Dog ladders: what are they and how to choose?

Among the many accessories offered by brands to dog breeders, ladders for pets are becoming especially popular today. The material in this article will tell the reader what it is, whether dogs need it, and what the main nuances of choosing such an item may be.

A dog ladder is a small ladder, usually of a small number of steps. This item is used in various ways. In one case, it is a functional product through which the pet uses it in order to climb onto a sofa, bed, or bath. In another case, it is a two-in-one item, which, in addition to the stairs, turns into a comfortable bed for decorative dogs. This thing is necessary for short-legged dogs, which, due to their physiology, cannot jump too high.

As a rule, models have two to five steps, which is enough width for the dog's movement. And also these products are good for large dogs, limited in movement due to illness or injury. With the help of ladders, the dog can freely get to his chair without injuring the joints of the limbs. Often, these pieces of furniture are bought only for the comfort of a dog, which is typical of breeders who like to have their pets bask with them while sleeping.

For example, typical side-by-side models may resemble a folding chest of drawers.Others have a rear support, others are equipped with sidewalls, by means of which the structure is not loose during operation. In addition, in the lines of manufacturers, you can find folding-type slide options. 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 find it difficult to raise their paws, even if not high.

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 overlaying, makes up his own type of ladder. Their shape tends to be rectangular, while the modules of the same width themselves may differ in dinner. For example, the upper module can be narrow, and the modules themselves can differ in color shades, which adds a special atmosphere to the interior of the dwelling.

Manufacturers have thought of designs in such a way as to satisfy the taste preferences of even the most discerning dog breeders. For example, some of the device may be similar to a chest of drawers. At the same time, under each ladder there can be a fairly spacious compartment for storing any items. In other cases, the ladders are equipped with legs, which is convenient for dusting and cleaning the floor under the ladder itself.

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, covered with carpet material, simply wooden, provided with carpet tracks. Noteworthy are the options that imply the presence of covers that completely cover the entire structure, saving from premature abrasion.

Buyers especially like models with a bench or a booth. If you can use the lower step under the couch, then an impromptu booth is located in the side of the products. However, these modifications are more expensive, although this is more than pays off in space savings and more functionality. Rare modifications are curved, which makes them very compact. Others substitute them for cribs, in which, as children grow up, they create comfortable dog apartments. Booths built into stairs can resemble enclosures.

Individual products are designed in such a way that they have free space under the stairs, which is used for placing the couch.

Dog ladders have their merits. For example, they are convenient for the pets themselves, allow you to easily get to where small dogs simply cannot climb. This is especially true for dwarf or mini-babies, which they carry more with them. So pets can independently get to their beloved owner to ask him for a little attention and affection. In addition, these products are striking in the richness of the existing assortment.

Today 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, taking into account its physiological capabilities for raising and lowering.

Structurally, these are linear products, they do not have spans and can vary in the height of the final step. This is very convenient, because it allows you to choose an option, taking into account different heights of furniture. Some dog owners use these ladders to get their dogs in and out of their cars on their own. Customers are also pleased with the fact that the width of the models, as well as their steps, is quite variable.

Some products are good because they can be stowed under a bed or sofa and taken out as needed. As a rule, these are options in the form of a slide or so-called transformers. They are made of lightweight material, they have either one or two steps.

As for the disadvantages, they may 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 supporting leg in the center, which makes them unstable. Overall, however, dog ladders are a useful invention.

They teach a dog living in a house to climb the usual steps of a flight of stairs or to the attic (relevant 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 cannot withstand dog claws. However, this is most likely a lack of thoughtful operation.

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. For upholstery, manufacturers use soft and hard materials, the quality of which determines the durability of products and their quality characteristics.

For example, it could 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, not resistant to mechanical damage and are not designed for large dogs. Their only advantage is the price, and they are only suitable for mini-dogs. Wooden models are stable, have a strong and reliable frame, massive, but durable. Often, their steps are upholstered with rubberized material, due to which the pet does not slip when going up and down.

Metal constructions are good at transformation potential. are good at transformation potential. They do not take up much space, they can have different types of overlays on the steps, differ in ergonomics and fit perfectly into the interior design of most rooms in the dwelling. Modifications in the form of matte modules are made of modern filler (for example, pressed foam rubber) and upholstery that is resistant to dog teeth and claws. These products are good for small ornamental type dogs that are light in weight. If necessary and desired, the owner of the dog can independently make anti-vandal covers for such modules.

The choice of stairs 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, and activity. For example, dogs with a calm temperament can buy a small width version. If your pet does not have its own bed, it makes sense to think about buying a 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 comfort for ascent and descent, but it is not difficult to understand how comfortable it is for the 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 couch, supplemented with a soft bedding.

What matters is the degree of safety. To prevent the dog from falling off when moving to the side, you can take a closer look at products with sides... If the ladder to be purchased is needed only temporarily, it is best to choose a folding option. If it is unnecessary, it can be stored in a closet or under a bed, or even hidden in a sofa drawer.

A pregnant dog can choose a safe ladder that will not fall off. Here it is quite appropriate to purchase a slide model that will eliminate the possibility of stumbling or stumbling. The same is true for an old animal, which, due to its age and state of health, cannot once again raise its paws and jump when it once again wants to sit next to its owner on the sofa. The same rule applies to dogs that have undergone surgery. A ladder in the form of a slide will prevent the animal from stumbling to the maximum extent, which will eliminate the likelihood of seams diverging or new injuries.

For an overview of the dog ladder, see below.