Pet owners who like to snuggle on the bed with their pooches, but also like thick mattresses, are having a problem.
Dogs are hurting themselves trying to jump onto and off of high beds. It’s especially true of small dogs and older dogs who aren’t as agile anymore.
Veterinarians are reporting a rise in house dogs’ shoulder and hip arthritis, hip dysplasia and degenerative disk disease, because dogs are living longer. These pets can’t jump the 30-plus inches up to the bed and can hurt themselves when they try.
Little dogs may have the courage to make themselves fly off the bed, but animal doctors at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons say they can easily get hurt while doing it. The easiest answer would be to keep the dog off of the bed, but that advice is usually ignored.
Pet staircases are the modern answer. They are among the fastest-growing products for pet supply retailers such as Foster & Smith. They offer five models priced from $39. The $109 model has carpeted steps on cherry-stained wood panels. Wal-Mart’s Ultra Lite Pet Stairs, made of resin, are sturdy and cost about $64.
Mattresses used to be about eight inches thick because makers told people to flip them regularly. The coming of the no-flip mattress meant makers could make them much thicker. Some beds are now almost three feet high.
That’s a little high even for some people and for their overnight guests. There’s an answer to that too: hardwood steps made for people. To see them, visit ImprovementsCatalog.com
