Pet gates are often used around the home, both inside and outside, to prevent a dog from entering rooms or areas of the house it may not be safe for them, or the owner doesn’t want them in. Stairs pose a particular safety problem due to the height difference at the base and the top of the stairs, especially older dogs. The best dog gate for stairs can help you set boundaries to keep you pup safe or your house in order.

There are many designs to choose from and there is no single best dog gate for stairs, only the best gate for your dog and your family. Design options include: tall dog gates (suitable for larger dogs), pet gates with doors and the common single gate design.

The best dog gate for stairs will be need to be suitable for the space and be an effective barrier for your dog. The method of opening the gate should take into consideration the fact that the bottom step will cause an obstruction, it should be capable of fitting to a variety of surfaces – stairs can be walled on both sides, but they can also have wooden or metal railings, and it should be sturdy enough to withstand any pressure your dog many put on it when trying to get around or over it.

Best Dog Gate for Stairs – Must Haves

The best dog gate for stairs will have the following attributes:

• Strong enough to keep your pet out and remain upright and sturdy with constant use.

• High enough to stop large pets jumping over it.

• If you have smaller pets you want to have free reign around the house, like cats, you will need a small pet door.

• Wide enough to fit your door frame properly – wider doors may need a specialized gate.

• Secure fittings that will attach easily to your wall, or wooden/metal railing or pillar at the top or bottom of your stairs.

Best Dog Gate for Stairs

Carlson Pet Products Extra Tall Gate

Created specifically for pets, the Carlson gate is made from stainless steel and is 41 inches tall to help keep large dogs out. The basic product comes with a single extension panel which allows it to be extended to a width of 40 inches. Further extension panels are available separately for wider spaces.

Four wall cups are included for securing to the top or bottom of stairs and there is a small pets door to allow your cat or other small animal to move freely around the house if you want them to.

The safety locking catch can be lifted to open the gate easily with one hand, keeping your other hand free if you are carrying items.

The Carlson extra tall gate is a best dog gate for stairs because:

• It is high enough to hold back even the largest dog or enthusiastic jumper.

• It is extendable so it is suitable for most spaces, regardless of width.

• It has a special fitting for securing to stairs.

• It is strong and durable, and made specifically for pets.

Regalo Easy Step Walk Through Gate

Another stainless steel gate designed for openings between 29 inches and 39 inches is the Regalo gate. Additional extensions are available and the gate can be extended to up to 60 inches. The gate has a lever style handle and one touch release option making it easy to open with one hand.

Wall cups are provided for extra stability and security when installing at the top or bottom of stairwells. The gate only opens one way so care must be taken when installing to be sure it opens the correct way, especially at the bottom of stairs where the bottom step will block the gate.

This product is suitable for small and medium dogs as it is 31 inches high. There is also an extra tall product (41 inches) for larger dogs.

This gate has a lot of reason that helped it make the best dog gate for stairs:

• It is a popular and well-designed all round product suited for small and medium animals.

• It can be extended to suit the width of your stairs.

• It comes with wall cups to fit the gate more securely at the top of stairs, so it can be used with confidence.

• It has a lever style latch which is easy for humans to open, but not dogs.

Evenflo Easy Walk Thru Top of Stairs Gate

The Evenflo gate is built specifically for placement at the top of stairs. It’s not  specifically created for pets as it’s more of a baby gate but has been used for good results by dog owners too.

It’s made from stainless steel and is secured to the stairs with a hardware mount that users must install. The installation requires some DIY skills and a drill but honestly it seems very straightforward.

The gate can be set to swing in only one direction, so it doesn’t swing out over the stairs. The lock mechanism requires the user to squeeze buttons to open the gate, so making it impossible for pets to work out how to use the lock.

The gate is expandable between 29 inches and 42 inches, and is 30 inches tall (though it can be installed up to 3 inches above the ground to increase the height to 33 inches if necessary).

The gate makes the list for best dog gate for stairs because:

• It is expandable to fit most stairs.

• The gate can swing in both directions, but can be set to only one direction for safety.

• The lock mechanism is impossible for pets to override.

The Importance of Dog Gates

If you’re concerned about safety, or want to prevent your dog from going where you don’t want them, a dog gate is a great way of creating a barrier. The best dog gate for stairs will be sturdy and capable of withstanding a dog pushing or trying to jump over it, it will be high enough so he can’t get over it, and it will be easy for you to operate.

There are a great many dog gates available in a variety of sizes and widths. Check the width of your stairs and the height you need before buying. Also make sure there are suitable fittings to make them safe for fixing to your stairs.

Well hopefully you gained some insight some of the best gates for dogs out there!  Keep those furry friend safe!

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