There are a number of questions you will need to consider when choosing dog stairs or a pet ramp for your pet.



Stairs or Ramp?

If you want to give your bet access to high beds, furniture or pet doors, and they don't have the leaping ability they used to, you may want to add dog stairs or a pet ramp. You must think about which would be better for your pet, that's the first decision.

Dog stairs are good if your pet knows people steps, but they may not like them otherwise. Also be aware that older pets might not be agile enough to navigate dog stairs and might do better with a ramp.

Dog Stairs

Dog stairs, compared to a pet ramp, take up less floor or ground space in order to reach the same height. Your pet can have safe, compact and easy access to wherever you allow them.

The stairs' depth is also important. Too narrow steps are daunting especially to older pets. A good depth is 10 to 12 inches, like human steps.

The depth of the step is also important. Dogs have four legs, not two, and shorter life spans than humans. Your dog will be old one day and may have trouble with narrower steps. Ten to 12 inches is adequate.

If you are planning to put your dog stairs outside, consider stairs made of sturdier materials than you would for interior use. Dog stairs are excellent for giving your dog access to a dog door into your house, and are likely to confuse non-domesticated animals and thus decrease the likelihood your pet will be followed.

Consider not only your dog's agility right now but their likely health and agility problems in the future when choosing dog stairs for your dog. Very old dogs (eleven or more years) or very old cats (seventeen or more years) may not enjoy climbing stairs and may quickly reach a point where they can't do it at all.

For your old pet you may be better off going with a ramp than buying dog stairs and having to switch to a ramp. This would have the advantage of getting your old dog used to using the ramp while they are still agile and healthy.

Pet Ramps, Some Considerations

If your dog is older, arthritic or disabled, a ramp is probably a better option as they are less tricky than steps and easier to use. They are also excellent for dogs or cats that are used to single story homes and don't trust steps.

The key consideration in choosing a pet ramp is the length of the ramp. The higher you are trying to reach, the longer the ramp needs to be. The combination of ramp length and height will determine the slope (incline) of the ramp. Too steep an incline will be discouraging for your dog or cat, especially if they are old. Too shallow an incline and the ramp will take up a lot of space. This can be problematic, especially indoors.

Considerations for Dog Owners

Dogs aren't naturally gifted leapers and are more likely to need stairs than cats, who remain agile until quite old and stiff or arthritic. Even obese cats tend to have reasonable leaping ability.

Small to medium dogs will benefit from dog stairs and will be less likely to incur neck, back and leg injuries they may otherwise be prone to jumping on and off furniture. Larger dogs will appreciate the dog stairs for getting in and out of vehicles as well as getting onto and off their grooming tables.