How to give dogs exercise at home without hurting their legs or knees?
To protect the health of the dog's joints or the legs of an aging dog, you can use pet stairs or slopes to help improve the inconvenience caused by the height of the house.
However, pets have different needs for stairs, and the height, width, and material of stairs suitable for each type and body shape are also different.
Key Points for Choosing Pet Stairs
Therefore, our Furry Story will take pet stairs as the theme, and explain the purchase details from the aspects of product size, durability, etc., and welcome owners who need it to read the article in detail, so as to bring more convenience to the daily life of furkids at home.
Select Pet Stairs Essentials Catalog
Point 1: Types of pet stairs
1. Stairway
Staircase: suitable for healthy, young dogs, allows pets to exercise waist and leg muscles
stair dog stairs
Dogs with degenerative diseases should avoid bouncing up and down, but if the pets are still healthy and strong, but cannot go out for a walk due to the epidemic or the busy owner, you can buy a stair-style dog staircase so that they can exercise their muscles at home.
In addition, the stair-style dog stairs are more space-saving and can be placed in narrow places, which is more suitable for the actual situation in Hong Kong.
2. Slope style
Slope style: suitable for dogs with weak eyesight, legs and waist
Ramped Dog Stairs
Since it is not necessary to raise the footsteps like stairs when climbing a slope, the burden on the legs and waist is small, so it is recommended that pets who have been injured or have weak legs and waists use this type as a tool for up and down movement.
In addition, if the pet has poor eyesight, it is easy to step on the wrong step and get injured when climbing the stairs with a difference in height. In addition, dogs with short legs may also bump into the steps, so we recommend choosing products that can go uphill gently to reduce the risk.
In addition, if your dog suffers from degenerative joint disease, don't forget to consult a veterinarian first whether it is suitable for use.
3. Combination of stairs and slopes
Stairs and ramps in one: suitable for a family with multiple dogs, versatile
Stairs, ramps two-in-one stairs
If you are hesitating between the two types of products, stairs and slopes, it is better to choose a two-in-one style that has both.
In this way, pets can be freely selected according to their preferences and habits, and for owners with multiple pets at home, there is no need to purchase additional products for each pet's habits.
Point 2: Security Details
In addition to the basic style, don't forget to consider the product material and other details to make going up and down stairs safer and more comfortable.
1. Confirm the height of the stairs
Confirm whether the step height and step width match the pet's size
The size of each pet varies widely, and the suitable step height and step width are different. If the size of the stairs does not meet the body type, it may affect safety and health.
For example: Smaller pets have shorter legs. If the step height is too high, it may make it climb in a nearly vertical state. This will not only damage the bones, but also greatly increase the risk of going up and down stairs. Therefore, the recommended step height is lower , products with wider steps.
However, if your dog has joint or congenital developmental problems, it is also recommended to consult a veterinarian for professional advice before purchasing.
2. Guide to choosing stair height for pets
How about pairing the right height dog stairs with a bed or sofa at home?
Senior dogs or dogs with bad waist and legs can use pet stairs or slopes to help improve the inconvenience caused by the height difference in the home. However, pets and humans have very different needs for ladders, and the suitable step width and material are also different according to the type and body shape. In addition, the products on the market are subdivided into foldable and storage types, etc., which inevitably makes people wonder. Know where to start.
Dog Stair Height Selection Guide
In addition to the basic style, don't forget to consider the product material and other details to make going up and down stairs safer and more comfortable.
The following are the recommended heights for most dogs, you can refer to the purchase:
Bed/sofa height | Recommended Stair Height | Suggested product page |
---|---|---|
Below 34cm | 30cm high | Click to view |
34-39cm | 35cm high | Click to view |
40-44cm | 40cm high | Click to view |
45-49cm | 45cm high | Click to view |
50-65cm | 50cm high | Click to view |
3. Product material/anti-skid function
Pay attention to the material of the product and whether it has been treated with anti-slip
Just as important as the size is whether the material of the product has an anti-slip function.
Some furry children with lively personalities will sprint as much as they want when going up and down the stairs, regardless of safety. If the slope surface and the stair step surface do not pass through the anti-slip surface, it may cause them to slip and fall.
In addition, non-slip materials such as silicone with high friction can also increase the friction between the stairs and the ground, preventing the stairs from sliding unstable when your pet climbs the slope.
4. Water-repellent/removable and washable
Water-repellent or removable and washable to avoid bacteria growth
As stairs and slopes are prone to sticking to pet hair and residual bacteria, in order to maintain their hygiene and tidiness, it is recommended to choose products that are easy to clean, such as styles that can be completely removed from the outer surface and washed with water.
On the other hand, if the product is made of water-repellent material or has undergone related processing, in addition to preventing stains and moisture from penetrating into the product to breed bacteria and cause discoloration of the fabric, it can also be easily wiped with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt.
Point 3: Frequently Asked Questions When Purchasing Pet Stairs
1. Can puppies also use pet stairs?
Because puppies have not fully developed their bones and are relatively small in size, it is necessary to pay attention to the size and proportion of the stairs. Try to choose gentle slopes and safe cushioning materials to prevent them from falling down the stairs or getting injured.
2. What other pet supplies can increase pet exercise?
If the dogs are still able to go out, try to take them out for a walk as much as possible. If time really does not allow, try to take it for a walk in the atrium or balcony of your home to let the wind out. Although pet products can provide a certain amount of exercise, it is still recommended to spend more time with the dog.
3. What are the signs of lack of exercise in dogs?
Dogs may experience muscle degeneration or atrophy when they don't get enough exercise. In addition, it may also cause quite obvious obesity, and spread many diseases, such as degenerative disc disease, hypertension and diabetes, etc., which will have a considerable impact on the life of middle-aged and elderly dogs.
Summarize
If you are still hesitant, it is better to refer to the content of this article to find the most suitable product. If the dog is afraid of going up and down the stairs, you can try to guide it patiently with treats, toys, etc., and practice in a safe situation.