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Small of large, give your pup a leg up. Diy Snuffle Mat
There's no denying your dog is the easiest family member to spoil (yes, they're family). Gourmet dog food, a comfy dog stroller, and even a set of stairs to help them make it from their dog bed onto the human bed for a snuggle sesh — your goodest boy (or girl) deserves it all.
Dog stairs — also commonly referred to as pet stairs — come in a variety of materials, some suited for indoor use only, others for outdoor use too. Not to mention, there are a host of different heights and widths to suit different dog breeds, since a big dog like a Golden Retriever or a Chocolate Lab will need something different than a small dog like a Dachshund, a French Bulldog, or a Corgi.
Read on to learn more about our recommendations for the best dog stairs, according to our editor's own experiences and home testing, input from Grant Little, DVM and Veterinarian Expert with JustAnswer as well as verified ratings and reviews.
One of the top-rated dog stairs on Amazon with nearly 13,000 reviews and a 4.2-star rating, these plastic dog stairs offer plenty of security for small dogs and puppies who are less stable on their feet. The stairs have both raised side rails and a short rise of just four inches. They also have felt pads that can add traction to each step, and the set is suitable for use inside and outside.
The plastic is very easy to wipe clean, plus the felt pads lift up when you need a more thorough wash — no worries about muddy paws or accumulated dog hair. If there's any downside, it's how narrow these steps are. Even though the weight capacity is an impressive 120 pounds, big dogs may have trouble navigating such a tight set of stairs.
You don't need to spend a lot of money for a basic set of dog stairs. This plastic model comes in a few variations, including this three-step model that has textured treads and raised rails to keep your dog nice and secure while they ascend. Still, the stairs are a bit wider than other similar models to keep big dogs more comfortable, too.
The plastic is durable — it claims to hold up to 120 pounds — yet still folds to a nearly flat position for easier storage. Like other plastic dog stairs, they're easy to wipe clean or even hose down, should you need to.
Like a mattress in a box, these foam dog stairs come fully compressed for easier shipping. When they arrive, simply unbox and release the vacuum seal to watch the stairs expand right before your eyes. Once fully expanded, the mattress-grade foam steps are nice and sturdy, and though they're the tallest stairs on our list, they only suit dogs up to 100 pounds.
You can feel good about your doggo using these stairs day in and day out. Available in a wide range of colors to suit your decor, this pick is made in the U.S. Although they're lightweight enough to move around the house, they don't fold, so you're stuck with the bulky shape once you've unboxed the stairs. You can, however, wash the cover if you need to.
Don't have the space for a ramp, but worried about how your dog—small dogs, in particular—will handle stairs? These foam dog stairs have a unique scalloped design that make them a sort of stair-ramp hybrid that's easier on joints. The downside to this? The foam can only support up to 60 pounds.
The stairs come in multiple tiers, so you can choose based on the size of your dog and the area they need to reach. No matter which version you choose, you'll love that the corduroy cover is machine-washable. Unfortunately, it doesn't compress, making storage a bit trickier.
Amazon reviewers love these dog stairs; they've been reviewed a whopping 64,000 times and counting. Users love that the stairs come in two sizes, one more suitable for a sofa or a taller version for a high bed. Both have raised side rails for security and fabric treads for traction. Unfortunately, the treads on this model aren't removable for cleaning, but you should have no trouble wiping down the plastic.
The stairs are wide enough for large breeds to navigate, but the 6.25-inch rise is on the high side for small dogs, particularly those with preexisting mobility issues. Pet owners with big dogs will appreciate the high 150-pound weight capacity, too (and an even more impressive 200 pounds for the bed stairs).
PetSmart has a wide range of dog stairs, some of which can be picked up in store almost instantaneously. For dogs with joint pain, though, we recommend a ramp like this one from Pet Gear. Because there aren't any steps, it's lower impact, which is ideal for dogs that tend to have frequent back issues.
The long ramp folds out and snaps into place. Once set up, your pup can navigate the ramp, thanks to raised sets and grippy carpet strips for better traction when going up and down. (Just make sure you have the room for this type of ramp — it's big when extended.) What pet parents love the most, though? The carpet treads are fully machine-washable, so you can rinse out dog hair, drool and muddy paw prints.
Because these plastic dog stairs don't have sides, bigger dogs will feel more comfortable going up and down. Don't worry, though–there's plenty of built-in stability to keep them safe on their journey up or down. There are have rubber grippers on the base designed to keep the whole thing firmly in place, even under a lot of weight. The stairs also have carpet treads that may give added traction.
We love that the treads are removable to keep cleaning as easy as can be. Simply wipe the whole thing down once you remove the treads, then stick them back on once it's dry. On the downside, the stairs don't fold for storage, so if you want to tuck them away, you have to unsnap the whole thing and then reassemble it later.
A telescoping ramp is one of the easiest ways to get your dog into the car when they need a little bit of help. And since this one supports up to 400 pounds, you can even use the ramp to assist your dog up safely up the ramp. Just follow the guidelines for positioning based on the size of your dog (small dogs require a more gradual incline).
Despite its durability and stability, the ramp is relatively lightweight. It weighs just 13 pounds, which is less than your average baby stroller. And because it collapses flat, it's exceptionally easy to store when not in use. Just keep in mind: No matter how gradual the incline, you may need to exercise patience while your dog gets comfortable with the ramp and the fact that it doesn't have any sides.
There are so many dog stairs on the market, it can be hard to decide which is best. Here are a couple of things to consider when shopping:
✔️Size and weight capacity: The most important thing is to make sure the size is right for your dog. If the height of each step is too high for your small dog, they won't be able to use the stairs. Likewise, if the stairs themselves aren't high enough, the whole thing may not reach the bed or the car. Also, large dogs may exceed the weight capacity, potentially breaking the stairs and posing a safety risk for your furry friend. In general, small dogs have an easier time with lower rises, while big dogs are more stable on deeper, wider steps.
✔️Material: Most dog stairs are made of plastic or foam. While plastic is easy to clean, you'll want to make sure each step has enough traction — particularly if your pet is old or less nimble on their feet. Foam dog stairs are a bit bulkier and harder to clean (if you have a pet who sheds a lot, look stairs with a removable, washable cover), but it's a gentler option for senior dogs with joint pain.
✔️Storage: Whether your pet needs stairs to climb up onto the bed or into the car, chances are you'll want to tuck them out of the way when not in use. Many dog stairs and ramps fold nearly flat, so you can stash them in the trunk of your car, in a closet or even under the bed.
It depends on you dog and their individual condition, says Grant Little, DVM and Veterinarian Expert with JustAnswer. "Dogs that weigh under 15 pounds are more prone to injury when jumping from the top of the couch or when jumping from a high bed. This also applies to cars as well, especially with the high SUV or truck models that make it even more dangerous for them."
Both stairs and ramps can help prevent these injuries, but stairs are typically more convenient for smaller dogs that just need a little lift. Ramps, on the other hand, are typically better for dogs with neurological or orthopedic diseases — the shallower incline is gentler on the joints.
Brigitt Earley is a writer, editor and content creator with over 15 years of experience writing about products in the home, including pet goods. Brigitt leaned on her own experience as a pet owner to a 15-year-old Havanese who requires stairs to get up and onto furniture, plus worked under the guidance of experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute to research and review the dog stairs recommended in this story.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
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