Dog Ramps vs. Dog Stairs
Dog ramps can play the same role as the stairs but these are two different products. A lot of dog owners, however, prefer the stairs. They can easily fit into small spaces without any issues. However, some dogs, especially those that aren’t used to stairs, will need some time to get used to.
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Features To Consider When Looking for the Best Dog Steps
Dog steps and stairs come in different shapes and sizes. There are too many options out there. However, there are a number of important considerations you will need to make before you purchase one which we will cover here.
Safety
Dog stairs are designed to help dogs reach high places and as such, there will be a lot of climbing. As a dog owner, you must make sure the stairs are safe. Your pooch should be able to climb up and down without slipping or falling.
Mobility
It is also important to choose stairs that can conveniently be moved from one place to another. Dog steps are not designed for one location. Sometimes you may want to use them outside. For example, stairs are commonly used in lifting dogs into cars these days. Something that can be moved easily will be perfect for this.
Stability
A good pair of stairs must withstand the weight of your dog. In other words, the stairs should be stable enough to stick on the ground as the dog climbs up and down. This will be safer for both the dog and the owner. Various designs have unique weight specifications. Make sure you understand this before you buy.
Aesthetics
Dog stairs will probably go into your living room. In that case, it should be something that adds décor value to your spaces. Most designs in the market are very stylish but it all depends on your tastes and preferences.
Assembly
Once you buy the dog stairs from the store, you will probably need to set them up. Some stairs require assembly while others don’t. The great thing is that the majority of stairs can be put together with a lot of ease. You won’t even need any tools for this.
Dog Stairs vs. Ramps: Which Do You Really Need?
If you're reading this, you're probably feeling undecided about which option to pick between dog steps/stairs or ramps. If you've never tried one of these options before it can be difficult to figure out which one would be a good fit for your home and your dog. That's why we prepared a guide that'll help you decide based on the advantages of each option while taking your needs and the needs of your dog into account.
What To Choose (Dog Stairs Vs Dog Ramps)
Every dog owner has a unique set of requirements based on the design of their home and the needs of their canine companion. That means there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to canine products.
But, it's understandable that most dog parents can't tell the difference between dog stairs and steps. That's because these two words have the same meaning, and are often used interchangeably, which is what we'll be doing in this article.
Pros Of Dog Stairs Over Dog Ramps
There are many benefits of using dog stairs or steps instead of dog ramps, such as the following:
- Dog stairs are compact, and they don't take up much space. Yet they'll help your pooch reach the same height as a dog ramp. You can easily place the dog steps next to your bed or any tight space.
- Dog steps have an ergonomic design that makes it easier to store them when not in use.
- Stairs enable your dog to climb up and down the stairs safely regardless of their age or health condition. That's why dog steps come highly recommended for elderly dogs or young pups that are still getting used to climbing stairs.
- Dog stairs are versatile enough for outdoor use, and you can easily store them next to your car, in your garage or next to an outdoor deck.
- It's easier to find customized dog stairs when compared to dog ramps. That's because manufacturers are always interested in customizing dog stairs and cater to unique customer needs and specifications. All you have to do is provide the manufacturer with your specific dimension, and they'll give you a quote of how much it'll cost to customize the dog stairs.
- Dog stairs typically cost less than dog ramps because they're cheaper to make. This makes them an ideal option for anyone that's shopping on a budget.
Cons Of Dog Stairs Over Dog Ramps
There are also quite a few disadvantages worth mentioning when comparing dog stairs to dog ramps.
- Dog stairs aren’t as sturdy and reliable as dog ramps. Even if you lock your dog stairs tightly, they’ll never be as secure as a dog ramp.
- Generally, dog ramps are safer and more reliable for arthritic dogs because they don’t cause as much strain on your canine's companion's joints when climbing up and down the stairs. Dog steps or stairs can put a lot of strain on your pooch's joints and make it difficult to navigate elevated surfaces.
- Most dogs favor ramps instead of steps because they have a wider, more reliable look. This is in stark contrast to dog stairs that look narrow and too small to walk on safely. That’s why dog ramps are often recommended for elderly dogs or injured dogs because your dog is less likely to feel apprehensive about climbing onto them.
With that said, different dogs have different expectations and preferences. Some dogs are so anxious about climbing onto elevated surfaces that they won’t go for stairs or ramps.
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