Whether you love a tiny dog to cuddle in your lap and carry around with you, a large dog you can gambol around with, or the dependability of the wagging tail of your older dog, finding the right dog ramps and steps is an important part of pet maintenance.

Dog stairs can be a terrific solution to many disabilities or conditions that ail dogs of all breeds and ages, such as dysplasia, obesity, and arthritis. Dog steps can enable your pet a level of freedom you both will have thought long gone.

The first factor to consider when choosing a set of dog steps is the dimensions your dog requires. There really isn't a set of dimensions that work as "one-size-for-all." As pets come in all different sizes and weights, you must choose a set of steps that conforms to the size of your dog. Many sites sell both small dog steps and large dog steps. Dogs weighing less than 20 lbs should use steps measuring about 12 inches wide and dogs weighing more than 35 lbs should use steps that are 16 inches wide. If you have a medium-sized dog, or one who weights under 35 lbs, but more than 20 lbs, 14 inch-wide steps should do well.

Next, check the height of the steps. The height of dog steps works in inverse proportion to the size of the dog. In other words, bigger dogs can make it up to the couch, chair or window seat with large dog steps as short as 10 inches in height. Smaller dogs that take shorter steps will need dog stairs up to 14 inches in height. These heights will get your dog up to the level of most furniture and vehicles.

Dog steps particularly intended to bedside use should range between 17 to 29 inches high, again depending upon the height of your pet and the length of his legs.

Finally, choose pet stairs made of good quality material. Steps for small and large dogs should be washable and made of lightweight, portable material. Some styles can be taken apart and carried along, while others have compartments in the treads to store doggie dishes and toys.

Investing in a good set of pet stairs will give both you and your pet a new lease on mobility!

Written by Bella Holly using tags: Dog Stairs, take-apart-doggie-steps

Many of us don't mind snoozing with our pet snuggled on our bed next to us. In fact, it can be a huge comfort to have your guard dog curled up at your feet while you rest. But have you ever wondered about the toll that jumping up and down from the bed must have on your dog's joints? Dog steps for beds are the perfect solution to keep your dog from hurting himself.

Dog steps for beds are important for small breeds, which can easily break a leg bone jumping down from a bed. They're also helpful for older dogs with health conditions such as arthritis, blindness or hip displacement. Some owners start their dogs using steps at a fairly young age to reduce repetitive stress on the joints that could lead to arthritis later in life.

When you choose pet steps, your main concern should be durability, but it's an added bonus if the stairs are also aesthetically pleasant.

The fun part of choosing dog stairs is getting to browse through all the different styles. You wouldn't' believe the different colors and materials you can find! If your dog stairs are going to remain by the bed, you might choose a nice wooden set that matches your headboard, dresser, and night stand. Or, if you want the steps to remain in the family room near the sofa, you could find a carpeted set that matches your furniture suite or flooring. There are so many possibilities!

Pet stairs specially intended for beside use are going to need to match up to the height of your bed. Having steps higher than your bed could result in your dog tripping and hurting himself, yet steps which are too small will end up in him still needing to jump onto the bed, which defeats the purpose of the steps altogether.

Aside from these factors, choosing dog steps for beds is the same as selecting steps for other purposes. You'll need to know your dog's size in order to choose the right kind of bed steps for it in width, height and the steps' ability to hold the dog's weight. These qualities are typically explained on the product label.

Written by Bella Holly using tags: Dog Stairs

It's always a great feeling to take in a puppy and teach it how to be a good dog. However, it isn't only puppies who require training. Some dogs, whether adopted or found, will require some degree of training when they enter your house, even if just to get the dog used to your rules and expectations. It's a great idea to utilize dog stairs into your training routine.

Small dogs only grow to a certain size. These little beauties have no way to climb on and off certain pieces of furniture such as the couch or bed. You may start at first by picking them up but the best way to handle their needs is to train them how to climb up and down the steps.

Large and small dog steps are readily available at many retailers and are a worthwhile investment in your dog's safety. There are many studies that show that small dogs are at the highest risk of breaking a limb if they fall off of a couch or bed and land improperly.

Training to use dog stairs for beds and other furniture is much easier than most training. After your dog has used the steps a few times, with your encouragement, he will soon naturally turn to the stairs as a way to get where he wants to be-near his owner(s).

Keep the pet stairs free from objects that may cause the dog to trip such as toys and treats. Don't rush your puppy or dog to climb down right away if they hesitate. Let them get comfortable with using the steps and before you know it, their training will be complete.

Be sure to shop for steps that are the right height for your dog. Some of the best dog steps have adjustable heights on the steps that allow for growing puppies.

Written by Bella Holly using tags: Dog Stairs