Buying Pet Steps - Is It a Luxury or Necessity?

     The art of taking care of your pet has greatly evolved from simply feeding your animal properly to giving him grooming services at an established pet salon. Like humans, the needs of animals also change and they become more sophisticated as time passes. Dogs and felines are now accustomed to being pampered and making use of certain living improvements such as pet steps.

Pet Steps at a Glance

Pet steps, or pet stairs as they are commonly called, are animal-sized stairs or ramps that help pets such as dogs and cats reach elevated places. This is especially useful for pets with disabilities, leg problems, or arthritis. Instead of jumping to reach their sleeping basket, litter box, or the level of your car, all you need to do is to place some steps where they can climb with ease. Other pet lovers purchase pet steps for their pets to make the domains of their animals look more glamorous and chic.

Pet Steps: What to Expect in Terms of Prices

The prices of steps vary according to style, material, size, and brand. The price range is somewhere between $20 and $2,000. A simple, small-sized stairs would not cost much, especially if it is only made of cheap material like plastic. However, certain luxury brands have produced expensive steps that would cost an amount. Of course, what would you expect if the steps are encrusted in gems and 24-karat gold? The creativity and forethought of these designers simply show that they know how rich animal lovers think: It is only the best for man's best friend.

Out-of-the-Ordinary Pet Steps

Although pet steps are basically animal-sized stairs, you might be surprised to learn that these tools can be more sophisticated than the ones that are used by man. Some steps are retractable and can be kept in a small bag when not in use. This type is convenient for pets on-the-go that regularly ride a car or SUV. For pets that love snuggling on the couch, there are fur-coated steps that can be used as a pet-couch all the same. A more practical pet stairs set is the type that doubles as a cabinet for your animal's trinkets. However, don't get too overwhelmed and buy a set with a massager; your dog might not appreciate the vibration.

Pet Steps: Advantages and Disadvantages

The decision of purchasing pet steps for your beloved animal is more than just deciding to shell out a few bucks or not. Buying such items for your pet has certain effects that are not usually apparent. For instance, buying steps for your animal even if it does not need it may cause your pet to feel lazy with reaching certain places without it. It may cause your pet to lose the eagerness to play around and exercise. Using steps for animals with disabilities is understandable. However, animals that do not have any physical impairment may have certain behavioral changes. If you decide to get pet steps for your pet even if he is physically capable, make sure that he still receives ample amounts of exercise to avoid such problems. Pet steps as a luxury or necessity would depend on the perspective of the pet owner. In any case, if your beloved pooch or feline would appreciate it, there would be no harm in buying something that both of you can cherish.