Among the many accessories offered by trademarks to dog breeders, staircases for pets are especially popular today. The material in this article will tell the reader what it is, whether the dogs need it, and what the main nuances of choosing such an item can be.
Device and purpose
The ladder for dogs is a small side ladder, usually of a small number of steps. This item is used in different ways. In one case, this is a functional product through which a pet uses it to climb onto a sofa, bed, or bathtub. In another case, this is a “two in one” item, which, in addition to the stairs, turns into a comfortable lounger for decorative dogs. This thing is necessary for short-legged dogs, which due to their physiology cannot jump too high.
Such stairs are bought for pets of small breeds, placing them on a bed, sofa or chair, reserved specifically for the rest of the adored pet.
As a rule, models have from two to five steps, which is enough for the dog to move the width. Also, these products are good for large dogs, limited in movement due to illness or injury. With the help of stairs, the dog can freely get to his chair without injuring the joints of the limbs. Often, these pieces of furniture are bought only for dog comfort, which is characteristic of breeders who like their pets to bask with them during sleep.
The arrangement of stairs can be different, depending on their type, as well as on the size of the animal for which they are intended.
For example, typical attached models may resemble a folding chest of drawers.Others have a back support, others are equipped with sidewalls, through which the loosening of the structure during operation is excluded. In addition, in the lines of manufacturers you can find options for folding hills. These products, if necessary, can be transformed from a ladder to a slide with a single diagonal plane. This is very convenient for pets with reduced motor activity, as well as sick dogs who have difficulty raising their paws, even if not very high.
Some options are ergonomic, others are equipped with a railing.
A special line in the assortment of dog ladders is occupied by modular products. Outwardly, they are mats of different sizes, of which the owner, by applying, makes up his type of ladder. Their shape tends to be rectangular, while the modules themselves of the same width may differ by dinner. For example, the top module may be narrow, and the modules themselves may differ in color shades, which makes the interior of the home a special atmosphere.
The manufacturers thought of the designs in such a way as to satisfy the taste preferences of even the most demanding dog breeders. For example, the device of some options may look like a chest of drawers with drawers. At the same time, under each ladder there can be a rather capacious compartment for storing any items. In other cases, the stairs are equipped with legs, which is convenient for dusting and mopping under the ladder itself.
According to the degree of rigidity, the attached products can be hard and soft.
In addition to the fact that they can provide for addition and transformation, they differ in the design of the steps. For example, they can be rubberized, sheathed with carpet material, just wooden, equipped with carpet paths. Noteworthy are the options that imply the presence of covers that completely cover the entire structure, saving from premature abrasion.
Customers especially like models with a couch or a booth. If under the bed you can use the lower stage, then the makeshift booth is located in the side of the products. However, these modifications are more expensive, although it is more than paid for by saving space and more functionality. Rare modifications are curved, which is why they are very compact. Others are substituted for cots, in which, as children grow up, they create comfortable dog apartments. The booths built into the stairs may resemble aviaries.
They are often supplied with bars and tablets on which the owners can indicate the name of their pet.
Individual products are designed in such a way that they have free space under the stairs, which is used to place the stove bench.
Advantages and disadvantages
Dog ladders have their own merits. For example, they are convenient for the pets themselves, make it easy to get to where small dogs simply can not climb. This is especially true for dwarf or mini-babies, who are more carried with them. So pets can independently get to their beloved owner, to ask him for a little attention and affection. In addition, these products amaze with the richness of the existing range.
To date, it is in no way inferior to products for people, it is thought out taking into account the characteristics of dogs of different breeds, which allows you to choose the best option for a dog of a particular breed, given its physiological capabilities for raising and lowering.
This factor is especially important for dogs who cannot jump off a sofa or bed due to brittle bones.
Structurally, these are linear products, they have no spans and can vary with the height of the final stage. This is very convenient, because it allows you to choose the option taking into account the different heights of furniture. Some dog owners use these ladders to let the dogs climb into and out of the car on their own. Pleases buyers and the fact that the width of the models, as well as their steps, is quite variable.
Individual products are good in that they can be removed under a bed or sofa and removed as necessary. As a rule, these are options in the form of a slide or the so-called transformers. They are made of light material, they have either one or two steps.
The bonus of such products is the ability to transform the steps into a single staircase slope.
As for the disadvantages, they can be associated with the material of manufacture, which is not always designed for the weight of a particular animal. And also individual products do not have a well-thought-out anti-slip steps. Others even have a support leg in the center, which makes them unstable. However, in general, dog ladders are a useful invention.
They teach the dog living in the house to climb the usual steps of staircases or to the attic (relevant for pets living in two- and three-story private houses, as well as in buildings with an attic). Other disadvantages include upholstery material that does not withstand dog claws. However, this is most likely a lack of thoughtful operation.
Materials
In the production of bedside stairs for dogs, brands use different raw materials. For example, materials such as wood, plastic, metal, rubber. A separate line uses modern spring type filler. Manufacturers use soft and hard materials as upholstery, the quality of which determines the durability of products and their quality characteristics.
Undoubtedly, the best options are combined type modifications.
For example, it could be a combination of metal and wood, wood and textile, wood and rubber. Plastic ladders are less convenient for dogs because they are short-lived, unstable to mechanical damage and are not designed for large dogs. Their only advantage is the price, and they are suitable only for mini-dogs. Wooden models are stable, have a strong and reliable frame, massive, but durable. Often their steps are upholstered with rubberized material, which eliminates the slip of the pet during the ascent and descent.
Metal constructions good transformation opportunity. good transformation opportunity. They do not take up much space, can have a different type of lining on the steps, are ergonomic and fit perfectly into the interior design of most rooms of the dwelling. Modifications in the form of matte modules are made of modern filler (for example, extruded foam rubber) and upholstery resistant to dog teeth and claws. These products are good for small dogs of a decorative type, characterized by low weight. If necessary and desired, the dog owner can independently produce anti-vandal covers for such modules.
How to choose?
The choice of stairs for the dog follows a number of criteria. The key ones are the weight and size of the animal, its physiology, paw height, activity. For example, dogs with a calm temperament can buy a small width option. If the pet does not have its own couch, it makes sense to think about buying the “two in one” option by purchasing a ladder with a built-in house for your pet.
It makes no sense to calculate the degree of convenience of ascent and descent, but it is not difficult to understand how comfortable it is for a dog. The width and depth of the steps should be optimally sufficient, but not excessive. For example, a small dog can buy a product with a wide first step, which can be arranged under a bed, supplemented with soft bedding.
If the product needs to be selected strictly functional, it is quite enough to take a laconic version.
The degree of security matters. So that the dog does not fall when moving to the side, you can take a closer look at the products with sides. If the purchased staircase is only needed temporarily, it is best to choose a folding option. If necessary, it will be possible to put it in storage in a closet or under the bed, or even completely hide it in the drawer of the sofa.
A pregnant dog can choose a safe ladder with which it will not fall. It is quite appropriate to purchase a slide model that eliminates the possibility of tripping or stumbling. The same thing is suitable for an old animal, which, due to age and state of health, cannot once again raise its paws and jump when it once again wants to sit next to the owner on the couch. The same rule applies to dogs undergoing surgery. A staircase in the form of a slide will prevent as much as possible the stumbling of the animal, which eliminates the likelihood of diverging seams or receiving new injuries.
For an overview of the ladder for dogs, see below.
