First Coast Pet

Posts Tagged ‘stairs’

It might surprise you, but the number of American households that have dogs averages about 63%, or roughly seventy million families. Are you one of these families? Dogs are not only a great form of protection and security, they’re also terrific companions and can be loyal until the end, which could be sooner rather than later if you don’t take preventative measures to ensure that your dog remains in top health. This includes the use of dog ramps and steps. You’re probably unsure how these items can extend your dog’s health, but read on to find out just how important pet ramps and stairs can be.

Every single dog out there, even those healthy ones are not dismissed from getting spinal or join injuries from jumping. In fact, many of those breeds that have short legs, long spines, overweight bodies or sensitive bones are at higher risk.

No matter what size of dog you have, small dog steps and large dog steps are available to aid your pet in ascending and descending. Keep a set next to your bed, couch, or porch to help him avoid repetitive, harmful impact on his joints and bones. Using pet stairs and ramps can not only prevent an already healthy dog from developing injuries or long-term conditions, but it can also promote healing and comfortable mobility for dogs with pre-existing conditions, such as obesity and arthiritis.

Some issues are hereditary for certain dog breeds, such as Rottweilers and Pit Bulls who are very prone to hip dysplasia. Dachshunds are also very susceptible to spinal injury due to the length of their back. Other issues that may develop are arthritis, bone wobblers syndrome, osteopathy, and bone tumors. Many of these can be prevented or prolonged with the aid of pet stairs. Other perks to owning a pair of dog steps or a ramp is that you won’t have to worry about jerking awake in the middle of the night to your dog pouncing on your bed! Instead, let him quietly maneuver up onto your bed without the need to jump at all.

It’s no surprise with the financial crunch we’re all living in, that many of us pet owners are on the hunt for cheaper pet accessories. When hunting for cheap dog steps, we have two options, which are to buy them or make them ourselves.

Some may believe pet steps to be a bit frivolous when cash is tight, however pet steps could save your dog from painful (and expensive) health problems later on in life. It’s really more of a preventative for early arthritis and painful joints.

Dog steps can be a vital assistance to smaller breeds of dogs, such as teacup poodles, Chihuahuas, Pekineses, and other similar breeds. They can actually fracture or full-out break their legs by jumping from high furniture such as beds or sofas. Think of how costly it would be to take your dog to the vet to treat a broken leg, not to mention the heartache it can cause by knowing it could be prevented.

Older and larger breeds of dogs can also benefit from pet steps. As older dogs tend to have trouble ascending and descending, a good quality set of steps could mean a world of difference in and older dog’s comfort. As with larger breeds of dog, they can easily develop conditions such as arthritis, which is quite common, but can be very painful and expensive to treat. A set of dog stairs would easily allow them to maneuver from furniture.

You can easily purchase an inexpensive set of pet stairs for around $20, which are usually made from foam and covered in carpet of a similar substance. These can be purchased online or at some retail shops.

If you fancy yourself a craft project, you may attempt to build your own pet steps. However, this can be a great deal more expensive than purchasing one online, especially if you require large dog steps.

Whether your dog’s steps are purchased economically or homemade, it’s essential that you keep in the size your dog needs. Small dogs need steps that are no more than 12 inches wide. Medium-sized dogs weighing 35 pounds or less can use steps 14 inches wide. Larger dogs need steps that are at least 16 inches wide.

Height is also a factor. Dog steps work inversely according to your dog’s size. That means that smaller dogs may need higher steps, while larger dogs can ascend with shorter steps.

Last but not least, no matter where you get your dog stairs from, but sure that they are made of durable materials that will withstand the weight of your dog. You can easily check the weight restrictions on the stair’s packaging or on the website you wish to buy the stairs from. For more durable materials such as mahogany, you can expect that the price will go up quite a bit.

If you are like most people, you hate having a litter box in your house. They have a nasty smell that stinks up your house and are often in plain view. Does that sound familiar? If so, why not think about hiding your cat’s litter tray with unique cat litter furniture?

We’ve all seen the bog-standard cat perch and scratching post, but why not treat your kitty (and your nose!) to a well-built cat condo with a built-in ground-floor cubby that’s works as terrific litter box housing? You can find a variety of cat furniture online, some include fuzzy balls that dangle from string or wire, carpeted inner housing for those frequent cat naps, as well as several hidden catnip stations to get your cat feisty for playtime! Those are just a few of the many different types of accessories you can find on cat furniture.

You may also find a piece of cat furniture known as a “bookcase climber,” which is a large piece of furniture with “step-like” segments that lead to hidden cubby-holes, sleeping areas, and play stations. While these can be great if you have quite a lot of room to spare, it can be overbearing if you don’t have a lot of room. If you don’t have a lot of space for kitty accommodation, you can look in to pet stairs, which come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. Some come with built-in compartments that are just wonderful for storage. You can find them in high-end fashionable wood, accentuated with molding, or standard carpeting.

A litter robot is something you may or may not have heard of before. It’s a practical solution to the burden of cat littler. It’s a ball-shaped, self-cleaning litter component. The litter is placed on the inside of the dome where a small entry hole leads to. Your cat has privacy while doing his business, and then the litter robot simply sifts through the soiled litter and deposits the waste into a plastic bag, which you can remove and dispose of at your leisure. It’s a very resourceful machine that can easily hide the musky litter-box smell and makes litter-box management much easier for the faint-of-heart.

Are you starting to like the idea of cat furniture? It is very beneficial to hiding the litter box and its nasty smells. You can find cat litter furniture at many pet stores and online. In addition to cat furniture, those of you who own dogs as well may find the many uses of dog stairs to be beneficial to you and your pet. These can be found online in pre-constructed format or custom-built.

Keeping your dog from self injury is a very high priority for any pet owner. But did you know that your dog could be developing bone or joint issues already? Conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia could be prevented by incorporating the use of dog stairs into his daily routine.

If your dog regularly jumps onto and off of furniture (even if it isn’t very far off the ground), his ankles, knees, hips, and spine are absorbing the shock that occurs when he lands. Using pet steps will keep him from having to exert any unnecessary pressure onto his body.

One thing that should be taken into consideration is where the steps will be placed. If you’re looking to buy dog steps for beds, you’ll want to measure the entire height of your bed (not just the mattresses) and find a set of steps that will reach the full height of the bed. This will ensure that your dog doesn’t trip or slip while stepping onto the bed. Another perk is that you won’t feel your dog jump onto the bed while you’re sleeping!

A very important factor to keep in mind when choosing steps is how wide the steps should be in relation to the size and weight of your dog. A dog weighing less than 20 pounds should use small dog steps that are 12 inches wide. If your dog is over 30 pounds, he will need large dog steps measuring about 16 inches wide. Medium-sized dogs, between 20 and 30 pounds should do well with steps that are 14 inches in width.

There are several different materials you can choose from, as well. The most common finish being carpeted, as it enables your dog to get a good grip as he ascends and descends the steps. You can also get wooden stairs in various shades, and even molding!

Have a new dog in the house is a pleasure and a responsibility. No matter what age the dog is, when they first come to your home, there is a certain degree of training that is necessary to get them acclimated to their new surroundings. A younger dog or puppy will undoubtedly need dog training with emphasis on training with dog steps.

Small dogs are especially in need of small dog steps, as they can sustain a serious injury from falling or jumping off of tall furniture. Breeds such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians have fragile bones and can easily break their legs jumping from a bed or sofa. Picking them up to place them on furniture can not only be a nuisance, but it can cause them spinal problems in the future.

Small and large dog steps are available at some retailers, but there is a larger variety to choose from online. Not only can you choose the material of the steps, but you can also choose from different finishes and colors. Some even come with molding or hidden storage panels.

Training to use dog stairs for beds and other furniture is much easier than most training. After your dog has used the steps a few times, with your encouragement, he will soon naturally turn to the stairs as a way to get where he wants to be—near his owner(s).

It is very important that you maintain the pet steps, which basically entails that you keep items off of the stairs which could cause your pet to slip or trip. Many dogs have the habit of leaving toys and treats for later, so you will just want to clear the stairs as they require it.

Be sure to shop for steps that are the right height for your dog. Some of the best dog steps have adjustable heights on the steps that allow for growing puppies.

Cats are exquisite pets to own. Their play and relaxation times are a pleasure to watch, especially when you have cat furniture. Some people think that cats are relatively moody but for others who love cats, there is no better pet to have in the house.

Whether you have one cat or multiple cats as your pets, having some furniture for them to enjoy keeps them purring and happy all the time. Some cats enjoy beds to sleep in as this comforts them at night and keeps them cozy and warm. A favorite past-time for cat owners who have more than one cat are the cat towers or cat scratching furniture.

Pet stairs are a fabulous piece of furniture to have around. Contrary to popular belief, cats really can fall without landing on their feet. They can be just as easily injured falling from a bed or other tall place just as a dog can. Keeping pet stairs by your bed, sofa, or any other of your cat’s favorite places will encourage him to exercise the safe way to get up and down from furniture.

While a kitten may have a harder time ascending and descending steps for a few weeks, they will soon grow tall enough to make full use of the steps. Not only can steps save your cat from a nasty fall, but it can also stave off joint problems such as arthritis, as your cat’s bones won’t have to sustain the shock of jumping.

Every year many cats are treated for injuries that result from falls which could have been prevented. There are many different retailers who offer pet stairs and other types of furniture for your cat. Whether you’re looking for a cat tunnel for friends to play in or other types of ways to pamper your pet, there are a variety of choices on the market.

Just make sure that your pet is safe when playing or using the steps by keeping toys free of debris and steps clear of obstacles that might cause them to stumble.

Chances are you’ve already seen some dog furniture, such as dog steps or stairs, on that market. There are a great number of dog furniture choices available today that are designed specifically with the plan of making your pet happy. Even crating options have been expanded for the pet owner who wants to have the comfort of knowing their dog is not distressed while at home alone.

Dogs are very loyal creatures, so they feel a duty to be with us, especially at night, but perhaps it isn’t just protectiveness that compels them to jump onto the bed and snuggle with their owner. Unfortunately, each time your dog jumps onto and off of a bed or other piece of furniture, his bones and joints are taking the shock of the movement, which can develop painful conditions. Pet steps are an excellent way to not only keep your dog’s bones and joints from future harm, but it’s also a nice way to keep your dog from pouncing onto the bed while you sleep.

Other types of dog furniture includes pet strollers that are fashioned like beds so that your dog can sleep on the go. With the introduction of so many new breeds of small dogs and micro mini dogs, furniture is not only a way to keep your pet happy but also a safety measure. These tiny babies need furniture that supports their big personalities and lets them move about to be near you without injuring themselves.

Choosing furniture for your dog should take into consideration their personality, their height and their needs. A divided crate can be the perfect solution to allowing your puppy to learn the value of respecting your space and for house training. Some furniture for your dog is even fashioned with sensitivity to allergies and made from earth-friendly materials.

Today’s dog furniture is made not only to create a fashionable way to let your pet know you love them but to make them happy in their surroundings with special pieces of furniture designed to give them the opportunity to experience many happy times at home and when on the road.

Most of us can readily say that our pet definitely fills a void within us. Whether our dog is our running companion and “security alarm,” or our cat is a cuddling buddy, we all love our pets. But taking care of a pet is a big responsibility, and responsibility means trying our best to supply the physical, emotional, and safety needs of our pet.

Making sure that our pets have everything they need is generally a pretty easy job. The main concerns of food, water, and shelter are taken care of, but sometimes pets require more. With our busy schedules and various things that come up, it can be easy to overlook pet furniture, which is normally seen as a frivolous display of pet pampering. Granted that some pet accessories are a bit over-the-top, but there are some items which can be important to your pet’s safety.

One item that you don’t have to contemplate is pet stairs. If you have a very small cat or dog, pet stairs are a must. This valuable mobility assistant provides your pet with the confidence to move from one height to another and allows you to be sure that they will not fall and injure themselves. Even large dogs benefit from pet stairs as they are less likely to develop bone or joint problems late in life if you take away the impact of jumping to and from furniture.

Pet beds are a great way to let your little baby know that they are comfortable for overnight stays in places away from home that may cause them stress. Their own scent and particular sleeping pattern need not be disturbed when they have their own bed to take along on the trip. Everyone can get a good night’s rest on vacations or stays away at a new place.

A pet carrier is the final piece of furniture we’re going to mention. Carriers are usually associated with small dogs, but you can in fact find large carriers (although they are more like crates, going by the size!). A pet carrier is an excellent way to practice safety when taking your pet on a trip. Not only does this give your animal a barrier in case of an accident, but it also gives him a familiar, tight space that he can feel more secure in.

You can easily find pet steps, cat litter furniture, and other pet furniture items by doing a quick search online. The Internet provides a great variety of online retailers who offer a variety of colors and styles to choose from at a much cheaper cost that most local retail stores.

Pet owners know that their dogs and cats have special mobility needs. That’s why dog stairs and cat furniture were invented!

Why get dog stairs? Think of the exploding popularity of toy-sized dogs. They’re adorable, but their size is a drawback when it comes to getting up to places to be with their people: chairs, couches, window seats, and many kinds of vehicles, especially large trucks, sports utility vehicles and vans. Small dogs and older, arthritic dogs have trouble getting to these places. You can solve this problem by getting a set of pet stairs (which are not limited to dogs–they’re great for cats as well).

When looking for a set of dog steps, it’s important that you take into consideration the material of the steps. While there are many colors and wood finishes to choose from, your main concern should be the sturdiness of the steps. There is a general rule to go by, which is: large dogs (over 35 lbs) require steps that are 16 inches wide, medium dogs (above 20 lbs but less than 35lbs) should have steps that are 14 inches wide, and small dogs (weighing under 20 lbs) should have steps that are around 12 inches wide. You will also need to check the weight restrictions for the stairs to make sure that they can indeed hold your dog’s weight.

Cat furniture is completely different ball game! Cat’s enjoy climbing, and it is in fact good for them, as cats do not generally fulfill their exercise needs by romping and running around, as dogs do.

You may notice that your cat tends to prefer the counter or other high up places that can be dangerous for them (and unhealthy for us, especially if it is near a food preparation area). The best way to remove your cat from your counters/furniture, yet to keep him happy, is to purchase a piece of cat furniture that will meet his needs. If your little guy prefers high-up places, consider getting him a cat tower with a perch on the top. These come in different heights and can include a swatting ball, scratch post, and cat nip stations to encourage playfulness. They are made of safe, durable materials that will give your cat the traction he needs for climbing and general play.

With so many households containing a dog or cat, the amount of retailers carrying dog stairs and cat furniture are growing rapidly. There are many websites online that you can browse, which is probably your best bet if you’re looking for something cheap or a little more customized.