Dog stairs are available in different heights, widths, and weight limitations, and to find the best dog stairs for a variety of needs, we tested several top-rated styles in real homes with dogs.
Maybe your tiny dog can’t jump up on the bed, your larger dog has back or hip issues, or your senior pup has difficulty leaping onto the sofa. Dog stairs can make the trip up and down safer and easier for both your dog and you (no more worrying or bending over to pick them up!). Read on for our top picks
These stairs are a good solution for most pets. They have wide, deep steps, which make it easier for small dogs to pause on each step, and they give larger dogs more stability. The step rise is 6 inches high with an overall slight slope. Some dogs might need a little coaxing to navigate the slant, particularly when heading down the stairs.
The steps are plastic with carpet tread on the top and rubber grips on the bottom. The tread keeps your dog from sliding on the stairs and the grips keep the whole thing in place, even on hardwood or tile floors. But be aware that the treads don’t hold up to washing well, even with air drying, and start to become ragged after a few washes.
We tested the Pet Gear Easy Step II with a 4-year-old corgi named Monty and a corgi puppy named Colby. Monty weighs 31 pounds and is 1 foot long, while Colby weighs 13 pounds and is about 10 inches in length. Colby has no known health issues, but hasn’t learned how to jump properly onto and off of surfaces, while Monty is also healthy, but is a lazy boy at times. Heavy-duty, thick plastic makes these stairs sturdy, and they held up well under the weight of both dogs. Assembly was easy, as there are no screws or extra parts to keep track of, but it definitely required a bit of strength to push the parts together.
While we tested the Easy Step II with small to medium-sized dogs, the stairs support a maximum weight of 150 pounds. However, the stairs are only 16 inches high, so they won’t provide enough height for a very tall bed.
Available in two neutral colors (chocolate and tan)
If you’re looking for a set of stairs for small dogs, these are our top pick for their affordability, portability, and washable cover. They’re budget-priced, so you can buy several steps to accommodate your pet’s movements to recline on favorite sofas and chairs.
We’ve tested them with two papillons, weighing 9 pounds and 14 pounds, and found them to be a great choice throughout the home. We have five sets, and the oldest set has held up well for more than two years. The cover has been machine-washed and air-dried multiple times without losing its shape or looking shabby.
These steps are easy to assemble and don’t require tools; just be careful to snap everything into place before adding the cover. Although the cover comes in several colors (cream faux “lambswool,” black and white, and gray), we chose the cream for its neutral color and nubby texture, which we find offers good traction. It coordinates well in any room of our home.
The only downside is that the steps only reach a foot high, so they’re best for access to sofas and chairs. They’re far too short for reaching our bed, though we have a set that leads up to a bench at the end of the bed, so that our dogs can easily hop up from the bench to the bed surface. Although the recommended weight limit is 50 pounds, these are likely not a good choice for dogs weighing more than about 20 pounds, by our estimation.
Suitable for use with sofas, chairs, and low beds
How We Picked
Testing: We tested 12 highly rated and bestselling dog stairs in homes with real dogs. Before testing, our research team consulted with veterinarian Amy Fox, DVM, whose input helped in the design of a comprehensive testing methodology that our volunteer testers used throughout the multi-week testing period. We looked in particular for small dogs, seniors, and dogs with mobility issues who might need stairs to get on and off furniture. After spending two weeks with their test stairs, our testers provided detailed feedback, with a combination of subjective and objective metrics, including numerical scoring for ease of use, design, durability, and value.
What to Look For in Dog Stairs
Material
Dog stairs can be constructed of a range of materials, from carpeted wood to plastic, foam, covered metal, and more. The most popular options tend to be plastic or foam, with important features to look for being comfort, washability, traction (non-slip material), portability, and water resistance. Some also come with washable covers, which is helpful because most surfaces get dingy with repeated use.
- Wood: A popular choice for dog stairs, wood is a durable and attractive material that can work in a variety of settings. Dogs can sometimes struggle on wood surfaces, occasionally leaving scratches, however, so wooden dog stairs should be covered with carpeting or have adhesive tread strips to provide traction and comfort. They should also be carefully inspected to ensure they haven’t splintered, which could cause injury to your dog’s paw pads. The type of wood should be a consideration, too. Hardwoods are ideal if you have a larger dog, while pine and softer woods work best for smaller, lighter pups.
- Plastic: Plastic is a widely used dog stair material, being easy to clean and suitable for use both indoors and out. It’s also typically sturdy, lightweight, easy to maneuver, and highly transportable. You may need some slip-proof traction added on plastic stairs as well, depending upon how large and sure-footed your dog is.
- Foam: Foam is the best material for dog stairs when you have an older dog with joint issues or any dog who otherwise has hip pain or difficulty when climbing stairs. It’s also light and easy to move around when needed. Ideally, the foam should be covered in a water-resistant fabric that can be removed and washed, and it should also have some form of additional traction. The most comfortable foam is dense and malleable, yet puncture-resistant. To be sure your dog doesn’t poke into the foam, keep their nails trimmed.
- Metal: Great for folding up for easy storage, metal dog stairs are often heavy-duty, durable, and especially simple to keep clean. They’re good to bring along for travel when your dog needs a boost getting into the SUV, or onto your bed in a hotel. Look for rust-proof materials, preferably with a nonslip rubber or plastic cover or coating to keep things comfy. The downside is that these stairs can feel a little heavy or bulky, and it’s possible they can rust.
Certifications
- CertiPUR-US: The CertiPUR-US program was developed by a group of foam industry officials with guidance from environmentalists, chemists, laboratory scientists, and sleep product/furniture leaders. The group exists to ensure the safety of foam produced in and imported into the U.S. All certified products are listed on the program’s site directory. CertiPUR-US certified foams have low-VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million), and are free from formaldehyde, phthalates (regulated by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission), known ozone depleters, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals.
- GOTS: This certification may be found on organic latex, organic wool, organic cotton, and organic kapok fibers. GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard, which defines the criteria for organic fibers internationally, confirming that the products, as well as the entire supply chain, align with the GOTS standard.
- GOLS: Organic latex is certified by GOLS, the Global Organic Latex Standard. This entity is a collaboration of worldwide manufacturers and trade associations called Control Union, which certifies sustainably grown, organic natural rubber latex.
- FSC: If your dog stairs are made with wood, you may see FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification on the label. This certification essentially means that the Forest Stewardship Council ensures that the wood used in the product was grown in a responsibly managed, sustainably harvested, economically viable area of forest, as defined by the FSC US National Standard.
- Greenguard Gold: Greenguard Gold certification means that the product meets industry standards for low chemical emissions, having been screened for more than 15,000 VOCs known for polluting the air. The Greenguard certification program is owned by UL Solutions, known worldwide as a leader in maintaining indoor air quality standards.
- MADE SAFE: According to its website, MADE SAFE “utilizes the only human health and ecosystem-focused product certification program.” This program screens products using a comprehensive process created to ensure that 6,500-plus banned and restricted ingredients have been excluded, including carcinogens, hazardous flame retardants, heavy metals, dangerous pesticides, and endocrine disruptors. Only companies that pass this screening process bear the MADE SAFE seal on their product labels.
Size and Maximum Weight
Stairs are available in different heights, widths, and weight limitations. It is important to find the right size steps for your pet. “If the height of each stair is too high, it won’t do your pet any good,” says Dr. Brian Evans, veterinarian and medical director of Dutch online veterinary service. “Also, if you have a large dog with a narrow stair, there is a higher chance of the stairs tipping over if they don’t go straight down.”
If you want your dog to be able to climb up to a tall bed or into an SUV, you’ll need to make sure the stairs are comfortably tall enough. Manufacturers should also provide a maximum weight so you know the steps can support your dog. Read the descriptions and pay attention to dimensions to ensure the steps will be tall enough to access the surfaces your dog uses most frequently, such as the sofa or your bed.
Ramp or Stairs
The gentle incline of a dog ramp might be easier on dogs with orthopedic issues. In addition, some dog ramps have railings, which provide additional safety features by preventing dogs from leaping off the sides.
More We Recommend
We tested the Pet Gear Easy Step Bed Stair with an elderly shih tzu with hip and joint mobility issues. She quickly grew confident using the carpeted stairs and began using them independently. The angle was appropriate for her limitations.
These steps have an L-shaped design that can wrap around your couch or bed, saving space instead of extending into the middle of the room. However, they’re still rather bulky, so measure out the dimensions on the floor before you buy to ensure it will fit in your space.
The short, deep steps have a 5-inch rise, which is ideal for smaller dogs. The carpet treads offer added security and can be machine-washed. The stairs are made from lightweight plastic with rubber grips on the bottom to keep them from sliding. There’s a storage area behind a hinged back panel where you can stash your dog’s extra toys or blankets. The stairs snap together easily.
Provides good height for accessing most beds
The plastic in these dog stairs is thick and sturdy. There is plenty of space on the steps for large pups like Charlie, an 8-year-old springer spaniel-border collie mix weighing 90 pounds, who was our test dog.
The carpet-like mats on each step provide excellent traction. The rubber grips on the bottom hold the stairs in place when he walks down, too. The stairs are also lightweight and easy to carry, so they should be helpful if needed for getting large dogs in and out of an SUV or truck.
The steps are a little bulky, and they’re not the prettiest, but they are able to accommodate dogs weighing up to 200 pounds. This makes them one of the few options for large breeds who need a little help getting to their favorite lounging spots.
Available in two colors
Traditional stair steps or ramps don’t always work for older dogs or those with short legs. These dog stairs have a curved, sloping design to relieve joint pressure. The anti-slip steps are made of high-density, cushiony foam support, so your dog doesn’t have to step on a hard surface like wood or plastic.
The three-step model accommodates smaller dogs weighing less than 60 pounds. It’s only 15.7 inches high, which means it’ll work for sofas and chairs. For access to most beds, there’s also a four-step model, at 17.4 inches, and a 5-step model at 22.2 inches. The corduroy fabric covering is detachable and washable.
Although we didn’t test the Aodisman Three-Step Dog Ramp, it’s a top-rated pick at Amazon, so it’s worth including in our list.
Curved design protects joints
Made of high-density foam, these simple steps are lightweight and easy to move around wherever you need them. The cover is soft and can be removed for machine-washing. The steps are easy to assemble: Slip the cover over and zip it up. There’s rough material on the bottom to keep the whole thing from slipping.
-
![Dog laying on Zinus 2-Step Comfort Stairs]()
Credit: The Spruce Pets
-
![Dog Climbing Zinus 2-Step Comfort Stairs]()
Credit: The Spruce Pets
This extra-small version has two steps, but there are other sizes with three or four risers. Evaluate sizes carefully because the smaller sizes may have limited utility. For example, some options might be okay for helping your pup onto the couch, but they could be too short to reach the bed.
Our testers say they like the fact that the soft foam doesn’t scratch hardwood floors. However, the stairs can slide on very slick surfaces, such as tile. Also, the four-riser height may tempt dogs to jump down from the side (causing potential injuries), so these aren’t always the best choice if your dog likes to jump.
Available in five sizes
This combination step/ramp has one step, a gently sloping ramp, and a 9-inch-wide landing at the top, which makes it easy for little dogs to get where they need to go. It’s a good alternative for puppies who may not yet feel comfortable navigating stairs.
The plastic pieces snap together, while the removable carpet tread is machine-washable. Although the steps are for dogs up to 150 pounds, this step is best with small to medium-sized pets, not the big boys and girls. Pet parents say it’s fairly sturdy, but it’s not tall enough for most beds. Also, the bottom step has a 5-inch rise, so it still requires a small jump for very small dogs or puppies.
Gentle slope is less intimidating to some pets
The Best Pet Supplies Foldable Foam Pet Steps are lightweight and easy to move around, plus they fold in half into a block shape for easier storage (although it’s bulky even when folded). The stairs are covered in a removable, machine-washable linen cover that is available in several different colors to coordinate with your decor. There’s a skid-resistant bottom to offer more stability. You can purchase them in two-, three-, and four-step configurations.
Our tester dog, a 9-year-old Chihuahua-dachshund mix with knee and hip problems, easily adjusted to the new stairs. We especially liked the thick, durable fabric used, as it stood up to her long nails and everyday use. It’s also made of mattress-grade foam, so it’s easy on fragile or painful joints. Made in the USA, the foam is also CertiPUR-certified, meaning it does not contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde.
The only downside is the amount of space the stairs took up, especially in the small bedroom where the stairs were tested.
Available in several heights and colors
FAQ
-
Why won’t my dog go up the stairs?
Some dogs might be afraid of stairs. Going up and down doesn’t always come naturally, especially if your dog has aches when they move. And in some cases, it’s easier to go up stairs than it is to go down, which can be harder to navigate. “Not all pets will know how to go up and down stairs and may need some instruction and encouragement,” says Dr. Evans.
-
How can I help my dog get in bed with stairs?
Tasty treats usually help. “Place treats on each step for them to find. The treats may help your pet to overcome their fear in order to get the reward,” says Dr. Evans.
If you use a dog harness, try putting it on your dog and guiding them up the stairs until they are more comfortable doing it by themselves. “Each time your pet makes it up or down, it is important to also give verbal praise and pets to help reinforce the behavior and let them know how proud you are of them!” Dr. Evans says.
-
When should you use dog stairs?
If your older dog or smaller pup is struggling to jump onto the bed or sofa, a set of dog stairs can help them get up without a struggle. If your dog has trouble navigating the stairs in your house, you may want to consider a dog ramp instead.
-
How do you store dog stairs?
Some dog stairs are meant to be left out all the time, while others are foldable and can be stored underneath a sofa or bed, or in your vehicle’s cargo space.
-
Are there weight restrictions with dog stairs?
Yes. Check the manufacturer’s suggested maximum weight before buying a set of dog stairs.
Why Trust the Spruce Pets?
Writer Arricca SanSone did the most recent update to this story, adding her personal experience with dog stairs and small dogs. She’s written about a wide range of topics for The Spruce Pets, including dog-friendly rugs, beekeeping suits, dog ID tags, dog harnesses, and even the best filter for your axolotl tank.
A previous version of this article was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, who has rescued and fostered more than 70 dogs and puppies. DiLonardo also consulted veterinarian Dr. Brian Evans, the medical director of Dutch online veterinary service, for guidance on the best dog stairs.
#Dog #Stairs
