Be aware that your pup might decide all that fabric is great for biting and tearing. “Most animals learn early on how to navigate stairs,” he says. “Owners tend to blame stairs for a dog’s inability or difficulty in getting around,” he says, “but usually, whatever is afflicting them is only making itself apparent when the dog uses the stairs.”. Here are five stair safety tips for dogs that every pet parent should know and follow. Staircases are one of the scariest places in the house for parents of both pets and human babies. Dogs with orthopedic problems—including hips, knees, and hind legs—will have no trouble going down stairs but will show reluctance, struggle, or bunny hop their way back up, Wood says. “Dogs with spine, neck, disc, and back problems find it painful to lift or lower their head when they go up or down stairs,” Wood says. You can take a number of steps to protect your staircase (no pun intended). The attractive, comfortable carpeting helps make steps quieter, too Arnoldy says a non-slip ramp could be a good alternative for dogs who simply can’t do stairs anymore. “Stair-related injuries can range from muscle strains and bruises to fractures, head injuries, and even death,” says Dr. Courtney Arnoldy, founder of the Small Animal Rehabilitation Program at University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care. Find Wood Dog Steps. The poor dog loses their footing and slips face first down the steps. We have two dogs - an Airedale terrier and a Lab/hound. The corners of the steps may be particularly attractive to them. “Promote a slow pace by using positive reinforcement and a leash, harness, or sling,” she says, “and only use a ramp as tolerated.”. Lay them on the table and make the necessary markings. Your dog loves you. A toe grip is a happy medium that they usually tolerate.”. And this collection doesn't just have stairs, but ramps, too. When necessary, an appropriately placed sling or long towel (either under the belly or chest) can be used to help guide a larger dog, but only as directed by a veterinarian. You might notice this if your dog hugs the wall while on stairs. While dog ramps aren’t practical for long flights of stairs, they might be useful if you have a couple of steps up to your porch or between rooms. If the dog is small enough that it can only straddle two stairs at a time, they probably won't have a problem with it. (You might also want to wear a dust mask when spraying bitter apple since the particles of this harmless yet yucky tasting liquid will become airborne when you spray it, and will land on your lips and go into your nose if your face is uncovered). These portable steps can give your canine companion a much needed boost, allowing them access to areas they would otherwise find it painful for impossible to reach. Find Dog Stairs For Large Dogs. Reduce slips/increase traction (your treads must be attached securely to your stairs). What You Can Do: You can prevent this by using a baby gate to block off the staircase completely. If the steps of your staircase are made of wood, this is another potential target for your teething pup. Before bringing a dog home, you should setup dog-friendly environment. Step 1, Make a mark on the wood 6 in (15 cm) higher than the bottom front corner. If they start making short work of the barrier, you’ll have to resort to a baby gate to keep them off the stairs. Play Safe Pet Stairs carries pet stairs for small dogs with a wide range of steps, heights, and widths so you can find the perfect set of dog stairs that are just right for your small pup. Neurological issues look a little different. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Interest-Based AdsChewy Careers, Yep, Your Dog Needs to Wear Sunscreen Too, What Is a Pet Microchip? “Dark areas can be a safety risk for all dogs, especially those with poor eyesight, challenges with depth perception, weakness, balance challenges, or limited mobility,” Arnoldy says. What You Can Do: To keep your pup safe from harm around a staircase, use a baby gate – the kind designed to keep toddlers from falling down a fight of stairs. Give your pooch the chance to wake you up with a lick and a … Not only are dog stair treads better for your pets, they also make your stairs safer for the elderly, your children, or anyone who might be at risk for slipping and falling going up or down the stairs. Install the tread cleat using wood glue and leave some room for horizontal risers. Copyright © 2020 Chewy, Inc. Find the corner … Terms of Use Privacy Policy Interest-Based Ads Chewy Careers, Copyright © 2020 Chewy, Inc. While chewing is a perfectly normal behavior for a puppy, uncontrolled gnawing can wreak havoc in your house. Wood says he uses stairs as a tool to diagnose various problems. Dog Stairs. For small dogs, senior dogs, or pooches struggling with arthritis, jumping into the car, or onto the couch, can be a real challenge.Thankfully, petcare companies have come up with an ingenious solution: dog stairs. For this a pet carrier can be a good addition and can make carrying the dog easier. “Most dogs won’t wear boots or shoes. Great for pets and pet owners. Follow these instructions to properly install your dog gate: If your puppy is small enough to fit between the rails on your staircase, they’re in danger of squeezing through and toppling down to the floor below. If you prefer not to wall off your pup’s access to the stairs but want to keep them from squeezing through the railing, consider buying nylon mesh fabric that you can affix to the bottom of the railing all along your staircase. The rest are bare. I f your senior dog is slow or has difficulty getting up on to things, stairs and ramps can be quite useful. Set the baby gate up at the top of the stairs so your pup doesn’t slip and fall onto the steps. You have two options for protecting the wood on your staircase: you can keep your pup from accessing the stairs with a baby gate, or you can try treating the wood so your pup doesn’t like the way they taste. You’ll need to spray your wooden surfaces daily with this product to keep your pup from gnawing. Your dog probably loves you as much or more than you love him, and he most likely wants to follow you everywhere you go. You should always use carpet material that is not slippery (avoid polyester and olefin). 100% Polypropylene. Luckily, many dogs are naturally equipped to ascend and descend a staircase, according to Dr. Jonathan Wood, staff clinician in neurology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. If your puppy falls down a flight of stairs, they may be seriously injured or even killed. For bigger dogs who can’t be carried up and down repeatedly, it’s best to avoid the stairs when possible. That’s why it’s vital to keep them from negotiating the staircase until they’re old enough to handle it with aplomb. Available in 5 various colours, this set of bed stairs for pets can be a valuable addition both the for dog and their owner. Make sure everything your dog needs and enjoys is located on the main floor of your house. Lay 1 of your side planks on a flat working table. Few things are as frustrating as trying to get your dog to go up a flight of stairs at a motel or friend’s house when they’ve planted their feet and refuse to move! Make sure that the gates you buy are easy for you to open and close, because you’ll be using them a lot as a pass-through. Quality, Stylish Carpet Stair Treads extend the life of your high traffic hardwood stairs. Next, you’ll want to think about protecting your staircase from your puppy. You can also shop for dog gates made specifically for this purpose. A fall down a staircase can cause serious injury, and even death. For some additional reminders, it is also important to take notice at the height and depth of the steps. In the case of puppies, the staircase can also suffer some damage if the pup decides to use it as a chew toy. With wood dog steps, your favorite pooch will be able to climb up to you on the bed, couch, or wherever you sit that they cannot get to, due to size or health reasons. Our dogs (two 4 month old Shelties) have no problems going UP stairs, but are not yet able to go DOWN. Assuming your dog is using the stairs normally and you simply want to help prevent falls and other issues, better lighting is an extremely simple way to improve visibility and let your dog’s natural cautiousness kick in. However, you can make them safe easily without spending a fortune. And for good reason. Just scroll on and take your pick! My dogs are fat. 2 Things You Must Know About dog ramps and dog stairs – conclusion. Block off the stairs when you’re not home or when you will be on a different floor than the dog for an extended period. Dogs aren't necessarily made, especially tiny dogs, to maneuver stairs. Simply watching your dog go up and down the stairs won’t prevent an accident, but it will keep them safe from other potential health problems or conditions that could be even more serious. Once your puppy is old enough to tackle the stairs – usually this happens by about 4 months, depending on the puppy – you’ll have to keep an eye out for destructive behavior that might take place on your staircase. If you think that your pups are scared of heights, you may want to get a wider ramp or stairs to make your doggy feel secure. Puppies, older dogs, and breeds with long spines (like Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Corgis) tend to have trouble around stairs, Arnoldy says. To make a long story short, we are considering a move to a (beautifully redone, historic) town home with 3 levels - which includes an open staircase connecting each floor. It depends somewhat on certain paramaters, such as how wide the steps are, and whether the steps are 'open' flying in the air or 'closed' like they have a wall around one side of them. You can also shop for dog gates made specifically for this purpose. Stairs can be placed next to stationary resting areas, like a bed or couch. Here’s How Microchipping Your Pet Can Save Their Life, Vet Q&A: Dr. Katy Nelson Answers Your Questions on the 4th of July and Pets, Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe Around Cleaning Products, Dr. Katy Nelson DVM Shares Must-Have Items for a Pet Emergency Kit. In many fixed styles and some collapsable possibil… They use it as support to help steady themselves.”. Having a puppy is a lot like having a human toddler — you have to worry about them getting into things and either hurting yourself or your stuff. Use a Dog Gate For many people, keeping the stairs off limits to a dog may be the smartest option, especially if you have an infant that needs space or you just want a private sanctuary. “They have a drive to do so and a willingness to learn because they want to follow around their mother or their owner, and they have a natural cautiousness around edges that keeps them pretty safe.”. They should be about six inches above the corner. You love your dog. Simply watching your dog on the stairs will help you catch any of these problems—hopefully before a fall or before they become too serious. This can make the choosing process feel overwhelming, so to make it easier for you, we’ve put together a list of ten best dog steps and stairs, in all types and for all budgets. If you like to have your bedroom to yourself at night, you might want to keep your dog from going up stairs. Make sure your dog hasn’t jumped into the dryer or washer each time you use them. Ramps are portable, can fold up, and be taken places; these are ideal for … The best way to keep the stairs off limits is with the use of a pet gate. Pet gates are inexpensive and will provide years of … The optimal width of pet stairs or ramps for small dogs is about 12 inches while large dogs need about 24 inches. While hardwood floors are an increasingly popular home design choice, Arnoldy says carpeted stairs or runners will provide good footing and reduce the risk of your dog slipping. You also might want to prevent him from going upstairs to … Dogs who are not exposed to stairs as babies can develop a fear of them as adults. [1] X Research sourceStep 2, Create a mark on the wood 8 in (20 cm) in front of the top rear corner. Smaller dogs who can’t make it up steps, dogs who recently had surgery, or dogs who are on medications with sedative effects can be carried, so long as it’s safe for both the dog and the owner. So the cheap plastic dog stairs we have finally broke. Anything that makes a dog’s life easier and more comfortable makes me very happy. Tiny baby puppies are just learning how to use their motor facilities, and can be clumsy and awkward at times. What You Can Do: To keep your pup safe from harm around a staircase, use a baby gate – the kind designed to keep toddlers from falling down a fight of stairs. But first it’s important to know the dangers your staircase poses to your puppy. All hardwood floors and stairs. Helps your dog easily navigate your slippery staircase. For bigger dogs who can’t be carried up and down repeatedly, it’s best to avoid the stairs when possible. Available in rolls at hardware stores, this type of material will keep your pup from being able to get in between the rails. If you pursue this option, you may need to train your dog so he navigates the ramp with care and confidence, Arnoldy adds. Today, I’m going to share eight tricks to keep your dog safe on the stairs – no more falls! “They look like little rubber bands that go over the toenail and provide traction,” he says. If you notice any of these scenarios, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. Dog steps and stairs come in different designs, sizes, and with different price tags attached to them. The wooden rails of a staircase can become a prime target for a pup who longs to chew on wood. If your dog is getting up in years or has an issue that makes jumping onto your bed a serious problem, then it's time to invest in dog stairs for large dogs. When your puppy has reached the age when they can safely negotiate stairs – usually by around 4 months of age – let them have full access to your staircase. If you have a two-story home, you’ll need to prevent your dog from trying to climb down the stairs. Knowing how many options there are to help senior dogs who have mobility issues makes me even happier. Jul 15, 2013 - I have watched my poor Trixie Belle struggle so many times to get on the couch like the other dogs do and she just couldn't seem to make it. Jul 24, 2015 - DIY Pet Stairs - Simple Steps You Can Make Yourself - using scrap lumber, a few tools, and carpet remnants you can make your own dog ramp It’s important for owners to do what they can to set up their canine companions for success. Caitlin UltimoJune 22, 2016Health / Pet Safety & Injury Prevention. Small dogs, such as Dachshunds and Chihuahuas, often have trouble climbing stairs that have a high step. I would suggest that you talk to the apartment management and see if backs can be put on the stairs - as many have said, they are a hazard not just to dogs but to people as well. This is where the dog stair gate will prove to be exceptionally helpful. Our home is very tall and narrow with lots of hardwood stairs - three complete flights between floors and a half flight down to the front door. “They might also struggle on stairs if they have vestibular disease, which affects balance. So give them a leg up. One option would be to securely carpet the treads or laying a carpet runner on the stairs. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Not only is going up and down stairs good exercise for him, it’s also good socialization. Pick a corner to be the bottom front of the staircase and, with the aid of measuring tape or a ruler, make a pencil mark 6 in (15 cm) above the corner. It’s hard to find a house without stairs. The dog stairs are fitted with padding made out of microfiber material, which make them soft and comfy. Within this guide, you will learn all about pet gates for stairs, their basics, and more. An excited dog rushing down your stairs can easily slip and tumble… And going up isn’t much better, especially for elderly dogs with hip and joint problems, navigating a staircase can be difficult and painful. When the reverse is true—no problem ascending, but showing unwillingness or pain while descending—the issue is usually with the dog’s elbows or shoulders. By allowing them to go up and down the stairs, your pup will eventually feel like negotiating a staircase is as natural as walking across the lawn. A steep staircase can be too much for them to handle at a young age. Grannick’s bitter apple spray is effective in deterring most puppies, and is readily available at pet supply stores. If you’ve ever watched a dog slip down the stairs, you know how both sad and hilarious it can be. Wood, laminate, ceramic, or glass tile stairs are slippery, and therefore hazardous for the elderly. 2. For bigger dogs, the best option is to avoid the stairs altogether or as much as possible. Elderly dogs may not have trouble climbing the stairs in the near future an unnamed company has developed a prototype dog stairlift, named “Stair of the Dog 2022”. Block off the stairs when you’re not home or when you will be on a different floor than the dog for an extended period. I bought her some steps from a retail store and they didn't work for her as the steps were too narrow and she is a long… To build dog stairs at home, you are going to need wooden planks. Put laundry detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets and other chemicals on a high shelf or in a latched cabinet so that your dog can’t eat or drink them. Even older puppies may have trouble keeping their feet underneath them when negotiating a flight of stairs. Small dogs, dogs that are under a sedative and dogs that have undergone a surgery recently should be carried as long as it is safe – for both the owner and the dog. The steps to the front door have a carpet runner. If you have pet stairs, take a good look at them from your tiny dog’s point of view, and ask yourself if they are in a position where your dog is safe. If you have a young puppy who wants to climb up the stairs, consider a baby gate at the bottom too. Set the baby gate up at the top … You need to make sure that the stairs aren't too steep, but if you've got limited space to work with you'll also need to measure how long the stairs can be. There is never a guarantee in life but, in this case - greyhounds and many other dogs have a "thing" about open backed stairs and are going to give you a fight about going up them. * Dogs have always been man’s best friend and faithful companion, forming a strong bond with their owners and … (We also have exterior steps, but those are not a problem/priority at this point.) How to Teach Your Dog to Use dog Stairs. Whether you have a large split-level home or a simple one-story ranch with a porch, if you’re a dog owner, you hold your breath for a second whenever your pup bounds up or down the steps. 1. Those without carpeting can try putting grips on their dog’s toes, Wood adds. However, teaching your dog to use any stairs, even pet stairs, becomes a necessity if you have them in your home. Make sure everything your dog needs and enjoys is located on the main floor of your house. Terrier and a Lab/hound the optimal width of pet stairs, consider a baby up. 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