Dogs love to spend time with their owners. So they would accompany them to the kitchen, couch, and bed. However, sometimes it becomes difficult for your furry friend to accompany you in bed because you may have trouble climbing it. In this case, all you need is a dog step for your bed.
We have compiled a list of the best dog steps for beds which you will find super helpful if you are looking for dog stairs for beds. We will also talk about training your dog to use steps and how to buy the best dog steps. We will also tell you about the differences between dog steps and dog ramps so that you are clear about whether you should buy dog steps.
How We've Selected the Best Dog Steps for Bed
We looked at all the best-selling dog steps. As a first step, we eliminated all the chairs that were not high enough to reach the bed. We then looked at the price of the stairs and narrowed down our list to the ones that we reasonably priced. Then we looked at customer reviews and selected the steps that satisfied customers. Finally, we were left with five dog steps that we will now review.
Top 5 Best Dog Stairs
1. Best Pet Supplies Foam Pet Steps
No matter how tall or short your bed is, you will find one variant that will suit your needs. These come in three, four, and five-step options. We also love that it is effortless to keep these steps clean. They come with a removable cover that is effortless to take off and put back on. These covers are also machine washable, so washing them is effortless.
They are also suitable for pets with arthritis, and the steps are not too steep and offer ample support. Besides, these steps are so comfortable that we would not be surprised if you find your pet curling up on them. These steps are ideal for small to medium-sized dogs.
These steps are safe for your dog in every way possible. The foams are sourced from the USA and are certiPur-US certified. This means that they are made without ozone depleters, PDBW flame retardants, mercury, lead, and other substances that could be harmful to your dogs.
You should only note that if you have a heavier dog, the stairs might wobble, which could make your dog nervous.
What We Like
- Align well with the bed.
- Foam stairs that are suitable for dogs with arthritis.
- Come in a variety of color options to match your taste.
- Extremely comfortable and perfect for pets with arthritis.
- Extremely easy to keep clean.
- Completely safe for your dog.
- certiPur-US certified.
What You Should Know
- The stairs might wobble, which might make your dog nervous.
2. PetSafe CozyUp Folding Dog Stairs
The Petsafe CozyUp Folding Dog Stair is arguably the most popular dog stair on Amazon. At the time of writing this review, more than 62,200 people have given it an average rating of four.
These stairs are made of ABS plastic, but the plastic is of superior quality and extremely sturdy. It is safety-tested for durability and can support pets up to 150 lbs. It is a foldable stair, so it is effortless to tuck it away when not in use. These stairs have a very well-thought-out design.
You will love that it comes with non-skid rubber feet if you have a hard floor. If you are worried about your dog slipping from the stairs because it is plastic, you would be relieved to know that the stairs are covered with fabric tread. These stairs also have side rails attached to them, preventing your pet from falling.
We love that this product comes with US-based customer service, so you can avoid lodging delays and fulfilling your complaints.
The only thing you should look out for is that some customers think these steps need to be steeper. Some dogs might be slightly nervous while using these steps for the first time, but that could happen with any stairs.
What We Like
- Extremely sturdy and made of superior-quality plastic.
- It can be folded and stored under a bed or couch.
- Stairs are covered with plastic tread to prevent slipping.
- Comes with US-based customer service.
What You Should Know
- Some customers think that these steps are too steep, which might make your dog nervous.
3. Pet Gear Easy Step III
You should check out Pet Step Easy Step III if you are looking for wide stairs for your dog. The steps of this staircase are wider than most we have seen. If you have a toy breed or a small dog, it might even be able to place its whole body on the stairs. As a result of this, these stairs are exceptionally stable.
The Pet Gear Easy Step is one of the best staircases to get your young pup used to use stair to climb a couch or bed. These stairs are more stable than most we have seen and feature an innovative incline on each step, which reduces the number of stairs needed to climb the step.
These stairs are made of good-quality plastic. If you have hardwood floors, you would be delighted to know that these steps feature rubber grippers on the bottom to keep them securely in place. In addition, it has carpet tread on each stair which protects against slipping. These treads are removable, which means that you quickly clean them. It is also straightforward to assemble this product as the parts snap together without tools.
The only thing you need to know about Pet Gear Easy Step III is that the carpet tread does not cover the edges of the stairs, which might cause your dog to slip.
What We Like
- Ideal for training young pups to climb stairs.
- Extremely stable.
- Easy to assemble.
- Features rubber gripper.
What You Should Know
- The carpet tread does not cover the edges.
4. Furhaven Steady Paws Multi-Step Pet Stairs
If you want the most luxurious-looking pet stairs for your dog, check out the Furhaven Steady Paws Multi-Step pet stairs. Its platforms are lined with soft faux fur that looks good and is gentle on the noses and paws of your dogs. The stairs feel comfortable, which will help your dog to get accustomed to them in no time.
The best thing about this staircase is that it can be converted from three to two steps according to the height of your couch or bed using the assembly kit and instructions accompanying this set.
These steps are available in 4-step and 3-step configurations, which you can adjust according to your needs. User reviews tell us that three steps are perfect for most couches and four steps are suitable for beds.
If you are looking for a staircase for your bed, you will be better off buying the 4-step set and then adjusting the number of steps according to your bed's height.
We also love that these steps are one of the most sturdy ones you can find on the market. It is ideal for small to medium dogs but can also be used by large dogs. They are also very easy to assemble, usually taking about ten minutes.
If you decide to buy these stairs, we recommend that you do so from the original seller because, in that case, you will be eligible for Furhaven's 60-day worry-free program.
While the Furhgaven steady paws are great, you should know two things before buying it. The first is that the screws on the top of the steps have nothing to cover them, which might be unsightly to some people. The second thing you need to know is that some customers complain that the steps are close to each other, making it difficult for large dogs to climb them.
What We Like
- Luxurious looking.
- The number of steps can be adjusted.
- Extremely sturdy.
- Soft on paws and nose.
What You Should Know
- The steps are close to each other, which makes it difficult for large dogs to climb.
5. PetSafe CozyUp Folding Wood Pet Steps
We previously reviewed the pet-safe Cozyup Folding steps, which were great, but some people would prefer something else to the plastic construction. If you are one of those and your only reason for not buying those steps was that they were made of plastic, you should check out the Cozyup Folding wood pet steps.
These steps are incredibly stable and have superior construction. Then, of course, you get the convenience of folding the stairs and tucking them away when not in use. The staircase comes in a cherry wood finish that looks stunning.
One of the best things about these steps is that they are covered with heavy-duty carpet covers, which keep your dog from sliding when using the stairs. The case has four steps and lines perfectly with your bed and couch. We also love that you get US-based customer service when you buy these steps, meaning all your issues will be resolved promptly. These steps are perfect for dogs of all sizes and stay stable even when used by a large dog.
The only caveat with these steps is that they may need to help fit underneath some low-lying beds.
What We Like
- The superior construction and excellent finish.
- Good customer service.
- Extremely stable, large-size dogs can use them.
- It is foldable, so it is easy to store.
What You Should Know
- It can be challenging to tuck under if you have a low-lying bed.
How to Train Your Dog to Use Dog Steps
You would want to avoid ending up in a situation where you spend hours researching the best dog step, and your dog won't even use it.
Training your dogs properly to use the dog step to make them comfortable around them and avoid mishaps is essential. Fortunately, training dogs and pups using a dog step is relatively easy. Let us go over a few steps you can take to train your dog to use dog steps.
Letting your pup get comfortable with the steps:
The first step is ensuring your dog is comfortable with the stairs. Many pet owners do not take the time to do this. It is essential not to force this on your dog and, simultaneously, ensure they spend some time around the steps.
The best thing to do is to place the step beside the furniture, ideally, the one you have bought it for. Dogs are curious creatures, and they will notice the presence of something new. Let your dog figure out that the step is present on its own, and let it get near and comfortable with it.
Rewarding the dog:
When you see the dog touching or getting near the stair, reward them with a treat. Let your pup figure out that touching the steps is rewarding. They will eventually start exploring the steps. Reward them every time they climb a stair and reward them the most when they ultimately make it to the furniture.
Dog stairs versus dog ramps:
Should you use pet ramps or stairs? The answer to this question is that it depends. Dog ramps are great, but stairs are better than some aspects. If you are trying to decide whether to buy dog stairs or a ramp, consider the pros and cons of each.
Ease of storage:
Dog ramps are easier to store compared to dog stairs. You can fold the ramp and tuck it under the bed. However, most dog stairs come as a single volumetric block, which is difficult to store away. You should note that foldable dog stairs like Petsafe folding dog stairs are also available in the market and are relatively easier to store.
Floor space:
Dog stairs take less floor space compared to the ram. This is because stairs allow for more height gain in a shorter distance than a ramp. So, while a ramp is easier to store, it takes more floor space than stairs. So, if you have a small apartment or room and want to prioritize saving floor space, dog stairs are the better choice.
Safety:
Dog ramps are safer than steps. This is because there is always a chance that your dog might fumble on the stair. Ramps are also easier on the back and leg joints of the dog since the impact is minimized.
Dog Step Buyer's Guide
When you're looking for the best dog stairs, there are a few factors you want to consider:
Material:
Dog steps are made of varying materials. Some are entirely made of plastic, while others are made of wood. Some dog steps also have foam cushioning that helps minimize the impact. Each material has its pro and cons.
Plastic dog stairs:
Plastic dog steps are significant for small to medium size pups. They are lightweight yet strong enough to support the weight of your small and medium puppy for years. However, note that we do not recommend plastic steps if you have a large dog.
One caveat with steps made entirely from plastic is that the steps may be slippery. However, many dog steps manufacturers also include non-slip carpeting on their steps to prevent the dog from slipping. You should note, though, that while plastic pet stairs are suitable for medium size dogs, we recommend them mostly for small dogs.
Wood dog stairs:
Dog steps made up of hardwood are the most stable ones. They are sturdy and can easily carry the weight of large dogs. The only caveat with wooden pet stairs is their weight. They are heavy, and loving them around from your bed to your couch may be a hassle,
Foam dog stairs:
Some dog steps are entirely made of foam. These are great because they can also support the weight of large dogs and support dogs with joint pain. However, foam pet stairs are difficult to tuck away because they are bulky. These stairs may also need to be sturdy, which might cause your pup to fall. The best option is to get a foam-cushioned step made out of hardwood.
Multi-step option:
Some stairs come with a multi-step option. This means they are modular, allowing you to add or remove any step. These are great for those who will move their stairs from pone furniture to the other with varying heights. Do note, though, that these steps cost a little more than the other ones. You can skip this option if you are sure you will only use the dog steps for your bed.
Ease of cleaning:
Ensure that the step is easy to clean. This is especially true for steps with foam cushioning. In addition, you should check if the cushion cover is easy to remove and machine-washable.
Stability:
It is a no-brainer that your dog's step should be stable. One of the best indicators of the stability of the stair is its rubber grips. Prioritize stairs that have rubber grips attached underneath them. However, this does not mean that the stairs without rubber grips are not stable. It would be best to look at customer reviews regarding every product to ensure stability.
Incline:
The incline of the stairs is inversely proportional to the floor space. So, this one is a tough choice to make. If you have ample floor space, go for steps with minimal incline. However,å if you are short on floor space, try to get a step with a reasonable incline. In all cases, ensure that the incline is manageable.
Weight support:
You should ensure that the stairs are made to support your dog's weight. Always read the manufacturer's information on the suitable weights for the stair and choose the one according to your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a ramp or stairs better for dogs?
According to experts, ramps are generally better for dogs than stairs due to the reduced impact on joints and the spine, especially for senior dogs, those with mobility issues, or smaller breeds, and as a preventive measure to avoid future injuries.
Should I get dog stairs for my bed?
Based on the age, size, and health conditions of your dog, as well as the height and accessibility of your bed, it may be advisable to consider purchasing dog stairs to prevent potential injuries or strains on their joints and muscle systems.
Are pet stairs good for dogs?
Pet stairs can be beneficial for dogs, especially those with joint or mobility issues, as they help reduce the strain on their joints and prevent injury from jumping off high places.
How do I get my dog to use the stairs to get on the bed?
To get your dog to use the stairs to get on the bed, you can train them by placing treats on each step, providing positive reinforcement when they use the stairs, and gradually decreasing the number of treats until they use the stairs on their own.
What Option of Dog Steps for Your Bed is Best for You?
Hopefully, this blog post has helped you determine what dog steps for your bed are best for you. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and using what will work best for you.
Regardless of which option you choose, it's important to consider factors such as size, weight capacity, and ease of use. Be sure to measure everything correctly before making any decisions – don't be caught off-guard by your pet's height! Lastly, don't forget to reward your pet when they successfully use their new ramps or staircases – they'll love the extra attention!
With these tips in mind, finding the perfect dog steps should be a breeze.
Items reviewed:
1. Best Pet Supplies Foam Pet Steps
2. PetSafe CozyUp Folding Dog Stairs
