Have you noticed that your dog struggles from time to time when it comes to jumping up onto the couch, chair, or bed? This could point to physical issues that need to be addressed.
Many pet owners allow their dog to jump onto and off of furniture such as beds, couches, chairs, etc. These heights may seem insignificant to us, however for a dog, they can incur grave damage over time or immediately through a fall from one of these surfaces.
Dogs of all sizes and breeds are at risk from joint injury such as the early development of arthritis or hip dysplasia. Small dog breeds are at a particular risk due to the natural fragility of their bones. Many small dogs such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians have been known to suffer broken legs from jumping or falling from furniture. Large dogs already have a risk for arthritis as they grow older, but encouraging them to jump to and from heights everyday will inevitably jump-start this condition.
While you could prohibit your pet from getting onto the furniture, this is a drastic measure. It’s natural for a dog to want to be near his owner, and if you don’t mind having him on the furniture, it’s best not to change his routine. The best way to preserve your dog’s health is to obtain a set of pet stairs that will allow him to safety navigate onto and off of furniture.
Carpeted pet steps are very popular as they not only provide cushioning for impact, but they also offer a non-slip surface. Most pet stairs can be categorized into three sizes: small, medium, and large. There are two things that you must consider when purchasing pet steps. The first is the height of the object you want your dog to get onto. For instance, if your primary use for the steps will be to allow your dog to get onto the couch, you will need to make sure that the set of stairs you purchase is tall enough to reach your couch. The second item to consider is the size of your dog. You can follow the guide below to determine what size of steps would be appropriate for your pet.
Small dogs = steps no wider than 12 inches
Medium dogs = 14 inch-wide steps
Large dogs = steps at least 16 inches wide
For more information about choosing and purchasing a set of pet steps, please visit Help Your Pets – Here.
Tags: dog stairs, dog steps, pet stairs, pet steps
