Any great pet owner understands the importance of preserving your pet’s health. This is particularly true to dogs, who can so easily develop an array of conditions. Did you know that a simple set of pet stairs can drastically reduce the chance of your dog developing a joint or bone problem such as arthritis or hip dysplasia?

If your dog regularly jumps onto and off of furniture (even if it isn’t very far off the ground), his ankles, knees, hips, and spine are absorbing the shock that occurs when he lands. Using pet steps will keep him from having to exert any unnecessary pressure onto his body.

One thing that should be taken into consideration is where the steps will be placed. If you’re looking to buy dog steps for beds, you’ll want to measure the entire height of your bed (not just the mattresses) and find a set of steps that will reach the full height of the bed. This will ensure that your dog doesn’t trip or slip while stepping onto the bed. Another perk is that you won’t feel your dog jump onto the bed while you’re sleeping!

Make sure that whichever set of steps you choose are the proper height for your dog. This can be determined by the size of your dog. Large dog steps will have a 16” step width for dogs 30lbs and over and small dog steps will have a step width of 12” for dogs under 20 lbs. Purchasing steps that are too small or large for your dog could cause him to trip or overexert himself.

Choosing the color and material of the steps can be enjoyable, as they are available in many colors, especially if you get carpeted stairs. Keep in mind that the durability of the steps is also important when picking out steps, as you want to make sure that they can withstand the prolonged impact of your dog’s weight.