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For a 6 lb Chihuahua, jumping onto a 22 in bed is like an adult leaping onto a kitchen counter. Young toy dogs do it all day, but older ones start to hesitate, ask to be lifted, or misjudge the jump down. Pet stairs give a small senior dog its independence back, as long as the steps actually suit its short legs.
This guide explains how to choose stairs for small senior dogs and compares options with verified specifications. It is research-based; we have not tested each set with our own dogs.
Key takeaways
- Low rise, deep tread. Small dogs need short steps they can walk up, with room to stand on each step.
- More steps is gentler. If you are between sizes, choose the version with more, lower steps.
- Match the top step to the furniture. The top step should sit just below the mattress or cushion height.
- Foam is soft and light; plastic and wood are firmer and last longer. All need a non-slip surface and base.
- Ramps beat stairs for long-backed breeds prone to IVDD and for dogs with significant arthritis.
Do small senior dogs need stairs or a ramp?
The AKC suggests considering dog stairs if a toy breed has to take a running leap to get onto the sofa, because jumping up and down from those heights stresses the joints. PetMD notes that small dogs generally do well with stairs, while a ramp is recommended over stairs for dogs with arthritis or other joint or back conditions, because a ramp avoids the step-up.
So the simple rule:
- Healthy but aging toy dog that is starting to hesitate: stairs are usually fine and take less space.
- Dachshund, corgi or other long-backed breed, or a dog with a back problem: a long ramp is usually safer. See Best bed ramps for small dogs with IVDD.
- Arthritic dog that struggles with steps: try a ramp. Our ramp vs stairs guide explains the trade-offs.
How to size stairs for a small dog
- Measure the furniture. Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress or sofa cushion, not the frame. The top step should come close to that height, so the last step up is small.
- Look at step height (rise). Divide the total height by the number of steps. A tiny dog does far better with many low steps than a few tall ones.
- Look at tread depth. Each step should be deep enough for the dog to stand on with all four feet, especially coming down.
- Check width. The AKC warns that stairs that are too narrow can make a dog lose confidence and risk falling off the side.
- Check the weight limit and the surface. AKC lists a slip-resistant surface and the right strength among its key checks.
Some makers give a sizing rule of thumb. DogBedHouse, for example, advises choosing the higher step count for a gentler rise if your dog is between sizes, and picking more steps for arthritic or very old dogs.
Comparison
| Product | Key specs | Link |
|---|---|---|
| EASYSOAR 4-Step High-Density Foam Dog Stairs | 28.3 x 15.7 x 19.6 in tall, for furniture up to 21 in, 17° slope per the maker, 30D CertiPUR-US foam, for pets under 45 lb, washable zip cover, non-slip dots underneath | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs | 2-step, about 13–19 in tall depending on version | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Pet Gear Easy Step Pet Bed Stair | L-shaped, 37.5 x 14 x 26 in, rated 75 lb | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Pet Gear StRamp Pet Step & Ramp | Converts between steps and a short ramp, indoor use | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Specs are from manufacturer and retailer listings and can change between versions; check the listing before you buy. We don't show prices because they change often; the button shows the current price on Amazon.
Our picks
Foam stairs for a high bed: EASYSOAR 4-step
EASYSOAR 4-Step High-Density Foam Dog Stairs
28.3 x 15.7 x 19.6 in tall, for furniture up to 21 in, 17° slope per the maker, 30D CertiPUR-US foam, for pets under 45 lb, washable zip cover, non-slip dots underneath
Pros
- Four low steps for short legs
- Soft foam, no hard edges
- Light to move between bed and sofa
Cons
- Foam takes 24–48 hours to fully expand after unpacking
- Foam core is not washable
- Can shift on very smooth floors; set it on a rug
These foam stairs measure 28.3 x 15.7 x 19.6 in tall and are sold for furniture up to 21 in. The maker describes a 17° slope, 30D CertiPUR-US foam, a non-slip cover, rubber dots underneath and a weight guide of pets under 45 lb. Four steps across roughly 20 in gives low rises for short legs. The foam arrives compressed and can take 24–48 hours to expand fully, and only the cover is washable.
Low sofa or chair: Pet Gear Easy Step II
Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stairs
2-step, about 13–19 in tall depending on version
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Good for a couch or low bed
Cons
- Not tall enough for most beds
- Steps, not a ramp
A compact two-step plastic stair, about 13–19 in tall depending on version. It suits low sofas, armchairs and car back seats. Firm plastic is easier to keep clean than foam and does not compress over time.
Tall bed: Pet Gear Easy Step Bed Stair
Pet Gear Easy Step Pet Bed Stair
L-shaped, 37.5 x 14 x 26 in, rated 75 lb
Pros
- Deep steps so the whole body fits on each step
- L-shape saves floor space
- Washable tread
Cons
- Still stairs: not ideal while a vet has restricted stair use
- 75 lb limit
An L-shaped stair, 37.5 x 14 x 26 in tall and rated to 75 lb. The L shape fits along the side of a bed where a straight stair would stick out. At 26 in it suits taller beds than most foam stairs.
Stairs that turn into a ramp: Pet Gear StRamp
Pet Gear StRamp Pet Step & Ramp
Converts between steps and a short ramp, indoor use
Pros
- Two tools in one for a couch or low bed
- Removable washable tread
Cons
- Too short for cars
- Short ramps are steep for tall furniture
The StRamp converts between steps and a short ramp. That makes it useful for an aging dog whose needs are changing: stairs now, a ramp later if its back or joints get worse.
Foam vs plastic vs wood
| Material | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | Soft landings, light to move, no hard edges | Can shift on smooth floors; foam can compress over time; nails can dig in |
| Plastic | Easy to clean, firm, compact | Can be slippery without a tread or carpet |
| Wood | Sturdy, looks like furniture | Heavier; needs carpet or treads for grip |
Setting up stairs safely
- Put stairs on a rug or a non-slip surface so they cannot slide when the dog steps on them.
- Push them flush against the bed or sofa, with no gap the dog could slip into.
- Cover the landing. The floor at the bottom should be grippy. See non-slip runner rugs.
- Block the jump. If your dog keeps jumping off the other side, push that side against a wall or add a barrier.
Teaching a small dog to use stairs
- Let your dog sniff the stairs on the floor, with treats.
- Lure it onto the bottom step with a treat, then the next. Reward each step.
- Teach going down as well as up, slowly, with a hand ready to steady it.
- Keep sessions short and stop before your dog gets worried.
- Gently stop jumps by lifting your dog down or redirecting it to the stairs, until the stairs become a habit.
When to rethink stairs
- Your dog stumbles or misjudges steps, especially going down.
- It has been diagnosed with a back problem.
- It hesitates at every step or needs lifting anyway.
Then a ramp, a lower bed or a dog bed on the floor may be safer. See low-entry dog beds for arthritic dogs.
Pair stairs with a bed your small dog can step into easily: see orthopedic beds for small senior dogs.
FAQ
Are dog stairs good for Chihuahuas?
For many healthy small dogs, yes: they reduce the jumping that stresses joints. Choose many low, deep steps. If your Chihuahua has a back or knee problem, ask your vet whether a ramp is safer.
How many steps should dog stairs have for a small dog?
Enough that each step is low for your dog's legs. Divide the furniture height by the number of steps; more steps means lower rises.
Are foam dog stairs safe?
They are soft and light, but can slide on smooth floors and compress over time. Place them on a rug and check them for sagging.
Stairs or ramp for a senior dog?
PetMD says small dogs generally do well with stairs, while ramps are recommended for dogs with arthritis or joint or back conditions.
Prices change often, so we do not list them. Check the current price on Amazon.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, Dog Stairs vs. Ramps.
- PetMD, Does My Dog Need Dog Stairs or a Dog Ramp?
- DogBedHouse, foam dog stairs sizing guide.
- EASYSOAR and Pet Gear Amazon listings (specifications, checked November 2026).
