Written by Jen, proud owner of a 3-year-old Great Dane/Poodle mix named Luna, who is her once in a lifetime “heart dog.”
Jen specializes in the care and training of large dog breeds. She particularly enjoys working with Great Danes (for their big, goofy natures) and Poodles (for their intelligence).
Whether you have a young puppy or senior pooch, using dog stairs can greatly improve a pet’s life.
According to FitBark, stairs are a top way to keep your dog safe and healthy. When Luna (my Great Dane mix), was a puppy she used stairs all the time. This greatly reduced how much unnecessary jumping she did.
But of course, all dogs are built different depending on breed, size, and age!What works for one dog might not necessarily work for another.
Curious to see if dog stairs are the right choice for you?
Here are 5 compelling reasons why adding a few steps might be a good idea.
Getting up on the couch won’t be a struggle
Who doesn’t love to cuddle on the couch while watching TV? Or snuggle in bed?
Of course, your dog will want to join in on the fun!
However, getting up and down from these heights can result in injuries…especially if your dog falls awkwardly. For example, leg sprains, broken bones, spinal problems, and trauma to the head.
Toy breeds are particularly prone to suffer poor outcomes when tumbling off furniture. Uh oh. Minimize risk by using dog stairs instead.
Dog stairs make jumping into the car as easy as 1, 2, 3
Similarly, many dogs find it difficult to jump up into the backseat of a vehicle.
This repetitive movement leads to wear and tear on joints, not to mention potentially being dangerous in a busy parking lot (if your dog is off leash).
Using collapsible stairs made specifically for a car accomplishes three things.
- Reduces the stress placed on a dog’s body
- Keeps them safe in high traffic areas
- Saves your arms and back from strenuous lifting pain
If you load your dog into the car for weekly trips, save hassle – and potential heartbreak – by investing in stairs.
Senior dogs with limited mobility will benefit from stairs
A dog in their golden years will be less athletic. Hill’s Pets reminds us that senior dogs experience age-related health issues, such as: stiffness in the shoulders and hips, vision/hearing loss, dementia, and heart problems.
As a result, dogs with white in their fur will definitely say, “Thanks!” if their owner decides on stairs. The little bit of extra help goes a long way.
Remember… large breed dogs are prone to joint issues
Now, if you are lucky enough you share your life with a magnificent giant breed dog (like me) then you most certainly will want to pay attention to dog stairs, steps, and ramps.
That’s because of hereditary issues. Popular large dog breeds like the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Saint Bernard, Great Dane, etc. are all at greater risk of developing hip dysplasia.
So, if you start to notice your dog looking uncomfortable when walking up to the front door or when entering/exiting different levels of the house, talk to your vet about using dog stairs. They can really help with arthritis, too.
Short legs? No problem! Dog stairs = independence
Calling all dachshunds, corgis, and basset hounds.
Short-legged breeds often feel like they’re missing out because spaces are less accessible to them. Unlike a taller dog, a short pup cannot look out the window, see what’s on the table, or peek over a fence.
How frustrating!
Don’t worry though – dog stairs are an easy fix. Give your dog a leg up (literally) to improve their sense of independence and ability to participate in family activities.
Photo by Mitchell Griest on Unsplash.