Maybe you love adorable toy breeds that fit in a handbag. Perhaps you prefer to romp around with a sturdy big breed. Maybe your beloved longtime companion has grown old and frail. Whatever your dog’s size and situation, finding the right dog steps matters to you and your pet.
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.
Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want to make sure the steps you buy are made of good quality materials. While plastic steps can work okay for smaller dogs, they are partial to damage caused by both hot and cold temperatures and usually degrade in quality a lot faster than wooden or metal steps. You can also choose a style of finish which matches your décor, such as mahogany wood or specific color of carpet.
Your pet can go with you anywhere when you invest in a good quality set of small or large dog steps.
Posted under Dog Tips
This post was written by admin on September 20, 2009
