How to Make a Staircase Friendly for Pets?
In most cases, when people talk about the safety of using staircases, they think of human accident statistics. However, have you ever thought about the risks staircases pose to pets? In fact, pet owners should seriously consider this issue. Pets get injured on stairs just as often as humans do. That’s why you should learn more things about how to make your stairs safer for pets – cats, dogs, and other pets.
Even if you don’t have a staircase yet and are planning to install a structure, you should consider the basics beforehand. You should take care of your pets so that they can also use the stairs safely and comfortably. That’s why we decided to write this article and share with you the key tips for making a pet staircase friendly.
Major Difficulties of Animals with Staircases
Household pets often have difficulty climbing up and down stairs, especially if the design is not initially adapted to their needs. What are the consequences of this? In fact, it can lead to fear, insecurity and even injury.
- The steps are too slippery. Smooth surfaces, especially varnished wood, marble and other slippery staircase materials, make it difficult to grip and can lead to a fall.
- The angle of the stairs is large. Climbing too sharply becomes an obstacle for small or older animals.
- Physical challenges. As cats and dogs get older, they become physically weaker, making it more difficult for them to navigate stairs properly.
To ensure comfort and safety, it’s important to consider your pet’s physical features and evaluate the ladder design for potential hazards beforehand. Read on to find out useful tips!
A Few Tips to Make Using Staircases for Pets Easy
Pets are full members of the family, so you must consider their comfort in all aspects, including stair climbing. We know how to make these structures more comfortable for your chubby friends. Below, we’ve compiled four helpful tips you should know!
1. Choose Simple Staircase Type
Helical and zig-zag staircases look incredible, don’t they? However, for pets, these types of designs can cause some difficulties in using them. The best solution is to pay attention to the simplest types of ladders that go in one direction. Moreover, this will reduce the risk of injuries due to the unusual shape of the ladder.
Straight staircases can also look cool. Want to be sure of this in person? Check the V.PSTAIRS portfolio, where you can find many inspiring projects. Most of them are perfect for homes where families live with their pets.
2. Install Non-Slip Mats
One of the most effective solutions is to place non-slip mats on the steps. They provide better grip on the surface and help your pet to move up or down with confidence. This is especially important for breeds with short legs or older animals with poor coordination.
Choose mats with a rubberised base that will not slip on their own. Fasten them securely to avoid shifting. It’s also worth keeping the surface clean – dust build-up can reduce grip and negate the effect.
3. Add Quality Lighting
Poor visibility is a common cause of pet insecurity on stairs. If the area of the stairwell is dark, the pet may simply give up trying to go down or up. The solution is to add soft, diffused lighting along the stairs.
You can install LED strips or spot lights with a motion sensor. This will help not only the animal, but also all members of the family. The main thing is to avoid harsh shadows and bright directional light, so as not to frighten the animal or create blinding spots.
Explore more information about staircase lighting
4. Regularly Monitor the Condition of the Construction
Even the most comfortable staircase can become dangerous if not maintained. Wobbly rungs, cracks or protruding nails all pose a risk to people and pets alike. Regular inspection of the structure can help to detect such problems early.
Inspect your stairs at least once a month. Replace worn-out elements, strengthen the handrail, repair chips. The earlier you detect a defect, the less chance that the pet will suffer because of it. Simple prevention is the key to safety and peace of mind.
Find the Optimal Solution at the V.PSTAIRS
Do you have favourite pets? Then it’s time to make the best use of your stairs for them. Whether you already have a structure or are just planning to install one, V.PSTAIRS has something to offer you. As the leading staircase installation company in the UK, we take a personalised approach to each and every customer.
If you have any specifics, nuances or requests, we are happy to explore them. We hold a consultation where we listen to your requirements first and foremost. So if you have a dog, cat or other pet, please let us know at the time of contact. Our experts will design the staircase keeping in mind the presence of the pet, so that the design is comfortable and safe for all the residents of your home. Contact us in any convenient way for a free consultation!
6 Comments
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Charlie Webb
As someone with an elderly Labrador, this was incredibly helpful. We’ll be modifying our staircase next week!
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Lily Richards
Are helical staircases ever a good option for pets, or should they always be avoided?
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vpstairs
Great question! Helical staircases can be tricky for pets, especially larger or older ones. We typically recommend straight or L-shaped stairs with pet-safe features.
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Isabella Cooper
We put a runner down the middle (not too fluffy) and it stopped our spaniel doing the “Bambi on ice” routine. Wish we’d done it sooner.
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Amelia Evans
The lighting tip is underrated. My cat was fine in the day but looked genuinely confused at night. Motion-sensor LEDs made a bigger difference than I expected
Comments are closed.
Ella Murray
Brilliant tips! I never thought about using anti-slip strips specifically designed for paws.