This is our review of the best dog steps in 2022.
Ever heard of pet stairs? Sometimes, your pet is going to need a little bit of assistance getting up and down. Whether it’s getting up to a car or a piece of furniture, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to make things easier on your dogs. After all, we all start to feel the old pain in our joints once in a while!
In this guide, I’ve taken a look at a few of the top dog steps and pet stairs options available online. These have all been tested and reviewed thoroughly, and rest assured, I have lined up picks that I know work well for a wide variety of dogs, breeds, and their owners! One of the best things you can do for your dog if they struggle to get up and down is to give them a bit of a helping paw.
In this guide, I’ll also be looking at things you should consider when shopping for dog stairs in general. What should you be keeping in mind when you need dog stairs for large dogs? Which options are likely to work best in the long run? All will be revealed!
The products we are going to review in this guide include:
- High-Density Pet Ramp Stairs
- Easipet Plastic Foldable Steps
- Hewitt & Blue Large Dog Car Ramp
- Yaheetech 2-in-1 Folding Pet Ramp
- Ballshop 3 Steps Pet Stairs
- Pet Gear 3 Step Stairs
- Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs
Our Best Dog Step Reviews
High-Density Pet Ramp Stairs
Foam steps for use in the house are ideal for stability, and these stairs offer three steps that will help get your dog up and into bed with ease. They are ideal for small dogs and are nice and easy to use, with an anti-pressure technology built-in to ensure they are gentle on your dog’s joints and will last for years.
You will also be pleased to note that these steps come with a washable cover, meaning that you can easily unzip it and pop it in the washer when it’s time to get rid of those nuisance paw marks. These stairs are designed for pets who may have trouble with mobility, and pet owners will appreciate the neutral design which will blend with most decor.
Pros
- Very reasonable price
- Easy to vacuum and keep dust-free
- Comfy and firm for dogs to use, also non-skid for stability
Cons
- May not be the best for large dogs
Easipet Plastic Foldable Steps
These super affordable plastic steps are a great choice if you need a lightweight, storable dog stairs solution that you can use for various purposes. This system unfolds into four stairs in total and are ideal for high beds and furniture which your dog is allowed on and off!
These steps are also some of the best for travel use, meaning if your dog is going to need mobility support on the move, you are looking at a reliable and durable option for the years to come.
Pros
- Collapsible stairs – very easy to store
- Great for small dogs and some large dogs
- Very affordable – some of the cheapest steps online
- Comes with carpet grips for non-skid
Cons
- Few I can see – though the look might not be to everyone’s tastes
Hewitt & Blue Large Dog Car Ramp
Let’s mix things up a little with a safety ramp. Pet ramps are a dependable solution that is very easy to glide open and close again whenever you need to. As a good alternative, if your pet doesn’t like to climb stairs, this is a telescopic system that you can use to help your dog get in and out of the car.
This handy piece of pet gear is non-skid by design, and it’s incredibly lightweight. These ramps are built to fit most car boots, meaning there’s no need to look for a specific fit or branding. Pet owners usually opt for ramps outdoors as they are waterproof easy to use and easy to clean.
Pros
- Very light and easy to store
- Anti skid by design for pet’s paws to get a good grip
- Very durable and won’t bend
Cons
- You may need to look for a different option if you have smaller dogs
Yaheetech 2-in-1 Folding Pet Ramp
This neat, foldable wooden stairs system is fantastically easy to manage and to store away. It’s particularly interesting that it’s a 2 in 1 steps solution, which means that you can fold it down into a ramp if you want to. It’s nice and wide, as well as sturdy, and this means you should be able to support lighter dogs up and down to bed or into vehicles.
These handy pet stairs are built to withstand loads of up to 60kg so can cope with eve the largest dogs . While the material used here might not be washable in the machine, it’s still easy to keep clean and can be used for your canine friend both indoor and outdoors
Pros
- Folds up and down into steps and a ramp
- Easy to store, nice and light
- The wide design makes this easy to get used to whatever your dog’s age
Cons
- Some assembly required
Ballshop 3 Steps Pet Stairs
Lastly, this super affordable pet steps solution will certainly appeal to you if you want something light and simple to get your dog up and down easily. As the name suggests it’s a three-step system with a thick cover that is machine washable.
What you see is what you get with these stairs. These dog steps for sofa or bed are ideal for no-frills needs, meaning that if practicality or purpose means more to you than a fancy look, this is the product to buy.
Pros
- Very affordable, the cheapest online
- Lightweight and easy to use around the home
- Machine washable cover
- Foldable and easy to pack away when not in use
Cons
- Isn’t non skid
Pet Gear 3 Step Stairs
Petgear make some of the best steps for dogs and these are no exception; the anti-slip bottom helps prevent accidents on hard floors and washable carpet tread makes for easy cleaning. The large treads mean small dogs can get their full body on the stairs and even the largest dogs can achieve a firm footing
These doggie stairs are by far the best dog steps for high beds and easily slot together with no tools required and can be packed away easily when not in use. Ideal for old dogs who can’t jump onto the bed, arthritic dogs or small breeds which might injure themselves jumping on and off furniture.
Pros
- Gentle incline reduces the amount of stairs.
- Carpet treads can be popped into the washing machine
- Non-skid feet for hard floors
Cons
- Some reviews mention they are a bit wobbly for larger dogs
Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs
The deep wide steps of these stairs for dogs are ideal for smaller dogs as they allow them to get their whole body on the tread and big dogs can comfortably go up and down too. Easy cleaning and extremely light, these stairs get fantastic reviews and are a favourite option for both younger dogs and those who can’t get up and down like they used to.
The unit snaps together easily with no tools required and the carpet tread can be popped into te washing machine whe needed, the rest just needs a quick wipe over.
Pros
- Ideal if you have a little dog
- Easy to keep clean
- Also comes in extra wide for larger pooches
Cons
- May not be the sturdiest on hard floors
Why Should I Invest in Dog Stairs?
Pet stairs are great for helping dogs of all shapes and sizes get up and down. You might have a high bed that small dogs can’t reach, they may be overweight, had surgery, or may simply be getting on in years. Ultimately, pet stairs or dog ramps are great for helping your best friend access where they want to go without having to strain themselves.
Stairs are also great for dogs with hip dysplasia and specific exercise requirements
Injuries Caused by Jumping on and off furniture can include:
- Broken toenails
- Sprains
- Spine injures
- Trauma to knees and elbows
- Strained muscles
- Shoulder injuries
- Ruptured cruciate ligament
All of these are extremely painful and will incur pretty large vet bills, stairs may help avoid these!
But which stairs for dogs should you choose? There so many different brands of dog stairs out there. The fact is, finding the right dog stairs for your pup might not be as simple as choosing the first set of steps that you come across. You’ll find that there are some which are made from certified foam, others which are high density, and some which are built for outdoor rather than indoor use. In any case, get ready to shop around!
When is the Right Time to Think About Dog Stairs?
It’s probably safe to say that the best pet steps for dogs aren’t things you are likely to think about a lot. That is, however, unless your dog is likely to be showing issues with getting up into bed, vehicles, or otherwise. Dogs’ joints are just as likely to need looking after as our own, and therefore, one of the kindest things you can do is help them out when they really need the support.
Are you finding that you need to lift your dog up and down off the sofa? Do you have a dog that finds it hard to jump like a Dachshund or Basset hound! Are they getting on in years? Stairs for dogs are ideal for senior dogs, arthritic dogs, dogs with short legs and small pets.
Here are a few reasons why investing in the best pet stairs available might just be what pet parents and their pups need to make things easy access.
You Have an Older Dog
As our dogs get older, so do their joints and muscles. Did you know that 1 in 5 dogs will suffer from Arthritis Therefore, there will likely come a time when your dog can’t hop onto the bed at night or even the furniture – if they are allowed up, of course! This means they’re missing out on a lot of cuddles. In these circumstances, investing in pet stairs or a pet ramp can be a real asset
Your Pooch is Overweight
Of course, an overweight dog needs encouragement to exercise and to lose some pounds. However, until they do, it might be tricky for them to get up to the bed, into a car. What’s more, investing in one of the best pet stairs options available will mean you don’t have to pick them up! A real bonus if you have a hefty Bulldog or podgy Lab.
The long term solution is to cut down on the treats and make sure that your dog gets enough exercise to shift that weight, but in the meantime dog steps could be the perfect solution.
Your Four-Legged Friend is Post-Surgery or Can’t Climb
There are always going to be some pets – small dogs, large dogs or otherwise – who are unable to leap or climb as well as others. This, of course, is one of the key scenarios where dog owners will consider purchasing a set of dog stairs. Dogs who have come out of surgery have Cushings Disease or may not have the leg strength or dexterity to climb into bed or onto high platforms will likely need a helping paw or two.
You Have a Breed Susceptible to Spinal Injuries
Pet stairs are perfect for breeds that can injure themselves by jumping and are prone to back problems such as Corgi’s, Dacshunds. ,Pugs and Frenchies. These are usually pups that love a snuggle too so they will want to be beside you on the sofa. Miniature breeds too may need some help to land in your lap Imagine how a high bed looks to a Chihuahua.
Your Canine Companion Loves Car Rides
Another great reason to look for dog stairs is if you take your dogs or pets in the car on journeys frequently. If your dog loves the beach or woodland walks you’re not going to want to limit these because Fido has problems getting in and out of the car.
Sometimes tricky to get your pets into a vehicle unless they can either leap in or if you are willing to pick them up. I know I wouldn’t fancy picking up my Retriever George two or three times a day. Therefore, you may need dog stairs or a pet ramp which they can use to easily and comfortably get up and down.
Your Pet’s Weight Means You Can’t Lift Them
This may fall under one of the above categories, of course, but dog stairs are ideal for situations where you simply can’t get your dog up and into a car or up and into bed on your own. This might be due to the fact that you have a large dog, or that they are overweight, You may have health problems yourself or your dogs may simply not like being picked up!
You also need to consider safety. You might think that you are strong enough to hoist a dog into a car or up and down on your own, but if you slip accidentally, it might result in problems for both you and your pet. Therefore, anti-slip, high-quality pet steps or a pet ramp could be just what you need.
Are Ramps or Stairs Better for Dogs?
The jury is out on this one, but there are a few points that tip things in the direction of pet stairs or dog stairs. For one thing, likely, most dogs will likely be more used to steps than they will ramps. If you think about it logically, their legs and paws may find it easier to walk up and down stairs than to use a ramp of any kind. While some of the best dog ramps can be really useful, pet steps and dog stairs may be more likely to give them the support you’re considering for them.
A ramp is likely to be a great option if you are largely helping your dog or dogs in and out of the car. However, it is often likely to be an outdoor solution alone, meaning that you may be stuck if you want to use a similar solution indoors. That’s why there are so many different dog-friendly steps and dog stairs out there that are built exclusively for indoor use, which are easy to clean and made from high-density foam. These are steps that are largely built for a different purpose!
Therefore – I’d seriously consider looking at a ramp option for a bit of a different purpose. Dog steps are likely to be fantastic if you know your dogs or pet will need support up and into bed as well as in and out of the car.
What Size Dog Stair or Ramp?
Choosing the right doggy steps is essential, For a ramp, you should be looking at a gentle slope with an incline of 18 to 20 degrees for a small dog and 22-25 degrees for medium-sized pets, Remember dogs have 4 paws so have a lower centre of gravity than us, so while these may seem steep to pet parents your pup will handle them just fine. For a sofa 14-16 inches in height, you would need a ramp 3 feet in length, that is why stairs are sometimes a better option especially in small living rooms.
The best dog stairs will have a stair height your pup is comfortable with, this should be no higher than 2 inches more than the length of your furry friends legs this will allow him to ascend and descend easily. For example, the Pet Gear easy step ii has a stair depth of 5 inches. Width is important too, measure your dog across their widest point at the shoulders to ensure the dog stair is wide enough.
What Should I Look for When Buying Dog Stairs?
Size isn’t the only thing you need to consider when looking for the best steps for dogs. Your unique purpose for them may differ from other people’s, and there are some pet stairs built for different scenarios. For example, a Pet Gear Easy Step II is likely to be slightly different from the Pupstep Plus.
Of course, price is always a consideration, but we recommend not skimping when it comes to pet stairs you need to have peace of mind that they are well-built and sturdy to prevent any accidents. Also your pooch will be unlikely to want to use flimsy stairs as they will feel unsafe.
In this guide, we’re going to look at more than just the Pupstep Plus and the Pet Gear Easy Step II , you need to have a checklist to hand to compare between the best models and accessories on the market right now.
Here’s everything you should be keeping in mind when shopping for dog stairs for the first time and virtually any purpose.
Indoor and Outdoor Use
One of the first things you should consider when buying dog stairs or pet steps is whether or not they will be ideal for indoor or outdoor use. For example, outdoor dog stairs will be waterproof or water-resistant to some extent and will likely be built in a material that is easy enough to wipe down and rinse off.
On the other hand, indoor dog stairs are likely to be just as easy to clean, and some even come with machine washable covers. Machine washable steps are those which are likely to offer a bit more of the ‘indoor’ aesthetic, too usually made from certified foam or at least high-density foam, wood or plastic they should be easy for the pet owner to move around and not take up too much space.
Non-Skid and Anti Slip
An anti-slip surface such as carpet tread or rubber is essential as are non-skid feet if you intend to use stairs for dogs on a hard floor. This will help dogs to keep their grip when going up and down the unit at their own pace, prevent accidents and give them confidence especially for puppies or if they have never used dog steps before.
Easy Storage
Are the stairs you are hoping to buy easy to pack up and put away? In some cases, if you buy outdoor stairs or those which are built to use outside the home, you will find that they are easy storage by design – in that they will fold up. This is not always the case when it comes to machine-washable dog stairs for inside the home, but you will still find that there are some units you can easily store away or put to one side when they are not in use.
Foam Inner?
When it comes to buying a reliable set of indoor pet stairs, certified foam is a must. High-density foam, or certified foam, will give your pet the stability and security they need to get up and down their stairs to and from bed whenever they want to. Solid foam stairs are likely to withstand plenty of usage and they will generally provide some of the best optionds online. Do be sure to check out reviews on foam pet stairs, too as with any other pet supplies, so you know what other people are thinking.
Easy to Clean?
I’ve mentioned already that some indoor dog stairs are machine washable – in that they have machine washable covers, you can also invest in plastic pet stairs which are easy to wipe down and clean with a cloth, or stairs which you can rinse down with warm water if they are for use outside.
Anyone who owns dogs or a pet that goes outside frequently will already know that muddy paws can be a nightmare. However, providing you invest in pet stairs that you can easily clean down. You shouldn’t have much to worry about.
Stability
One of the most important factors for pet owners to consider when buying the best dog stair is stability; a sturdy foam inner is going to be a great choice for some whilst others will need something a bit stronger like wood or plastic to make them feel secure.
Make sure to look for stairs that will happily handle and support the bulk of your pet and which are nice and rigid. While you need stairs made of foam which are comfy to an extent, you’re also going to need to make sure your pet receives a level platform or two to walk up and down.
Also built into the step design may be rubber grippers, which you can use to allow your stairs to grip on wooden interior floors or hard surfaces. Ultimately, whether you choose foam stairs, plastic or wood you will need your pet stairs to stay as rigid as possible from use to use.
Can I Train My Dog to Use Stairs?
If you live in a multi-story house, it’s probably already the case that your dog knows how to use stairs! Training them to use a smaller system may take time, but be patient. The best steps for dogs are really easy to train pets on. Simply take them gently up and down on a lead, and reward with a treat when they do well!
There is a fantastic video on how to train your dog to use stairs HERE
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found my guide to the best dog stairs informative and useful. If you are after our personal recommendation then we would advise the High Density Foam Dog Steps. Whether you look for a Pupstep Plus or Zinus easy pet stairs with their US certified foam interior, Foam pet steps can be a great investment.
If you have a small dog the Pet Gear easi steps are popular with many owners and are a brand associated with the best pet supplies. Whereas if you want something for the truck bed of your car a ramp with built-in side rails may be just the thing.
As responsible dog owners, we want to make life as easy as possible for our best friends and giving them a leg up so they can enjoy a cuddle or getting them in and out of the car on a trip to the beach is a great way to show our love and make things a bit easier especially if they are getting older or have joint issues.
