Dog Steps for Bed: 6 Best Stairs by Bed Height
Our dog steps for bed picks cover foam, wide-tread, folding and high-bed stairs, with a simple method to match step count and rise to your mattress height and your dog's size.
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The best dog steps for bed use are high-density foam stairs with a non-slip base and a washable cover, sized so each step rises about 5 to 7 inches: measure from floor to the top of the mattress and divide by that rise to get the number of steps. That one calculation prevents the most common mistake, which is buying stairs that stop short of the mattress.
Below are six in-stock picks from Chewy, from foam and wide-tread stairs to folding plastic and wooden steps, plus a sizing table that turns your mattress height and your dog's size into a step count.
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Compare the best dog steps for bed
These dog stairs differ most in material, number of steps and how much height they cover. Use the table to narrow the field, then read the pick that matches your dog and bed. Prices are Chewy catalog prices at the time of writing.
| Exact model and variant | Best for | Steps and height | Material | Catalog price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niubya High Density Foam Extra Wide Non-Slip Bottom High Bed, Couch & Sofa Dog Stairs, Black, 4 steps | Most standard beds; pets under 60 lb | 4 steps; height: check the listing | 30D high-density foam, washable corduroy cover | $49.99 |
| MALOROY High Density Foam 6-Steps Dog & Cat Stairs for High Beds, Grey, 28-in | High beds | 6-step build; 28 in | High-density foam | $99 |
| Lesure Dog Stairs Non-Slip for Bed & Couch Small Dogs Pet Stairs, Beige, 4-Step | Small, senior and short-legged dogs | 4 steps; height: check the listing | High-density foam, removable washable cover | $42.99 |
| Pet Gear Easy Step Dog & Cat Stairs, Large | Seniors needing wide, deep treads | Large size; height: check the listing | Removable carpet treads, rubber grips | $77.99 |
| Pet Adobe Folding Dog & Cat Steps, Gray, 4 Step- Large | Small dogs; storage and travel | 4 steps; height: check the listing | Lightweight plastic | $39.95 |
| NonoPets Non-Slip Wooden Dog Stairs, 3-Steps | Lower beds and couches on a budget | 3 steps; height: check the listing | Wood frame, carpeted steps | $20.99 |
- 1The best dog steps for a bed are high-density foam stairs with a non-slip base and a washable cover, sized so each step rises about 5 to 7 inches: measure from floor to the top of the mattress and divide by that rise to get the number of steps.
- 2To find the step count by bed height, measure floor to mattress top (including any topper) and divide by the rise per step: about 5 inches for small dogs and about 7 inches for medium and large dogs, then round up.
- 3Large and heavy dogs need wide treads and a stated weight limit; dogs that cannot lift their legs at all may do better on a ramp.
Whatever steps you choose, the goal is the same: helping a dog get into bed without the jump. Steps for a dog to get into bed matter most for small breeds, seniors and dogs recovering from injury, since each landing from mattress height adds strain to joints.
Our dog steps for bed picks
Each pick below lists brand, model, step count, material and the Catalog price band from Chewy, so you can compare them side by side. Only the Niubya High Density Foam stairs and the MALOROY set state a weight limit or a height in the catalog; for the rest, check the listing.
Best overall: Niubya High Density Foam Dog Stairs, 4 Steps
Extra-wide treads, a sloped design, a washable corduroy cover and a non-slip base in a 4-step size that suits most standard beds, at under $50; the listing states a 60-pound recommendation.
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The Niubya High Density Foam Extra Wide Non-Slip Bottom Dog Stairs earn the top spot because they combine the features that matter on almost any standard bed: extra-wide treads, a gently sloped profile, an anti-slip bottom and a machine-washable corduroy cover. At about $49.99 at Chewy, it is also one of the more affordable foam builds.
The Chewy listing recommends it for pets under 60 pounds, which is the only stated weight guidance among these picks. Its height is not given in the catalog, so check the listing against your mattress measurement before ordering.
- Brand and model: Niubya High Density Foam Extra Wide Non-Slip Bottom Dog Stairs, Black
- Size: 4 steps; recommended for pets under 60 lb
- Material: 30D high-density foam, washable corduroy cover, anti-slip bottom
- Price band: $20–50
- Limitation: heavier dogs should look elsewhere
Best for high beds: MALOROY 6-Step High Bed Dog Stairs, 28-Inch
The tallest foam build in the retained catalog: five steps plus a detachable bed section reach standard-to-tall beds, and the sections separate to fit lower beds. The Chewy listing gives no weight limit.
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The MALOROY High Density Foam 6-Steps Dog & Cat Stairs for High Beds are the tallest foam option here at 28 inches. They are built from five steps plus a detachable bed section, and the sections separate so the same set can serve a lower bed later.
At about $99 it costs the most. The Chewy listing gives no weight limit, so owners of big dogs should confirm capacity with the seller before relying on foam.
- Brand and model: MALOROY High Density Foam 6-Steps Dog & Cat Stairs for High Beds, Grey
- Size: 28 in tall; five steps plus a detachable bed section
- Material: high-density foam
- Price band: $50–100
- Limitation: no stated weight limit
Best foam steps for small dogs: Lesure Non-Slip Dog Stairs, 4-Step
Built for senior, short-legged and recovering small dogs, with a non-slip bottom and a removable machine-washable cover.
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The Lesure Dog Stairs Non-Slip for Bed & Couch Small Dogs are soft foam steps made specifically for small dogs, including seniors, short-legged breeds and dogs recovering from surgery. A non-slip bottom keeps the set planted, and the outer cover comes off for the washing machine.
Four shallow steps suit a small dog that needs a low rise on each step. For a small dog and a high bed, compare the step count against the sizing table below; a bed in the high 20s usually takes five or six foam steps for short legs.
- Brand and model: Lesure Dog Stairs Non-Slip for Bed & Couch Small Dogs, Beige
- Size: 4 steps, for small dogs
- Material: high-density foam, removable machine-washable cover, non-slip bottom
- Price band: $20–50 (about $42.99)
- Limitation: sized for small dogs only
Best for seniors and wide treads: Pet Gear Easy Step Dog Stairs, Large
Wide, deep stair landings let smaller dogs stand fully on each step and give larger dogs room to climb without tripping; removable carpet treads and rubber grips; snaps together without tools. The listing gives no weight limit.
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The Pet Gear Easy Step Dog & Cat Stairs, Large have wide treads and deep landings, so a small senior can stand with all four feet on each step and larger dogs have room to climb without tripping. The carpet treads are removable and washable, rubber grips hold the base, and the set snaps together without tools.
For a bigger dog, tread width and depth matter more than any other feature, which is why this is our extra wide pick. The listing gives no weight limit, so for the heaviest breeds, check the listing or contact the seller before buying.
- Brand and model: Pet Gear Easy Step Dog & Cat Stairs, Large
- Size: Large
- Material: removable washable carpet treads with rubber grips (frame material not stated)
- Price band: $50–100 (about $77.99)
- Limitation: no stated weight limit or height in the catalog
Best folding steps: Pet Adobe Folding Dog Steps, 4 Step Large
Lightweight plastic steps that fold flat for storage or travel, made with small dogs and older cats in mind.
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The Pet Adobe Folding Dog & Cat Steps, 4 Step- Large are lightweight plastic steps for a bed or couch that fold flat for storage under the bed or for travel. They are made with small dogs and older cats in mind, so treat them as a small-dog option rather than a large-dog stair.
If you only need steps part of the time, such as a guest room, this is the easiest set to put away.
- Brand and model: Pet Adobe Folding Dog & Cat Steps, Gray, 4 Step- Large
- Size: 4 steps, Large
- Material: durable lightweight plastic
- Price band: $20–50 (about $39.95)
- Limitation: plastic treads suit small dogs, not big ones
Best budget steps: NonoPets Non-Slip Wooden Dog Stairs, 3-Step
The lowest-priced in-stock wooden option: a triangular frame with non-slip carpeted steps and five-minute assembly, for lower beds and couches.
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The NonoPets Non-Slip Wooden Dog Stairs, 3-Steps are the lowest-priced pick here at about $20.99. The wooden set uses a triangular frame with non-slip carpeted steps and assemble in about five minutes.
Three steps suit lower beds and couches. Wooden dog steps for a high bed need more steps than this set has, so for a tall mattress, look at the MALOROY pick instead.
- Brand and model: NonoPets Non-Slip Wooden Dog Stairs, 3-Steps
- Size: 3 steps
- Material: wood frame with non-slip carpeted steps
- Price band: $20–50
- Limitation: too few steps for a tall bed
How to size dog steps for your bed height
Sizing comes down to two numbers: your mattress height and a comfortable rise per step for your dog. Converting bed height to step count takes three lines:
- Measure floor to mattress top, including any topper or pillow-top layer.
- Pick a rise per step by dog size: as a rule of thumb, about 4.75 to 5.25 inches for small dogs and about 7 inches for medium and large dogs.
- Divide the height by the rise and round up to get your step count.
- A bed frame or box spring can sit several inches below the sleeping surface, and a thick mattress topper height adds more. Steps sized to the frame leave a gap your dog has to jump. Measure to the highest point your dog will land on.
| Mattress height | Small dogs (about 5 in rise per step) | Medium and large dogs (about 7 in rise per step) |
|---|---|---|
| 18 in | 4 steps | 3 steps |
| 22 in | 5 steps | 4 steps |
| 26 in | 6 steps | 4 steps |
| 28 in | 6 steps | 4 steps |
| 30 in | 6 steps | 5 steps |
| 34 in | 7 steps | 5 steps |
| 36 in | 8 steps | 6 steps |
How tall should dog steps be for my bed?
Dog steps should reach the top of the mattress or sit no more than a couple of inches below it, so the last move is a short step rather than a jump. If your mattress top sits at 28 inches, the MALOROY set matches it directly. At 30 inches and above, you need a set that reaches close to that height, or a ramp. Some sets are sold as 36 inch tall pet stairs or even 40 inch tall pet stairs for very high beds, so check each listing's stated height against your measurement before buying.
How many steps does my dog need?
Use the bed height to step count sizing table above. It applies the rise per step by dog size to common mattress heights, from low platform beds to tall king size beds with thick toppers. Dog steps for a king size bed are sized the same way as any other bed: height matters, width of the mattress does not.
Between two counts, choose the higher one. More steps mean a lower rise per step, which is easier on short legs and sore joints. Remember that step depth matters as much as rise: each tread should be deep enough for the dog to stand on with all four feet.
Dog steps for a high bed and large dogs
Dog steps for a high bed need two things at once: enough steps to keep each rise comfortable and enough tread width for a bigger body. Above about 26 inches is where most sets fall short, so on a tall bed the stated height of the stairs matters more than the brand.
Of our picks, the MALOROY 6-step foam stairs are the only set with a stated 28-inch height, which makes them the choice here for a tall bed. If your bed is higher still, measure carefully and expect to look at taller listings or a ramp.
Large dog steps for bed and what weight limits mean
Steps for a big dog must hold its full weight on one tread, often at an angle, without compressing or tipping. A weight limit on a listing tells you the load the maker designed for; when none is listed, you cannot assume one. The treads should also be wide enough for the shoulders and deep enough for all four feet.
- Look for a stated weight limit that covers your dog with room to spare.
- Choose wide treads; the Pet Gear Easy Step Dog & Cat Stairs, Large have the widest, deepest landings here.
- If a big dog also faces a tall bed, a ramp may be safer than steps, since each rise and each landing carries more load.
- The Niubya listing recommends its foam stairs for pets under 60 pounds. Heavier dogs can compress foam over time, which changes the rise and makes footing less stable. For a big dog, choose a set with a stated limit above your dog's weight, or consider a ramp.
Dog steps or a ramp for your bed?
Choose steps if your dog can still lift each leg comfortably and you want something compact beside the bed. Choose a ramp if your dog has advanced arthritis, a back problem, or very short legs that make any rise hard. The decision comes down to your dog's mobility, not the size of the bed, and steps also take up far less floor space than a ramp long enough for the same height.
Steps take up less floor space because they climb steeply. A ramp needs a long run to keep its slope gentle at bed height, so it suits rooms with space to spare. For ramp products, see WebVet's guide to the best dog ramps, and if your dog needs help getting into a vehicle too, our guide to dog ramps for cars covers that separate job.
Do dogs prefer steps or ramps?
Most dogs do not have a fixed preference between steps or ramps; they use what feels secure. Healthy small and medium dogs often take to either, while dogs with painful joints or spinal problems tend to trust a gentle ramp because it avoids lifting each leg. Watch how your dog moves on household stairs: confident climbers usually adapt to bed steps quickly.
What are some alternatives to a dog ramp?
The main alternatives to a dog ramp are dog steps, a lower bed setup, or a support harness. Steps work for dogs that can still climb. Lowering the mattress (a low-profile frame or mattress on the floor) removes the climb entirely. A lifting harness lets you help a large or recovering dog up, and WebVet's overview of mobility aids for dogs explains harnesses and other options.
Teaching your dog to use bed steps
Most dogs need a few short sessions before they use new steps without hesitation. Set the steps flush against the mattress first so there is no gap between steps and mattress, since a wobble or a gap is what makes dogs refuse.
How to teach a dog to walk up and down stairs?
Teach a dog to walk up and down stairs with short, reward-based sessions: lure them one step at a time with a treat, praise each success, and stop before they get tired. Here is how to introduce the steps at the bed:
- Let your dog sniff the steps on the floor for a minute.
- Put a treat on each step, starting with the bottom one only.
- Lure your dog up one step at a time, then onto the bed, and reward there.
- Practice coming down the same way, since descending is harder for many dogs.
- Keep sessions to a few minutes and repeat over several days.
For more detail on building confidence, see our guide to teaching a dog to climb stairs. The same patient routine works for adult and senior dogs.
What to look for before you buy dog steps
Once you know your step count, check each listing against these features:
- Rise per step: matched to your dog's size using the table above.
- Step depth and tread width: deep enough for all four feet, wide enough for the shoulders.
- Non-slip base on hard floors: a rubber or grippy bottom stops sliding on hardwood and tile.
- Foam weight limit: a stated capacity above your dog's weight; if foam certification such as CertiPUR-US matters to you, check the listing.
- Washable cover: removable covers keep hair and accidents manageable.
- Height that meets the mattress top, with no gap.
Senior and arthritic dogs gain the most from steps, since repeated jumping on and off the bed loads sore hips, elbows and spines. The Merck Veterinary Manual's section on bone, joint and muscle disorders in dogs explains osteoarthritis, and the AKC's dog health library covers joint care for small and senior breeds.
- A dog that suddenly avoids the bed or hesitates to jump may be in pain. Steps make access easier, but they do not treat the cause. A vet check can find arthritis or injury early.
If your vet confirms joint disease, our guide to arthritis treatment options for dogs outlines what to discuss alongside better bed access.
Where can I get dog steps for a bed?
You can get dog steps for a bed from pet retailers such as Chewy, which stocks foam, wooden, plastic folding and carpeted models; all six picks in this guide are sold there. Before ordering, compare the listing's stated height, step count and any weight limit against your mattress measurement and your dog's weight.
Dog steps for bed questions
Is a ramp or stairs better for small dogs? For most small dogs, stairs are better when each rise is low, about 5 inches, because they take little floor space and small dogs climb them easily. A ramp suits small dogs with back problems or very short legs, such as Dachshunds, that should avoid repeated climbing.
Divide your bed height by the rise per step your dog can manage and round up. For a 30-inch bed, a small dog at about 5 inches per step needs 6 steps, while a medium or large dog at about 7 inches needs 5. Measure to the top of the mattress, not the frame, and choose the higher count when you fall between two.
Size by height, not mattress width. A king size bed is often taller than average once you add a box spring and a mattress topper, so measure from floor to the top surface. Then apply the rise per step for your dog's size: about 5 inches for small dogs and about 7 inches for larger dogs, and round up.
The best dog stairs for large dogs have wide treads, deep landings and a stated weight limit above your dog's weight. The Pet Gear Easy Step Dog & Cat Stairs, Large, have the widest landings among our picks, though the listing gives no weight limit. Very heavy dogs or tall beds may be better served by a ramp.
They can, unless they have a non-slip base. On hard floors, choose steps with a rubber or anti-slip bottom, as on the Niubya, Lesure and NonoPets picks, and push the set flush against the bed frame. A thin rug pad underneath adds extra grip if the steps still shift.
Yes, steps reduce the impact of jumping on and off the bed, which loads sore joints with each landing. Choose a low rise, deep treads and a soft, grippy surface. Steps support comfort but do not treat arthritis, so ask your vet about pain management if your dog is stiff or reluctant to jump.
Yes, as long as the steps match the couch height. Measure from floor to the top of the seat cushion, which is usually lower than a bed, and apply the same rise per step. A shorter set, such as the 3-step NonoPets stairs, often fits a couch, while bed steps may be too tall for it.
Take off the removable cover and machine wash it following the label, then air dry or tumble dry on low if allowed. Spot clean the foam insert with a damp cloth and mild soap, and let it dry fully before replacing the cover. Avoid soaking the foam, since trapped moisture can cause odor.
Coreen Saito is a pet writer and longtime shelter volunteer with more than a decade in animal rescue. She covers cat behavior, breed care, and the small, ordinary science of sharing a life with companion animals, with a particular focus on honest takes about the products and decisions that actually matter. At home in Arizona, she's outranked by Mac (a dog with the loudest opinion in the house), Rebel (a cat who governs by quiet authority), and Meri (an orange tabby who runs the late shift and the laundry basket). She writes about all three, plus the rescues that keep coming through her life, at LifeWithMinty.com.
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