In these tough economic times, pet owners who want to help their dogs get up to human level are looking for cheap dog steps. Fortunately, there are two options: buy dog steps economically, or make them.
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.
For instance, dog steps can be especially important if you have one of the smaller breeds of dogs weighing less than 20 pounds. Toy or teacup poodles, Chihuahuas, Pekineses, Pomeranians and other small dog breeds can actually fracture or break their legs jumping down from a couch or bed. Dog steps can reduce or eliminate this hazard.
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.
Most inexpensive dog steps are made from foam covered in carpet or other material. Many of these styles can be bought for $20 or less at many popular stores and online outlets.
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.
Finally, be sure your cheap dog steps are sturdy enough to support your dog's weight. Test your dog on a sample of the steps if possible. If not, be sure to check any weight information on the product label. The last thing you want is for your precious pet to fall through a step and hurt itself.
