Among the many accessories offered by trademarks to dog breeders, stairs for pets are particularly popular today. The material of this article will tell the reader what it is, whether it is necessary for dogs and what the main nuances of choosing such a subject can be.
Device and purpose
The ladder for dogs is a small ladder, usually from a small number of steps. This item is used differently. In one case, this is a functional product by which a pet uses it to climb onto a sofa, bed, or bath. In another case, this is a “two in one” subject, which, in addition to the ladder, turns into a comfortable lounger for decorative dogs. This thing is necessary for short-footed dogs, which, because of their physiology, cannot jump too high.
Such ladders are bought for pets of small breeds, putting them to a bed, sofa or chair, set aside specifically for the rest of an adored pet.
As a rule, models have from two to five steps, which is enough for a dog's movement of width. And also these products are good for large dogs that are 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 typical of breeders who love their pets to indulge with them during sleep.
The design of the stairs may be different, depending on their type, as well as on the size of the animal for which they are intended.
For example, typical additional models may resemble a folding commode. Others have rear support, the third are equipped with sidewalls, by which the loosening of the structure during operation is eliminated. In addition, in the line of manufacturers can be found options-slides folding type. These products, if necessary, can be transformed from a ladder to a hill with a single diagonal plane. This is very convenient for pets with reduced motor activity, as well as sick dogs who find it difficult to raise their paws, even if it is not high.
Some options differ in ergonomics, others - are equipped with handrails.
A special line in the assortment of dog stairs is occupied by modular products. Outwardly, they are mats of various sizes, of which the host, by overlaying, makes up his own type of ladder. Their shape tends to rectangular, while the modules themselves of the same width may differ by dinner. For example, the upper module may be narrow, and the modules themselves may differ in color shades, which brings a special atmosphere to the interior of the dwelling.
Manufacturers have thought through the designs in such a way as to satisfy the taste preferences of even the most discerning dog breeders. For example, the device of some options may resemble a chest of drawers. At the same time under each ladder can be quite roomy compartment for storing any items. In other cases, the stairs are equipped with legs, which is convenient for cleaning dust and cleaning the floor under the ladder itself.
According to the degree of stiffness, attachments can be hard and soft.
In addition to the fact that they may involve addition and transformation, they differ in the design of steps. For example, they can be rubberized, sheathed with carpet material, just wooden, equipped with carpet paths.Noteworthy options, implying the presence of covers that completely cover the entire structure, saving from premature abrasion.
Especially like buyers of models with a stove bench or booth. If a lower stage can be used under the bedding, the improvised booth is located in the side of the products. However, these modifications are more expensive, although it is more than worth the savings in space and greater functionality. Rare modifications are bent, which is why they are very compact. Others place them in cots, in which, as children grow up, they create comfortable dog apartments. Booths built into the stairs may resemble open-air cages.
They are often supplied with bars and signs 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 accommodate the beds.
Advantages and disadvantages
Dog stairs have their merits. For example, they are convenient for the pets themselves, make it easy to get to where small dogs simply do not climb. This is especially true for dwarf or mini-kids who are more carried with them. So pets can independently get to their beloved master, to ask him for a little attention and affection. In addition, these products amaze with the wealth of the existing range.
To date, it is not 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 particular breed of dog, given its physiological capabilities for lifting and descent.
This factor is especially important for dogs that can not jump from the sofa or bed due to the fragility of the bones.
Structurally, these are linear products, they have no spans and can vary in height of the final stage. This is very convenient, because it allows you to choose the option, taking into account the different height of the furniture. Individual dog owners use these ladders to get the dogs up and out of the car on their own. Pleases buyers and the fact that the width of the models, like their steps, is quite variable.
Separate products are good because they can be removed under the bed or sofa and get as needed. As a rule, these are options in the form of a hill or the so-called transformers. They are made of lightweight material, they have either one or two steps.
A bonus of such products is the possibility of transforming the steps into a single ladder ramp.
As for the shortcomings, they can be associated with the material of manufacture, which is not always calculated on the weight of a particular animal. As well as individual products do not have a thought-out anti-slip steps. Others do have a supporting leg in the center, which makes them unstable. However, in general, dog stairs are a useful invention.
They teach the dog that lives in the house to climb the usual steps of the stairs or to the attic (important for pets living in two- and three-story private houses, as well as in buildings with an attic floor). Other disadvantages include upholstery material that does not stand up to dog claws. However, this is most likely a lack of forethought exploitation.
Materials
In the production of bedside stairs for dogs, trademarks use different raw materials. For example, materials such as wood, plastic, metal, rubber. In a separate line is used modern filler springy type. 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 considered modifications of the combined type.
For example, it may be a combination of metal and wood, wood and textiles, 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 resistant, have a strong and reliable frame, massive, but durable at the same time. Often their steps are covered with rubberized material, which prevents the pet from slipping during ascent and descent.
Metal constructions good transformation capability. good transformation capability. They occupy not so much space, they can have a different type of overlays on the steps, they are distinguished by ergonomics and fit perfectly into the interior design of most rooms in the home. Modifications in the form of matte modules are made of modern filler (for example, compressed foam rubber) and strong for dog teeth and claws of upholstery. These products are good for small dogs of decorative type, characterized by low weight. By necessity and desire the owner of the dog can independently manufacture anti-vandal covers for such modules.
How to choose?
Choosing a ladder for a dog is subject to 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 version of a small width. If the pet does not have its own lounge bed, it makes sense to think about buying the “two in one” option, acquiring a ladder with a built-in house.
It makes no sense to calculate the degree of convenience of ascent and descent, but to understand how comfortable it is for a dog is simple. 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 the bed, by adding soft bedding.
If the product needs to be chosen strictly functional, it is enough to take a concise version.
The degree of security matters. So that the dog does not fall down when moving to the side, you can look at the products with the sides. If the acquired ladder is needed only temporarily, it is best to choose a folding option. Without the need it can be removed for storage in a closet or under the bed, or even completely hidden in the drawer of the sofa.
A pregnant dog can choose a safe ladder with which it will not fall down. It is appropriate to purchase a slide model that will eliminate the possibility of stumbling or stumbling. The same will suit the old animal, which, due to its age and state of health, cannot once again lift its paws and jump when it once again wants to sit next to the owner on the sofa. The same rule applies to dogs undergoing surgery. A ladder in the form of a slide will allow you to maximally prevent the animal from stumbling, which will exclude the possibility of seam divergence or new injuries.
Review the stairs for dogs, see below.
