Best Dog Stairs and Ramps 2024 – Top 11 Picks Reviewed
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Having the best dog stairs is just what you need when your dog is having a tough time getting around.
Dog stairs are essential in homes with ailing dogs that have hip or joint problems. They will also make life easier for senior dogs in need of a little help. Not every dog can hop up or down when they need or want something. And not every dog can do it their whole life!
Your four-legged friend will be much less stressed with pet stairs when climbing up to a comfortable couch or bed.
Today, we are listing the dog stairs on the market for the all-around health and well-being of your pet. They are a simple yet effective solution to help your dog get around easier while maintaining healthy joints.
It’s essential to take action to promote healthy joint activity. It applies no matter the breed or age of the dog. That is essentially why dog stairs are a practical idea, even for the lively dogs that have no issue in getting around. The right preventive measures at a dog’s young age will pay off later in life.
There are many dog ramps and stairs on the market. But the best one, in our opinion, would be Solvit PupStep Stairs. Large dogs, small dogs, lightweight or heavy dogs – they are excellent for all sorts of pets. Sturdy yet foldable, non skid and non slip, with safety rails, they will be the best dog stairs choice for most people.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t scroll down for more options, though.
11 Best Dog Stairs/Steps Reviews 2024
Fortunately, there is a wide variety of dog stairs for any situation.
The first question would be whether you need dog stairs at all. And if you do, should you get small or large? How many steps? Finally, would a pet ramp be a better option for you?
There are two main reasons why pet owners should get a set of stairs. Firstly, they give easy access to the most comfortable sleeping areas. These are typically found throughout the home. Sofas, couches, beds, chairs or armchairs – dogs just love climbing. And we should make it easy for them, especially when they are old and grey!
Secondly, pet stairs protect the legs and joints from potential damage. It may not sound serious, but jumping off furniture can be stressful for your dog’s hips!
So here’s a list of the best dog stairs. We have handpicked from dozens of different options to make sure there’s something for everyone.
Best Dog Stairs and Ramps Reviews 2024
The Solvit PupSTEP Plus XL Pet Stairs is easy to learn and a practical choice for very high beds.
They are straightforward to set up and assemble. Once this set of pet stairs is in place, you will no longer need to be concerned about your dog leaping around and getting hurt in the process.
Plus, the steps are equipped with non skid pads to make it easier for your dog to climb and descend.
The Solvit PupSTEP stairs make a practical choice for both the dogs that find it difficult to jump onto a bed or couch and the smaller dogs that require assistance.
Product Highlights
- A tall and wide edition of the respected PupSTEP Plus
- Features side rails for additional safety
- Dimensions: 28 inch D x 18 inch W x 25 inch H
- Lightweight build at only 9 pounds, but with the ability to accept dogs that are up to 200 pounds in weight
- Large size is practical for dog breeds of all sizes
- Quick to fold up for transport and storage
The Pet Loader Light 16″ Platform is a different type of pet stairs. Unlike most other options suitable for home, this one is convenient for use with a vehicle.
It makes getting in or out of an SUV a simple and straightforward process. The build of the platform is very sturdy. If you’re afraid of slipping, there’s carpeting for each of the steps helps to avoid such issues.
However, this unit is built from heavy-duty plastic, making it a little heavier than other sets of pet stairs. It is a practical choice for medium to large size dogs. Note that it’s also a bit heavy on the wallet!
Product Highlights
- Very easy to fold and carry
- Easy storage
- Wide deck areas and lower ascent/descent angle help to minimize issues of fear
- Total weight is 24 pounds
Many pet parents can’t afford fancy pet stairs and other supplies. They could find the Furhaven Steady Paws Dog Stairs a decent solution. It’s not perfect, but it fits the bill! Your small or mid-sized pooch will easily get onto a high bed. And they will quickly get to like the fluffy and soft surface of these dog steps. It’s covered with soft, fluffy plush faux fur. With 7 inches in height for each step, it will be effortless to climb.
Note, however, that it won’t be the most stable option for large dogs. It’s too easy to overturn if you are a 200-pound bear. So, make sure to choose your dog steps wisely. I would personally get these pet stairs for a cat or a small and not very clumsy dog such as a Maltese, Jack Russell, or a Scottish Terrier. Another thing I like about these pet steps is the looks. They will fit great with any pet studio!
Product Highlights
- Padded and comfortable to easily reach a decent height
- Very lightweight for ease in relocating around the home
- Choose a 3 step or a 4 step structure
- The cover is a plush faux fur – very fluffy and soft, but not exactly non slip
- Dimensions: 23.63 inch (L) x 15.75 inch (W) x 29 inch (H)
The Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs is a simple solution to protect and maintain your pet’s joints. They are straightforward to put together, and the carpet squares on the stairs provide stable, non slip footing.
The innovative incline of these pet stairs means there is only a need for two steps to climb to the desired height. That eliminates stress for the dogs (and cats), and can easily accept pets up to 150 pounds in weight.
Pet Gear uses wider and deeper stairs to make it more comfortable for dogs when climbing. Especially if they are somewhat larger.
The extra spacing on the stairs gives ample room to get the entire body on each step. Plus, the spacious climbing area means the larger dogs can also feel comfortable when climbing the stairs.
Product Highlights
- Practical for small and large dogs with the wide and deep stair landings
- The bottom surface has rubber grippers to prevent sliding when in use
- Great for dogs of up to 150 pounds
- Soft carpet treads are removable for cleaning
- Simple assembly with no tools required
- Dimensions: 22.5 inch x 16 inch x 16 inches
The relatively compact Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs for dogs of up to 75 lbs are convenient and light enough for small, everyday tasks. They will do an excellent job for pet owners helping their dog onto the couch or into the car. They are built to be very lightweight and easy to move around the home, but still a very sturdy platform.
Pet Gear Stairs is easy to assemble and can easily snap together without relying on other tools. This pet stairs also have a carpeted tread to help your dog get more traction when climbing. The carpet is removable and machine washable. Those muddy paws will leave a trace of the weather!
Product Highlights
- Steps 6 inches in height
- Wide and deep steps for easy climbing
- Removable carpet treads for quick cleaning and washing
- Rubber grippers on the bottom to keep the stairs in place
- Simple assembly – snap-together design
Why, isn’t it the same brand and precisely the same model as the previous two? Well, not really. While it’s Pet Gear again, and an almost identical model, this one has three steps. It will serve different sizes of dogs up to 150 pounds. But it’s higher than the previous two, with less of an incline. In other words, they can climb higher while putting in less effort.
The Pet Gear Easy Step III Pet Stairs is built with the larger dog breeds in mind with its 3-step design and 150 lbs weight limit.
The pet stairs have wide, deep treads that make it easy to use for any dog size. Plus, the stairs’ short incline makes it easier to climb and put significantly less stress on your pet.
The actual process of building the pet stairs is very straightforward. It’s a simple process of snapping the individual pieces together – no tools are needed. This one also has a removable carpet tread for your dog’s safety.
Product Highlights
- Useful rubber grippers to keep the stairs in place
- Good for dogs up to 150 lbs
- Removable carpet treads for ease of maintenance
- Simple assembly with snap-together construction
The Best Pet Supplies Steps and Stairs have a lightweight, 4-step design that is perfect for dogs with arthritis or similar issues. For example, overweight bodies, hip dysplasia, painful joints, etc. – or simply for senior dogs. The use of pet stairs is practical to minimize the risk of injury in the event of weak bones or legs. Plus, the soft surface will additionally please your pet’s paws.
It’s made for easy cleaning because of it’s machine-washable. Its removable cover ensures that you can easily wash off any spills, stains, and dirt. Adding the pet stairs to the arsenal of pet supplies means they have greater access around the home. If you get it for a pup, it will continue to feel independent in later life.
These dog stairs for beds will give easy access to a bed, couch, or sofa that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
Product Highlights
- Dimensions: 24 inch L x 16 inch W x 20 inch H
- Lightweight construction at just 7.4 pounds
- Choose from 3 step, 4 step, or 5 step variety
- Built-in sturdy foam to make it easy to carry and isn’t likely to bruise the shins in the event of bumping into it
- Machine-washable cover
Say hello to another inexpensive option for small dogs! Petmaker High Density Foam Pet Steps are not foldable, but they are so lightweight that you can move them around the house 100 times a day. The non slip cover will ensure there are no wrong steps. This option is especially ideal for pet parents who own both a dog and a cat. Both of your furry babies will be able to use it! You can choose from brown, grey and tan varieties, as well as 3 steps and 4 steps.
Hygiene will be an essential factor since all of us know how our furry friends can get sloppy. That’s why these dog steps feature a removable and machine washable cover. The material is microfiber, which is hypoallergenic. Just unzip it and toss it into your washing machine. As for the high-density foam insert, you can just wipe it clean or vacuum it.
Product Highlights
- One of the best pet stairs options for small dogs
- Extremely lightweight
- High-density foam insert won’t disfigure easily
- Machine washable cover that you can easily remove
- Choose from three or four dog steps
- Dimensions 15.75 inches (H) x 15.25 inches (W) x 21.25 inches (L)
Doggie steps are great, but some pets will find it easier to climb a gentle slope than climb proper stairs. That’s why dog ramps are there for, such as this Pet Gear Stramp. Just in case you’re wondering what a “stramp” is, it’s a combination of stairs and a pet ramp.
This pet ramp is ideal for small dogs, but it will still support pets up to 150 pounds. The bottom features non skid rubber grippers. On the other hand, there’s a carpet that allows for safer use. Plus, it’s easy to maintain either by washing or vacuuming.
Most people are using this pet ramp at home for couches or sofas. But it also works perfectly for dogs who are trying to get in or out of a vehicle. Large dogs owners can get the variety with a steeper slope.
Product Highlights
- Non slip and easy to maintain carpet tread
- Pet owners can use it indoors or outdoors
- Best dog ramp for small dogs, but also works on mid-size or large dogs up to 150 lbs
- Easy to assemble
- Dimensions 28 x 16 x 16 inches
- The step is 5 inches in height
Mewang 2-in-1 Foldable Dog Stairs is another option for people who can’t decide between pet stairs and a pet ramp. In fact, it’s a three in one product: a ramp, stairs, and a ladder. When you fold it, it’s easy to store and move around. When you unfold it, it will fit nicely into any interior due to its fancy wooden construction. Moreover, the steps are padded for traction. So, you don’t need to worry about safety either.
If your dog can’t raise their feet enough, just convert these pet stairs into a ramp. Unfortunately, it won’t be suitable for large dogs. But small to mid-size dogs will definitely benefit from it.
The only shortcoming of this product is its price tag. It’s a bit on the costlier side, which is understandable due to quality material and construction.
Product Highlights
- Foldable and stylish option
- Convertible from stairs to a pet ramp
- Suitable for small dogs to medium
- There’s fabric padding to make sure your dog doesn’t slip off
- Very sturdy and durable
- Dimensions: 27.6 inches L x 18.5 inches W x 19.5 inches H. The steps are 15.7 x 9.06
- Not the cheapest option out there
If you and your furry pal are the adventurous types, PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Pet Ramp is probably the top pick for you. We won’t precisely dub it the best pet ramp out there. It’s much too pricey for that, especially for indoor use. But if you’re an avid driver, it will become part of your trunk inventory.
And you don’t even need to keep it in the trunk. It’s foldable and so compact that you can place it behind the seat. For such a sturdy ramp, it’s surprisingly lightweight. With just 10 pounds, you can carry it in and out on every single stop.
Supporting dogs up to 150 pounds, it’s not for the largest breeds though. A Great Dane may use it, but you should be on guard. The product isn’t tested for very large dogs.
It’s also worth noting that the surface is padded with high traction material to prevent slipping. There are also side rails for additional safety. Even the oldest dogs
Product Highlights
- One of the sturdiest dog ramps
- Easily foldable and portable
- High enough for a truck or SUV
- The slope is gentle enough not to pose a strain to painful joints
- Supports up to 150 pounds of weight
- Product dimensions: 62 inch L X 16 inch W X 4 inch H
- Non slip and non skid
Best Dog Stairs or Ramps – Things to Consider Before Buying
When deciding on the best dog stairs, many different factors are considered for the small, medium or large breed dog.
A significant issue is the present level of difficulty your dog is facing. Other concerns include the number of steps, whether they are soft or hard. You should also keep in mind the degree of incline.
Step number and size
When you are mindful of your pet’s abilities and aptitudes, you are in a better position to know the most favorable step count. Also, the step size can vary significantly. Therefore, you should go with the stairs that are most appropriate for your dog’s size and health.
Does your dog find it challenging to climb two steep steps? If yes, you will want to go with a four-step unit with the less steep incline.
Inclination
The inclination of the pet stairs can vary with a climb that seems quite steep to those that are more or less flat. The steep, vertical climb is more stressful for your dog. Still, it will take up less space in the home. There’s bound to be some kind of a tradeoff. Assess your dog’s health before you opt for a more compact solution.
Width & Height
A primary consideration is the maximum height you want your dog to reach. Before you start shopping for the portable dog stairs, carefully measure the height you need. You need to start from the floor to the height of the sofa, bed, couch, or other places of rest. In many situations, the actual height is the foremost deciding factor.
You should also consider the width of the pet stairs. Especially for medium or large dogs! The wide stairs are sure to provide further ease of access and comfort for the larger breeds.
Grip & Padding
Many of the dog stairs have a covering of soft fabric such as sheepskin. However, you want to look for dog ramps or stairs with at least a non skid surface or texture. That will make sure your dog avoids those accidental slips or falls.
Also, there are several dog stairs options with extra padding for the most comfortable climbing experience. But this feature isn’t always necessary.
Materials
The construction material for the dog stairs is a crucial quality. Wooden stairs give a high-end and luxurious look, while the plastic alternatives are effortless to clean. There are also options with foam inside if you want a softer solution. That will make it easy on your dog’s painful paws.
Maintenance
When looking for a set of pet stairs, your top concerns will always be related to the dog’s health and convenience. And that’s the way it should be! However, there’s one thing people tend to overlook. They only remember it when the cleaning time comes. And that’s usually too late!
Your ramp or stairs should be easy to maintain. Since they usually have some padding or carpet treading, it should be removable and washable. It’s often impossible to clean the dog’s paws in detail every time they come from outside. Not to mention that you’ll be using your pet stairs for easy access into the vehicle too. And what about all the hair?
Sometimes, vacuuming is just enough to get rid of hairs and dirt. But other times, you’ll just have to do some good old scrubbing and machine washing.
Storage
The ability to store the dog stairs is only an issue when they aren’t likely to stay in one place for long. However, for the regular replacement of the stairs, a set that is easy to disassemble and foldable is sure to appeal.
Also, it is worth noting that sturdier dog stairs are the ones in a single piece. They do not give the option to break up or fold up. However, some great options are both foldable and sturdy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are stairs or a ramp better for dogs?
It really depends on the dog and your situation. Ramps are almost always going to be easier to climb, but they often take up more space. Furthermore, if your dog has never used a ramp before, they might be somewhat unsure about it.
However, if the dog has used stairs before, they will likely find no problem using a set of pet stairs.
Again, pet owners who opt for a ramp should make sure the incline isn’t too steep. It will depend on the dog’s size, height, as well as joint health. If you choose pet stairs, you should keep an eye on the height of each step. Another vital concern is how many steps there are.
Are stairs bad for dogs?
In some cases, it might be advisable not to use dog stairs for your pooch. Climbing stairs makes all the dog’s weight transfer onto their back legs. In turn, it can make their hips and back leg joints hurt.
However, climbing stairs is almost always preferable to jumping. But if hips are your dog’s weak spot, you should probably opt for a dog ramp.
Is jumping bad for small dogs?
For some breeds, jumping can have dire consequences. If your dog has an elongated back, like the Dachshund or Shih Tzu, jumping can put them at risk for severe spinal problems that can cause paralysis. These health problems are more common than you may think.
In these cases, it is highly advisable to discourage your canine from jumping when possible and use dog steps instead. In fact, I always recommend teaching your dog not to jump, even when they are just a pup. It may seem a bit unnecessary, but it will be beneficial down the road.
Whether you are looking for lightweight and portable or the more stylish objects that look much like a piece of furniture, there are many different dog stairs to match the needs. With the best dog stairs in place, your dog is sure to benefit from less stress to the legs and joints when climbing on and off beds, sofas, and couches.
Last update on 2024-08-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API