For the past decade mattresses have become thicker and thicker. Good news for finding a softer bed, but bad news for Fido who has to jump higher and fall farther getting on and off your bed.
Diving off beds which continue to reach new heights is causing injuries and degenerative problems with dogs that love to sleep with their humans.
Big and small dogs are ending up with elbow and shoulder arthritis, hip dysplasia and degenerative disk disease. But small dogs are facing the biggest troubles.
"For a little dog to take a flying leap off a bed that's five to six times higher than he stands is an act of courage and a recipe for injury," says veterinarian Stephan Crane according to an article by Kevin Helliker in the WSJ.com.
One of the solutions is to get a pet staircase that helps your pooch climb on and off your bed. From personal experience I recommend a pet staircase for dogs--especially older dogs--to get in and out of an SUV and other cars that keep getting higher.
Here are few suggestions for pet staircases/ramps according to the WSJ:
- PupSTEP +Plus indoor at Drs Foster and Smith, $39.99
- Ultra-Lite Pet Stairs at PetSmart, $69.99
- Dog Ramp, Lightweight Portable Pet Steps at Orvis, $189.00
- Puppy Stairs (for puppies or dogs) at Puppy Stairs, Prices vary
Photo: Lightweight Portable Pet Steps at Orvis
