dogs may figure out how to use them on their own. But if your pup is a little more timid, take it slow and treat this process as you would with any other form of training. Encourage your dog to get on the first step, rewarding them with a treat for their effort. Take your time to work with them and give them treats to encourage progress. We’re sure they’ll be using their new stairs willingly in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog needs to use stairs?
While it may be easy to figure out when small breeds need a boost onto the couch or your bed, it can be a little harder to determine when to buy stairs for larger dogs. As larger breeds age their bodies become stiffer and jumping becomes more difficult on them. Dog stairs prevent your dog from putting unnecessary strain on their bodies from jumping up and down. They also help dogs who have hip and joint issues to continue living as they always have. If you aren’t sure whether it’s the right time to buy dog stairs, check with your vet the next time you take your pup in for a checkup.
How do I choose the right dog stairs for my pet?
When shopping for dog stairs, you will have to keep a few things in mind. How tall and wide is your dog? How much do they weigh? How stable are they? Are they comfortable walking up and down stairs? With these things in mind, look for stairs that can hold their weight and size comfortably so they feel secure. If they aren’t as stable on their feet as they once were, consider purchasing stairs with fewer steps to give them a more solid footing. Finally, if they haven’t had much experience with stairs, an option with extra padding and traction should help them feel more secure.
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