Build a Simple Bed Stairs For Dogs With Arthritis

Face it, old dogs love to cozy up in their master's bed. However, older canines often have a very difficult time jumping onto and off the bed as they age. Many senior dogs suffer the painful effects of arthritis. When osteoarthritis progresses in the joints of dogs, they become stiff and far less agile. Jumping onto the bed can become all but impossible.

One option is to go online and search for "bed steps". There are many options available in both functional and/or decorative styles. The prices range between $50 to $200. The higher range includes fancy wooden models that are quite attractive.

All the purchased models of bed stairs will serve the purpose so long as they are sturdy and heavy enough to provide the required stability for the canine's size. The steps should always be covered in non-slip material such as carpet.

There are cheaper alternatives though! It's possible to make a very functional substitute to commercial bed stairs. In most cases dogs to not need multiple steps to enter the bed. Most dogs only need a small boost where one step will suffice. Here's a method for easily constructing a substitute for expensive stairs for older canines.

You will need a piece of half-inch plywood about 40 inches by 24 inches. This flat piece of plywood is slid between the mattress and box springs about 12 inches or so. This leaves about 28 inches sticking out. Next you'll need another piece of plywood 24 inches wide and as long as the distance is between the floor and the bottom of the larger piece of plywood sticking out from below the mattress.

This piece will be fastened to the horizontal piece at the end with screws or small nails. If nails are used, place some glue along the joint before nailing. Once this L shaped piece is constructed, glue or staple a piece of carpet to the top side of the long piece.

Once completed, this simple project makes a simply step for dogs with arthritis to assist in jumping onto the bed with.

Keep in mind if you have a larger sized dog with arthritis, you may need to increase the size of the step to accommodate their larger size.

It may take some time and effort to teach your dog to use the step initially. Food rewards are always a great option for luring them onto the step the first time. Likewise, you will have to teach them to use the step for jumping off the bed too. Of course this training is required for any type of dog bed stairs.

Visit Cactus Canyon and learn more about how you can help your older canine who is suffering the dog arthritis symptoms.