Here are five stair safety tips for dogs that every pet parent should know and follow. In many fixed styles and some collapsable possibil… Today, I’m going to share eight tricks to keep your dog safe on the stairs – no more falls! 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. If the steps of your staircase are made of wood, this is another potential target for your teething pup. You also might want to prevent him from going upstairs to … 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. Wood, laminate, ceramic, or glass tile stairs are slippery, and therefore hazardous for the elderly. Great for pets and pet owners. Find Wood Dog Steps. 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. 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. 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. The corners of the steps may be particularly attractive to them. Dogs aren't necessarily made, especially tiny dogs, to maneuver stairs. Ramps are portable, can fold up, and be taken places; these are ideal for … Your dog loves you. A fall down a staircase can cause serious injury, and even death. Stairs can be placed next to stationary resting areas, like a bed or couch. Caitlin UltimoJune 22, 2016Health / Pet Safety & Injury Prevention. 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. 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. 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. You can also shop for dog gates made specifically for this purpose. “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. “They might also struggle on stairs if they have vestibular disease, which affects balance. The steps to the front door have a carpet runner. 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. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Interest-Based AdsChewy Careers, Yep, Your Dog Needs to Wear Sunscreen Too, What Is a Pet Microchip? 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. Make sure everything your dog needs and enjoys is located on the main floor of your house. “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. If you’ve ever watched a dog slip down the stairs, you know how both sad and hilarious it can be. Small dogs, such as Dachshunds and Chihuahuas, often have trouble climbing stairs that have a high step. Dog Stairs. 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. My dogs are fat. Make sure your dog hasn’t jumped into the dryer or washer each time you use them. Grannick’s bitter apple spray is effective in deterring most puppies, and is readily available at pet supply stores. (We also have exterior steps, but those are not a problem/priority at this point.) To build dog stairs at home, you are going to need wooden planks. (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). Dogs who are not exposed to stairs as babies can develop a fear of them as adults. What You Can Do: You can prevent this by using a baby gate to block off the staircase completely. “They look like little rubber bands that go over the toenail and provide traction,” he says. You’ll need to spray your wooden surfaces daily with this product to keep your pup from gnawing. 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. For bigger dogs who can’t be carried up and down repeatedly, it’s best to avoid the stairs when possible. You might notice this if your dog hugs the wall while on stairs. You love your dog. Quality, Stylish Carpet Stair Treads extend the life of your high traffic hardwood stairs. Pet gates are inexpensive and will provide years of … 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. 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. 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. In the case of puppies, the staircase can also suffer some damage if the pup decides to use it as a chew toy. The optimal width of pet stairs or ramps for small dogs is about 12 inches while large dogs need about 24 inches. One option would be to securely carpet the treads or laying a carpet runner on the stairs. 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. Find Dog Stairs For Large Dogs. 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. If they start making short work of the barrier, you’ll have to resort to a baby gate to keep them off the stairs. That’s why it’s vital to keep them from negotiating the staircase until they’re old enough to handle it with aplomb. So give them a leg up. The wooden rails of a staircase can become a prime target for a pup who longs to chew on wood. They should be about six inches above the corner. Available in 5 various colours, this set of bed stairs for pets can be a valuable addition both the for dog and their owner. If you pursue this option, you may need to train your dog so he navigates the ramp with care and confidence, Arnoldy adds. And this collection doesn't just have stairs, but ramps, too. Wood says he uses stairs as a tool to diagnose various problems. The attractive, comfortable carpeting helps make steps quieter, too 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. Step 1, Make a mark on the wood 6 in (15 cm) higher than the bottom front corner. Puppies, older dogs, and breeds with long spines (like Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Corgis) tend to have trouble around stairs, Arnoldy says. Reduce slips/increase traction (your treads must be attached securely to your stairs). They use it as support to help steady themselves.”. Knowing how many options there are to help senior dogs who have mobility issues makes me even happier. 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. 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. Those without carpeting can try putting grips on their dog’s toes, Wood adds. Available in rolls at hardware stores, this type of material will keep your pup from being able to get in between the rails. You can take a number of steps to protect your staircase (no pun intended). 1. Your dog probably loves you as much or more than you love him, and he most likely wants to follow you everywhere you go. “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.”. The rest are bare. Just scroll on and take your pick! However, you can make them safe easily without spending a fortune. If you have a young puppy who wants to climb up the stairs, consider a baby gate at the bottom too. 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. Lay 1 of your side planks on a flat working table. 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. 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. Even older puppies may have trouble keeping their feet underneath them when negotiating a flight of stairs. 2 Things You Must Know About dog ramps and dog stairs – conclusion. 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. 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 Within this guide, you will learn all about pet gates for stairs, their basics, and more. For bigger dogs, the best option is to avoid the stairs altogether or as much as possible. 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. How to Teach Your Dog to Use dog Stairs. If you have a two-story home, you’ll need to prevent your dog from trying to climb down the stairs. “Most animals learn early on how to navigate stairs,” he says. Dog steps and stairs come in different designs, sizes, and with different price tags attached to them. It’s important for owners to do what they can to set up their canine companions for success. Lay them on the table and make the necessary markings. It’s hard to find a house without stairs. However, teaching your dog to use any stairs, even pet stairs, becomes a necessity if you have them in your home. 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. 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. A steep staircase can be too much for them to handle at a young age. 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. 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. You can also shop for dog gates made specifically for this purpose. 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… 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. I f your senior dog is slow or has difficulty getting up on to things, stairs and ramps can be quite useful. 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. Not only is going up and down stairs good exercise for him, it’s also good socialization. [1] X Research sourceStep 2, Create a mark on the wood 8 in (20 cm) in front of the top rear corner. 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. Set the baby gate up at the top of the stairs so your pup doesn’t slip and fall onto the steps. For bigger dogs who can’t be carried up and down repeatedly, it’s best to avoid the stairs when possible. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Copyright © 2020 Chewy, Inc. Give your pooch the chance to wake you up with a lick and a … Be aware that your pup might decide all that fabric is great for biting and tearing. Make sure everything your dog needs and enjoys is located on the main floor of your house. Set the baby gate up at the top … 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 you notice any of these scenarios, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. Staircases are one of the scariest places in the house for parents of both pets and human babies. 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. If your puppy falls down a flight of stairs, they may be seriously injured or even killed. 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. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Interest-Based Ads Chewy Careers, Copyright © 2020 Chewy, Inc. You should always use carpet material that is not slippery (avoid polyester and olefin). Next, you’ll want to think about protecting your staircase from your puppy. 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. 2. Before bringing a dog home, you should setup dog-friendly environment. Helps your dog easily navigate your slippery staircase. 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”. This is where the dog stair gate will prove to be exceptionally helpful. Tiny baby puppies are just learning how to use their motor facilities, and can be clumsy and awkward at times. “Most dogs won’t wear boots or shoes. For this a pet carrier can be a good addition and can make carrying the dog easier. 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. All hardwood floors and stairs. Find the corner … 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. 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. “Promote a slow pace by using positive reinforcement and a leash, harness, or sling,” she says, “and only use a ramp as tolerated.”. “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.”. 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. 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. For some additional reminders, it is also important to take notice at the height and depth of the steps. Install the tread cleat using wood glue and leave some room for horizontal risers. But first it’s important to know the dangers your staircase poses to your puppy. * Dogs have always been man’s best friend and faithful companion, forming a strong bond with their owners and … “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. We have two dogs - an Airedale terrier and a Lab/hound. Neurological issues look a little different. If you like to have your bedroom to yourself at night, you might want to keep your dog from going up stairs. While chewing is a perfectly normal behavior for a puppy, uncontrolled gnawing can wreak havoc in your house. Arnoldy says a non-slip ramp could be a good alternative for dogs who simply can’t do stairs anymore. A toe grip is a happy medium that they usually tolerate.”. 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. 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. Anything that makes a dog’s life easier and more comfortable makes me very happy. 100% Polypropylene. 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