July 17, 2012
Posted in Pet Supplies

While you might think pet stairs or pet steps are mainly used to help small dogs get up onto tall furniture such as beds and sofas, there are actually several different reasons pet stairs can be helpful. Pet stairs provide a safe and sturdy means for your dog or cat to get to areas that may have been out of reach before, due to your pet’s physical disability or simply because your pet cannot reach the area because of his or her size. Pet stairs also improve safety, as lifting a heavy pet can potentially cause injury to the pet or to the pet guardian.

Pet stairs are usually lightweight and portable, allowing you to move the pet stairs to meet different needs. While they are lightweight, pet stairs are also sturdy and some can be used for dogs weighing as much as 150 to 200 pounds. This allows pet stairs to be easily transported outside and placed beside your vehicle, as many pets find it difficult to jump into larger vehicles such as SUVs and minivans.

Many older dogs and cats have limited mobility due to painful, arthritic joints, and can be hesitant to jump up onto higher furniture. Overweight pets may also be unable to jump onto tall furniture, and pets recovering from surgical procedures are often asked to refrain from any jumping or other strenuous activity. While pets may have difficulty jumping up, jumping down is more jarring to your pet’s joints, especially when jumping down onto a hard surface. Pet stairs allow your dog or cat to get safely up or down from heights without jarring painful joints or risking injury.

Although cats are generally more agile and have the ability to jump higher than dogs, if you place pet stairs in front of a window, many cats find pet stairs to be a convenient place from which to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Our beloved pets naturally want to be beside us at all times. Pet stairs can help your pet regain the ability to join you on the sofa or bed, allowing them more independence.

Related posts:

1. Types of Pet Stairs
2. Could Your Pet Benefit From A Pet Stroller?
3. Teaching Your Pet to Use Pet Stairs
4. How to protect your agility dog’s joints
5. How to Select the Best Pet Stroller

Tags: pet stairs