Ah yes, dachshunds, or more commonly known as the wiener dog. If you didn’t already know, Dachshunds come from Germany and were originally used to hunt badgers. Their hot dog shaped body helped keep them low to the ground and on that badger’s tail. Their long bodies and nubby legs have made them one of the cutest breeds out there. Sometimes, thought, they need a little help navigating the upper reaches of their world and that’s why we’ve come up with the best pet stairs for dachshunds!
Because of their unique body shape dachshunds are likely to experience some orthopedic pain. Because of their short legs, Dachshunds often experience issues with their disks (no we don’t mean their Frisbee’s) and spine.
One of the most common ways your Dachshund is damaging their disks or stressing out their spine is by jumping up and down. This can happen during play time if they jump up to catch a ball, treat time when they catch a treat midair, TV time when they jump on the couch with you, or during bed time when they jump up to snuggle before bed time.
How do I Pick the Best Pet Stairs for Dachshunds?
Picking out the best pet stairs for dachshunds does require you do a little homework and maybe even require you to bust out the measuring tape. But before we get into picking pet stairs, let’s talk about why you need to get your little Dachshund some pet stairs.
When a Dachshund jumps and lands, the disks in their spine are receiving shock waves from the impact. Since their legs are so short, the shock is delivered almost immediately to the dogs spine, whereas you and I have long legs that are able to help absorb some of that shock we experience when we jump.
So why do you need to get your Dachshund stairs? Well, if you don’t, your Dachshund is going to eventually have some pretty bad pain in their legs, hips, and spine, all of which can cost you a pretty big chunk of change to fix down the road. Giving your Dachshund an easy, shock free, way to get onto the couch or on the bed can help reduce the chances of having to go through this. In other news, they also look really cute walking up and down stairs.
How to Choose
So, now that that’s cleared up, how do you pick the best stairs? First thing is first, you’ll need to make sure the stairs actually reach the top of the couch, bed, or any other thing your Dachshund might be jumping on to. If your bed is 24 inches tall, but your pet stairs are only 12 inches tall, your Dachshund is still going to have to jump to get on the bed, and it’s at an awkward angle with little room. No good.
You’ll also want to take a look at the steps, specifically the width and depth of them. Since Dachshunds are small, you don’t need steps that are too wide unless your Dachshund will be sharing these stairs with their much larger doggy sibling. The depth of steps are what make the steps easier for your dog to use. Nobody likes those super tiny stairs that your foot barely fits on, and neither do dogs.Since Dachshunds have a long body and small legs, you’ll want deeper steps that aren’t too tall.
For safety reasons, finding pet stairs with a grip at the bottom are great for making sure they don’t slip out from under their paws as they’re walking up them. This is a must have for anyone who has tile or wood flooring in their house.
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the best pet stairs for Dachshunds recommended by Moberry Pets!
Best Pet Stairs for Dachsuhunds
Pup Step Plus Pet Stairs
The Pup Step Plus Pet Stairs (try to say that 5 times fast) come in different sizes to fit your Dachshunds need. The extra-small stair set has side rails that help keep your Dachshund from accidentally slipping off and only weighs 5 pounds. Just because it’s light doesn’t mean it can’t handle its own weight.
Dogs up to 120 pounds can use these stairs, but if your Dachshund weighs over 120 pounds you may want to get them outside and playing. It’s an assembly free product so all you have to do is unfold it and set it next to the bed and you’re done. No back breaking hours fussing over instructions.
Pup Step Plus Pet Stairs (extra-small) at a Glance:
- Total Height: 19.5 inches
- Step Depth: 6 inches
- Step Width: 13 inches
- Step Height: 4.75 inches
The Pup Step Plus Pet Stairs are one of the best pet stairs for dachshunds because of its deep steps, wide steps, not too high steps, and easy to assemble (you’re welcome). If you want something a little fancier they also have a nice decorative 2 stair pet steps that your Dachshund can climb for average heights, like the couch.
Dallas Manufacturing Co. 4 Step Pet Steps
Dallas Manufacturing Co. has really created one of the best pet stairs for dachshunds. The stairs are made out of a nice cushion that helps make your dog walking up steps feel like walking up steps made out of clouds. The extra padding helps take away some of the impact the get from day to day activities.
This one measure to be 20 inches tall and 26 inches wide. It’s perfect for older Dachshunds who need more joint relief or Dachshunds who like to run up the stairs and onto the bed. Keep in mind these stairs do not have a railing or grip at the bottom so these might not be the best for you if you have tile or hardwood flooring.
Dallas Manufacturing Co. 4 Step Pet Steps at a Glance:
- Total Height: 20 inches
- Step Depth: 6.5 inches
- Step Width: 14.75 inches
- Step Height: 5 inches
Majestic Pet Links Polyester Slipcover Pet Steps
Next on the list is Pajestic Pet’s Pet Steps. To start, these steps are super cute. They come in a variety of colors with a nice modern design to fit in a chic home. Long story short; these steps won’t be an eyesore in your hours and can blend in with your décor.
Now, these steps can come in either 3 step or 4 step form. The 4 step version is 24 inches deep, 16 inches wide, and 20 inches tall. If you need something shorter the 3 step version is 5 inches shorter coming in for a grand total of 15 (perfect for chairs). These steps also don’t have a grip or railing on them.
Majestic Pet’s at a Glance:
- Total Height: 20 inches
- Step Depth: 6 inches
- Step Width: 16 inches
- Step Height: 5 inches
Protip: Use a grip mat to help keep the stairs from slipping on tile or hardwood flooring.
Getting your Dachshund pet stairs is an easy way to improve the overall quality of their life and make it easier for them to get up to you and snuggle when you’re relaxing in bed or on the couch. Investing in a good one can go a long way. Always remember to measure out your furniture first, how tall your bed is will determine what size steps you’ll need.
If you have hardwood floors or tiles, make sure you get a set of stairs with a grip or railing to help keep your dog from slipping off. If you can’t find any you like or in your price range, use a grip mat under the stairs to keep them in place.
What pet stairs does your Dachshund use? Let us know in the comments below!
