Top 10 Best Dog Stairs for High Bed [Buyer’s Guide, Reviews and Testing]

Some dog breeds can get onto a bed without trouble. But small dogs (Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, Corgis, and other short-legged breeds) won’t be able to jump high enough for a tall bed and may need to use pet stairs. Senior dogs, especially those suffering from arthritis and joint issues will also need dog stairs for high beds.

Benefits of Dog Stairs for High Bed

Dog stairs for bed aren’t only useful for old dogs and small breeds. Even if your pooch can easily jump on the bed, there are some advantages to using dog stairs for them as well.

Prevention. Large dog breeds are at a higher risk of developing joint problems. Even if your pet doesn’t have problems getting on the bed now, dog stairs can reduce stress on their joints and prevent complications later in life.

Other uses. All dog stairs are portable and you can use them to help a dog get to other high places. For example, help your dog get onto a couch without tearing at the padding, or get into the car, especially tall SUVs.

Your health. Using pet stairs to help a dog manage heights will keep you from having to lift them up every time. This is especially important for elderly pet owners who may not be able to pick up their dogs safely.

We have tested many different dog stair types over this year, and below we’ve picked out ten of our favorite best dog stairs for high beds, which can also be used in other places. Read the reviews by scrolling down, or see these top five picks:

Dog Stairs vs. Dog Ramps

Pet stairs aren’t your only option, because you can also use a dog ramp to help your dog climb onto a bed. Pet ramps are better for dogs that are not that spry anymore and don’t have the ability to climb the stairs at all.

However, if your dog can use the stairs, then it’s a better choice because they are smaller and take up less space than dog ramps when unfolded. On the other hand, pet ramps can be easier to move around and will take up less space when they are folded up.

How to Train Your Dog to Use Pet Stairs

Some dogs may be confused at the sight of stairs, but training a dog to use pet stairs instead of jumping on and off the bed will benefit their joint health down the road. The process is fairly simple, too.

Place a dog treat at the first step and when the dog comes and eats it, place another treat on the next step. Do this until your pooch goes all the way up the stairs. If you find your dog being uncomfortable, do not push or rush them; simply repeat the process until a dog learns how to go up the stairs to the bed.

Use the same process to teach your pet to go down the stairs as well. If you notice them having trouble going down the steps from the top, you can place your dog on the first step and put the treat on the ground. After they’re comfortable with that, place your pet on the second step and so on.

How to Choose the Best Dog Stairs for High Bed

Not all dog stairs for high beds are made the same and if you are not yet sure about the proper choice for your pooch, there are a few factors to consider beforehand.

Materials

While dog stairs can be manufactured from different materials, most commonly they’re made of either wood, foam or plastic. The material will affect the durability of pet stairs as well as how comfortable they are for the dog. Sometimes, a dog even prefers one set of stairs over another based on material alone.

Foam dog stairs are better for an old dog with joint issues due to padding. They’re average in price, and most favorable among dogs because of extra traction.

Wood dog stairs are generally better than plastic or foam when it comes to durability but that may vary from product to product. They will also be the best looking and fit home decor better, but that comes with a higher price tag.

Plastic dog stairs are usually the cheapest option, but will not look as good. They’re lightweight and portable, and some will have added materials for traction.

The material of pet stairs also directly correlates with the weight limit. If you have a large breed dog, note that not all pet stairs may handle your pet’s weight. As a rule of thumb, wood pet stairs will be the heaviest and handle the largest weight, with foam coming next on the list, and plastic pet stairs handling the least amount of weight.

Removable Cover

Dog stairs may come with removable covers. What you should care about here is that the pet stair cover is made from washable fabrics so as to easily wash it in a machine.

Also, the fabric should be non-slip to give extra traction for the dog. This is particularly important if you have a young puppy since they can try to climb the stairs too fast.

Overall Size of Stairs

Similar to pet stairs for cars, the size is obviously one of the most important factors.

If you have a particularly high bed, buy pet stairs that have enough steps, align perfectly well with the bed, and are high enough for your pet to climb comfortably without straining themselves.

Step Size and Depth

The size of steps on the dog stairs is important too, especially for small breeds. Shorter steps are more suitable for smaller dogs, while normal-sized steps, the ones you can usually find in a home, are fine if your dog is at least medium-sized.

Consider the depth of the steps as well. Deeper steps are more suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes since they give them plenty of room to maneuver during the climb. Even small breeds will benefit from deeper steps since they will be able to take a breath comfortably and prepare for the next step with enough room at their disposal.

Non-Slip Bottom

Dogs can often get too excited and leap onto the bottom steps. If your dog stairs for a high bed do not have a non-slip bottom, a dog can get injured if the stairs don’t remain in position and suddenly move. This is particularly important if you have a large dog since they will have no problem moving the stairs when they get too excited.

If placing pet stairs on a carpeted floor, the non-slip bottom may not be as necessary as it would be for tiles or hardwood floors, but it is still safer to go with a non-slip bottom for large dogs.

Top 10 Best Dog Stairs for High Bed

1Easy Step 2-Step Dog Stairs
by Pet Gear

These stairs are made from plastic but they are durable since they can hold dogs weighing up to 150 pounds. Pet Gear Easy Step 2-Step Dog Stairs are 16 inches high overall for a two-step version, but other models can provide additional height, up to 30-inches for this model with 4 steps.

The two-step model is also 22 inches long and 16 inches wide. The depth of these stairs is good: 1st step is 12.25 inches, the 2nd step is 11.5 inches deep. The height of each step is 6 inches.

Compared to foam pet stairs, which are the most common type of dog stairs for high beds, these ones are a bit heavier. The stairs were easy for us to put together and we didn’t need any tools to assemble them. The plastic steps are covered with carpet tread, which is removable and machine washable. The stairs also came with rubber grippers on the bottom which ensures that they stay in place at all times.

We’ve ranked them as the first best dog stairs for high beds based on the ratio between the quality, features, and cost. We’ve also looked through other dog stairs reviews from pet owners, and while most of them found the product great as well, some complained about the weight limit and durability of the stairs, saying that they are not durable enough to sustain large dogs (this wasn’t the case with our Lab).

We’ve also noticed some reports of pet owners receiving used products, which is more of a problem with the store than the product itself.

» PROS: Affordable, Durable, Non-Slip Bottom, Machine Washable Covers, Can Choose Different Models and Colors, Weight Limit at 150 Pounds

« CONS: Potential Durability Issues in Long-Term, Slightly Unstable, Reports of Receiving Used Stairs, Assembly May Be a Bit Problematic for Some

 

2Tall Raised Panel Dog Steps
by Premier Pet Steps

If you want the best dog stairs for a high bed that look as classy as your finest piece of furniture, this product is the right way to go. No other set of pet stairs will beat this in terms of great home decor addition. Of course, the looks are not the only advantage since these pet stairs are also very sturdy and stable, but they’re also the most expensive item among the rest of the best dog stairs for high beds.

The sturdiness and weight of Premier Pet Steps can be an advantage and a disadvantage because we had problems with maneuvering them and generally moving them around. They are clearly made from high-quality red oak and they came with stain-resistant carpeted steps.

The particular model we’re reviewing has 4 steps, each step 5.5 inches high. The steps are not really that wide, actually; carpeted part of the steps is only around 11 inches wide, which can be a problem for large breeds (it’s was just about right for our Lab). The same goes for the depth of each step since they are around 8 inches deep, except for the top one which is a bit deeper. The stairs have a total dimension of 27 x 15.5 x 23 inches.

We’d say that these dog stairs for high beds are perfect for most medium or small dogs. And while they can sustain dogs that weigh up to 300 pounds, they are not the best fit for large breeds since the steps themselves are simply too narrow and not deep enough. Another drawback we’ve noticed is that they do not have non-slip bottoms. However, the stairs are pretty sturdy regardless of that, and they’re heavy enough for small or medium dogs not to be able to move them.

» PROS: Stylish, Sturdy, Durable, Lightweight, Carpeted Stain-Resistant Steps, High Weight Limit, No Assembly Required

« CONS: Expensive, No Non-Slip Bottom, Steps a Bit Narrow and Not Very Deep, Only One Color Available

 

3Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs
by PetSafe

These are modern-looking pet stairs that are available in two different sizes. The standard size comes in dimensions of 24’’ L x 16’’ W x 19.5’’ H; the XL size has dimensions of 28’’ L x 18’’ W x 25’’. Individual steps also vary in size: for standard size, they are 5 inches deep, 13 inches wide and 4.7 inches high.

The XL version of PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Stairs has steps that are 7 inches deep, 16 inches wide, and 6.25 inches high. The standard size is suitable for small dogs, while the XL size is good for larger breeds. The weight limit also varies 150 pounds for standard size, 200 pounds for XL.

For the price, we found these to be a great deal. These dog stairs for high beds are made from durable plastic and the steps are fully carpeted. They’re actually far more lightweight than they look, and can be folded as well to ensure portability and easy storage (that’s rare among pet stairs). There is a non-skid bottom that keeps these dog stairs in place and have built-in side rails that prevented our dog from falling off.

One very clear drawback that we did not appreciate about this item is the depth of the steps. The XL size has steps that are only 7-inches deep, which may not be perfect for larger dogs, or even some medium breeds.

Another small issue that we found is that the steps were a little steep and the stairs themselves felt a bit flimsy, which doesn’t come as such a surprise considering that they only weigh only 5 lbs.

» PROS: Available in Two Sizes, Stylish, High Weight Limit, Non-Slip Bottom, Foldable, Lightweight, Portable, Easy to Assemble

« CONS: Only Available in One Color, A Little Flimsy, Steps Not Very Deep, Steps a Bit Steep

 

4Step Comfort Pet Stairs
by Zinus

The first thing we’ve noticed after unpacking these dog stairs for high bed is that they’re made from high-density foam, which felt thick and sturdy enough to be as durable as other materials. The Zinus Step Comfort Pet Stairs are available in 5 different sizes, ranging in height from 13 to 24 inches. The stairs also came with a removable and machine-washable comfort cover that provides stability for our dog as she climbs the stairs.

Like most of the other mentioned best dog stairs for high bed, these also require some assembly, although you won’t need any tools to do it. The stairs are easy to move and lightweight, so they are a perfect choice if you are looking for a more portable option. They have a non-slip bottom and we found them pretty stable in that respect (considering the materials). Thanks to the thick foam, these steps are likely to be a good choice for dogs with joint issues.

Now, the problems. First of all, the steps themselves are not very deep, which is a common issue among most of these products. There’s around 8 inches for each step, so they may not be suitable for the large breeds. Another drawback of these pet stairs comes from the fact that there is no weight limit information available. While the XL size is advertised for large breeds, we can’t really say how much weight these stairs can sustain for certain, though it seemed to hold our Lab just fine.

» PROS: Good for Joint Issues, Available in Multiple Sizes, High-Density Foam, Machine-Washable Covers, Lightweight, Portable, Easy to Assemble, Non-Slip Bottom

« CONS: Steps Not Very Deep, Steps a Bit Steep, A Tiny Bit Flimsy, No Weight Limit Available, Only Comes in One Color

 

5Portable Pet Stairs
by Majestic Pet

These stairs are made from soft Sherpa foam filling, which generally means they’re a great choice for dogs with joint issues, arthritis, and senior dogs. The pet stairs can be bought in two sizes: one with 3 steps and the other with 4 steps. You can also choose the pattern and color that you like since there are over 30 different choices you can select from.

The 4-step model of Majestic Pet Portable Pet Stairs has dimensions of 24″ x 16″ x 20″ and that should be high enough for any type of bed or couch. Once again, these steps are also not very deep, just around 4.5 inches for each individual step, so these are not great for large breeds, and were too small for our Lab too. And since they are filled with soft foam, they are not a good choice for heavy dogs either.

On the other hand, you won’t have to worry about avoiding these stairs at all times – because of how soft these are, even if you or your dog hits them, nobody gets hurt (including the stairs).

Our biggest problem with these fifth best dog stairs for high beds is that they don’t include a non-slip bottom (which is common among foam pet stairs), so they were not very stable on hardwood floors or tiles. And one thing we liked is that they came with a machine-washable removable cover that you can easily wash on a gentle cycle and tumble dry.

» PROS: Available in Many Sizes and Colors, Good for Joint Health, Lightweight, Portable, Machine Washable Cover, No Assembly Required

« CONS: Doesn’t Have a Non-Slip Bottom, A Little Flimsy, Steps a Bit Narrow and Not Very Deep, Not At All Suitable for Large Dogs

 

6 Solvit PupSTEP Wood Pet Stairs
by PetSafe

If you are looking for durable pet stairs that will last you a long time but can’t spend the $200+ on the second-best dog stairs for a high bed we’ve ranked above, then PetSafe’s Solvit PupSTEP wooden pet stairs are your next option. They are made from strong wood that can support dogs that weigh up to 150 pounds and you can get these stairs in 3 different sizes, with 2, 3, or 4 steps. The height for these models ranges from 15 to 25 inches, so you should be able to find the perfect fit for your bed.

Now, individual steps are not actually very deep, with only 6 inches being the depth of each step. While some bigger dogs may struggle with it, the steps are also very sturdy and stable enough to sustain large breeds nevertheless. The steps came all carpeted as well and our dog didn’t have any issues with slipping on them.

The stairs can be bought in dark brown wood finish and matching carpets on each step. And while this product doesn’t have a non-slip bottom like the other wooden dog stairs option, it appeared to be sturdy enough to stay in place. That said, overzealous large dogs will likely be able to move them if the stairs are placed on hardwood floor or tiles.

One last great thing we found about these steps is that they can be folded and stored easily under the bed, which is unusual for wooden pet stairs. We didn’t test these long enough to see how they hold up, but looking through other dog stairs reviews of this brand, some pet owners report that they didn’t find these stairs to be as sturdy as they expected after a while. There were also some reports of receiving a faulty product and some customers complained about the depth of the steps.

» PROS: Available in Multiple Sizes, Study, High Weight Limit, Stylish, Foldable, Easy to Store, Good for Medium-Large Breeds

« CONS: Only One Color, Doesn’t Have a Non-Slip Bottom, Steps Not Very Deep, Some Reports of Receiving a Faulty Product, Some Reports of Stairs Being Flimsy

 

7Dog Steps by Cozy Pet
by Dallas Manufacturing Co.

You may feel skeptical about the fact that these dog stairs for high beds are made from cardboard as their foundation, but they are actually pretty sturdy and a good choice for small or medium dogs considering the price. For the uninitiated, the stairs are made using DuraCore technology, which basically means using cardboard materials in a way that ensures structural rigidity and stability.

Dog Steps by Cozy Pet are available with dimensions of 19.5″ x 14.75″ x 15″ and while that doesn’t seem too high, they are actually around 20 inches high and were even higher than one of our beds. Note that once again, depth is an issue – each step is around 5 inches high and 7 inches deep, which is not good for large breeds. And despite the manufacturer’s claims that this product can sustain up to 200 lbs. of weight, we would not recommend using it for big dogs since even our Lab seemed to be pushing the limit.

Due to the cardboard materials used, the stairs are very lightweight (around 6 lbs.) and easy to carry from one room to another. The steps are padded to provide extra comfort, which makes them a solid choice for dogs with joint issues. The cover is removable and machine washable and the stairs come with a non-skid bottom. All of this, and at an average price, made us rank them as one of the best dog stairs for high beds on this list simply as an alternative option to the above ones.

The drawbacks: since these pet stairs are made from cardboard, they are only meant to be used indoors and keeping them dry is very important. They’re also a bit flimsy and do in fact feel like they’re made of cardboard. The narrow steps were problematic for our Lab but may not be an issue for owners of small dogs. And, finally, while these stairs are not expensive per se, we think they could probably go for less considering the materials used in their construction.

» PROS: Sturdy, Lightweight, Portable, Padded Steps, Machine Washable Cover, Non-Skid Bottom, High Weight Limit, No Assembly Required

« CONS: A Bit Expensive Considering the Materials, Only One Size and Color, Steps a Bit Narrow and Not Very Deep, Not Very Durable, Not Suitable for Large Breeds, A Bit Flimsy

 

8Folding Pet Stairs
by PetMaker

If dog stairs for small dogs is what you’re after, this is a very affordable and durable option. You can buy these pet stairs with three or four steps, and you can choose from two different colors if you select the option with 4 steps. The colors available are tan and gray only.

As expected, PetMaker Folding Pet Stairs are foldable, so you can easily store them anywhere or use them outdoors if necessary. Ours were 23 inches long, 15 inches wide and 19 inches high, with each individual step being 5 inches deep and around 5 inches tall. The weight capacity is claimed to be up to 120 lbs. but we found this dog steps not that deep and not wide enough to be suitable for larger dogs.

The stairs are made of sturdy and durable plastic, which makes them easy to clean with a bit of soap and a damp cloth – our favorite about about all plastic dog stairs for high beds. The steps came with padding stickers, too, which makes them a bit safer for dogs, just like the built-in side rails. They also include a non-slip bottom to keep the stairs in place and protect the floors.

The stability of these pet stairs was an issue for us, and this item is very easy to move even for medium dogs. For anybody with large dogs, this will be an even bigger issue, not even considering the size of the steps and how the depth and width are not big enough. However, for small dogs, I don’t expect this to be a problem. After looking at what others have thought, there were some reports of the faulty locking mechanism, which can cause the stairs to fold unintentionally (but that seems to be an isolated issue).

» PROS: Affordable, Available in Multiple Sizes and Colors, Foldable, Portable, High Weight Limit, Sturdy, Easy to Clean, Padded Steps, Built-In Side Rails, Non-Slip Bottom

« CONS: Steps A Bit Narrow and Not Very Deep, Not Suitable for Large Breeds, Very Flimsy, Some Reports of a Faulty Locking Mechanism

 

9Pet Steps/Stairs with CertiPUR-US Certified Foam
by Best Pet Supplies Inc.

Another set of dog stairs for beds that are made out of foam, this product is a great choice for dogs that have joint issues since it comes stuffed with mattress-grade cushioning to relieve pressure on paws and joints. You can buy these pet stairs in different colors and patterns, and choose the number of steps as well: 3, 4, or 5 steps to fit your needs.

The height of the stairs depends on the model but it ranges from 13.5 inches for the 3-step model to 22.5 inches for the 5-step model. Our steps were 15 inches wide, but if you purchase a 5-step model, the width will be 16 inches. While this is wide enough for small and medium breeds, large dogs may struggle with them.

We liked that the stairs were lightweight and easy to move around. They also came with a removable, machine washable cover and a non-slip bottom to keep them in place at all times, which is always a plus. However, as expected, these weren’t that stable, and honestly, we don’t even expect them to be stable enough for small dogs (unless maybe teacup breeds). Another now infamous issue with these dog stairs for high beds was that the steps are too narrow and not deep enough even for medium-sized dogs.

» PROS: Available in Multiple Sizes and Colors, Good for Joint Health, Lightweight, Portable, Machine Washable Cover, Non-Slip Bottom, No Assembly Required

« CONS: Steps A Bit Narrow and Not Very Deep, Not Suitable for Large Breeds, Flimsy, Expensive for What’s Being Offered

 

10Scalloped Pet Ramp
by Snoozer

Our last pick for the best dog stairs for high beds is another more expensive option and the most costly among foam-based pet stairs. While this product is classified as a ramp by the manufacturer, the fact that it is scalloped makes it look more like steps than an actual ramp. They’re available in 3 different sizes and a few different colors.

The Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp Stairs are stuffed with high-density foam and they are wide enough for larger breeds to be comfortable climbing up – 21 inches is the width of the stairs for all three models. The height ranges from 14 to 21 inches, depending on the number of steps. The foam itself feels the most expensive out of all that we’ve tried, which is obviously reflected in its price tag.

This product came with a removable suede cover that we could wash in the machine and put back on the base with ease. You can also buy additional covers on the Snoozer website if need be. These bed stairs for dogs are good for large breeds since they can sustain a dog that weighs up to 100 lbs. However, the depth of the steps can be a problem (as usual) since the steps are not deep enough.

Despite the high density and great quality foam, the stairs still felt a bit flimsy and we don’t expect them to be suitable for an older dog. They don’t have a non-slip bottom, so they are not very stable if placed directly on hardwood floors or tiles.

» PROS: Available in Multiple Sizes and Colors, Good for Joint Health, High Weigh Limit, Machine Washable Cover, Lightweight, Portable

« CONS: Very Expensive, Doesn’t Have a Non-Slip Bottom, Steps Not Very Deep, A Bit Flimsy

In Summary

There are many benefits to purchasing the best dog stairs for a high bed for your pooch, and the dog will surely appreciate them even if they don’t have much help climbing onto a bed at the moment. Using stairs or ramps, however, will keep their joints healthier and potentially prevent arthritis issues.

READ NEXT: Is Your Dog Afraid of Stairs? Here’s How to Fix This

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