Stairs for Dogs for Bed: Matching Step Height to Your Mattress

The right stairs for dogs for bed are the ones whose top step sits within a couple of inches of your mattress surface, with a non-slip base and steps your dog can actually place all four paws on. The ZOMISIA 5-Step Dog Stairs (rated for beds up to 25 inches) is our top pick because it covers most tall beds and fits small to large dogs, and the EHEYCIGA 18-inch 4-Step is the runner-up for lower beds and small dogs. This guide is research-based: we read manufacturer listing details and mobility guidance from veterinary sources, and we did not personally use these products.

Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: ZOMISIA 5-Step Dog Stairs, built for beds up to 25 inches
• Best for Large Dogs: MEJYJEM 28.7-inch 5-Step Pet Ramp, tall and built for big dogs
• Best Extra-Wide Pick: Miorun Extra Wide Dog Stairs, 25 inches tall and 20 inches wide
• Best Budget: EHEYCIGA 18-inch 4-Step Dog Stairs
• Best for Standard Beds: AKC 4-Step Pet Stairs, 16 inches with a removable cover
• Best Tall-Bed Pick for Small Dogs: Aodisman 5-Step Dog Stairs, 22.2 inches
• Best Adjustable Pick: Garnpet 4-Step Adjustable Foldable Dog Stairs

Quick Comparison Table

Most of these stairs are foam, which is light, quiet on hardwood and kind to paws. If you need a wooden ramp or a longer incline for a dog with limited mobility, see Also Consider.

EHEYCIGA Dog Stairs for Bed 18" H, 4-Step Dog Steps for High Bed, Grey | Pet Steps for Small Dogs and Cats, Non-Slip Balanced Pet Ramp Indoor

Chosen because it specifies 4-Step Dog Steps for High Bed and Grey.

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MEJYJEM Dog Stairs for high Beds 28.7” H, 5 Step Pet Ramp for Large Dogs | High-density foam ramp fits small to large dogs get on couch or sofa, non-slip bottom, grey

Chosen because it specifies 5 Step Pet Ramp for Large Dogs and non-slip bottom.

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EHEYCIGA Dog Stairs for High Bed 22.5" H, 5-Step Dog Steps, Grey | Pet Steps for Small Dogs and Cats for Bed, Non-Slip Balanced Pet Ramp Indoor

Chosen because it specifies 5-Step Dog Steps and Grey.

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ZOMISIA Dog Stairs Ramp for High Beds Up to 25", 5 Step Pet Stairs Grey | Dog Steps 35D Foam for Couch, Fits Small to Large Dogs up to 60 lbs, Zipper Split Structure, Non-Slip Bottom, Washable Cover

Chosen because it specifies 5 Step Pet Stairs Grey and Dog Steps 35D Foam for Couch.

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1. ZOMISIA 5-Step Dog Stairs: Best Overall for Tall Beds

• Rated for high beds up to 25 inches, per the listing
• 5 steps in 35D foam
• Described as fitting small to large dogs
• Grey cover; ramp-style stair design
• Weight rating: not listed in the short listing

Best for: Households with a tall modern bed and a dog that is small, medium or lightly built large.

Skip if: your bed is lower than about 20 inches, in which case a 4-step model will fit better.

The ZOMISIA wins because it solves the problem most owners run into: a mattress that sits higher than most pet stairs. The listing says it is designed for beds up to 25 inches, which covers many standard bed-and-frame combinations.

A five-step design spreads the climb into smaller rises. For a dog, a lower rise per step means less jumping and less strain on the back legs, which is why stairs are often recommended for older dogs and short-legged breeds. If your dog has a health condition affecting mobility, ask your veterinarian which stairs or ramp suit its needs.

Foam stairs are also quiet. There is no clatter on hardwood floors at night, which matters if you want your dog on the bed but not waking the household. Place the stairs flush against the bed frame, and check that they do not slide when your dog steps up.

Pros

• Reaches up to a 25-inch bed
• Five small steps reduce strain
• Light, quiet foam construction
• Suitable for small to large dogs per the listing

Cons

• Bulkier than 3-step stairs
• Weight rating not stated in the short listing

2. EHEYCIGA Dog Stairs for Bed 18-Inch 4-Step: Best Budget Stairs for Lower Beds

• 18 inches tall, 4 steps, per the listing
• For small dogs and cats
• Non-slip bottom
• Grey and beige versions are sold
• Weight rating: not listed

Best for: Small dogs and cats climbing onto a standard-height bed.

Skip if: your bed measures over 20 inches to the top of the mattress.

This model is the practical choice for a small dog and a normal bed. The 18 inch height matches many mattress-and-frame combinations, and four steps keep the rise gentle.

The non-slip bottom prevents the stairs from sliding on hardwood. If you have a rug, put the stairs on the rug but check that the edges do not curl, which can make a dog hesitate.

Because it is a budget item, expect a simpler cover and fewer extras. That is fine for most small dogs, and it makes a good second set for a spare room.

Pros

• Low price for a 4-step stair
• Non-slip base
• Works for cats too

Cons

• Too short for tall mattresses
• Not for large dogs

3. MEJYJEM 28.7-Inch 5-Step Pet Ramp for Large Dogs: Best for Large Dogs and Very Tall Beds

• 28.7 inches tall, 5 steps, per the listing
• High-density foam ramp style
• Fits small to large dogs, per the listing
• Weight rating: not listed in the short listing
• Long incline reduces step height

Best for: Large dogs and very tall beds, such as those with box springs and thick toppers.

Skip if: your bedroom is small, because a ramp-style design needs floor length.

The MEJYJEM is the tallest option in the list. If you share a high bed with a Labrador or a similar big dog, a stair that reaches nearly 29 inches is the only way to avoid a jump.

A ramp-style incline is gentler than a vertical stair. Dogs with stiff joints often find a long incline easier than a steep one, though dogs with certain back conditions need guidance from a veterinarian.

The trade-off is space. A tall stair takes up a lot of floor, so measure the gap beside your bed. If it will block a walkway, consider a more compact option.

Pros

• Reaches very tall beds
• Gentle incline
• Fits large dogs

Cons

• Large footprint
• Bulky to store

4. Miorun Extra Wide Dog Stairs for Large Dogs: Best Extra-Wide Build

• 25 inches tall, 5 steps, per the listing
• 20 inches wide
• CertiPUR-US certified foam, per the listing
• High-density foam
• Weight rating: not listed

Best for: Big dogs, nervous climbers and seniors that need a wider tread.

Skip if: you want a compact, low-cost set.

Width is the feature here. A 20 inch tread gives a large dog room to place all four paws on each step, and that is what makes a dog feel confident. Narrow stairs can make large dogs hesitate or misjudge their footing.

CertiPUR-US foam means the foam is certified for certain content and emissions standards. That is a sensible detail to check in any foam product that will sit in a bedroom.

The price reflects the size and the certification. If you only have a small dog, you do not need this much stair.

Pros

• Wide steps boost confidence
• CertiPUR-US foam per the listing
• Tall enough for most beds

Cons

• Highest price tier in the group
• Large footprint

5. AKC 4-Step Pet Stairs (16 Inch): Best for Standard-Height Beds

• 4 steps, 16 inches high, per the listing
• Removable cover
• For small dogs and cats
• Brand shown in the listing: American Kennel Club
• Weight rating: not listed

Best for: Small dogs and cats and a bed with a top surface around 16 to 18 inches.

Skip if: your mattress is higher than 18 inches.

A removable cover is helpful on a grooming-focused site: dogs shed, drool and drag mud onto stairs, and a washable cover keeps it from becoming a hair trap.

Sixteen inches is a good height for a standard guest-room bed or a low platform bed. Measure before buying, because a stair that is a few inches short forces a jump at the top.

The AKC name on the listing is a brand label, so judge the stair on its height, steps and cover rather than on the name.

Pros

• Removable cover
• Low price
• Compact

Cons

• Short
• Small dogs only

6. Aodisman 5-Step Dog Stairs for High Bed (22.2 Inch): Best Mid-Height Pick for Small Dogs

• 22.2 inches tall, 5 steps, per the listing
• High-density foam
• Described for small dogs and cats
• Foam steps; base details not in the short listing
• Weight rating: not listed

Best for: Small dogs and cats on taller beds.

Skip if: your dog is a large breed.

The Aodisman fills the gap between the 18 inch and 25 inch options. At 22.2 inches with 5 steps, it handles many taller beds while keeping each step small enough for short legs.

Short-legged breeds such as Corgis and Dachshunds benefit from a gentle rise. If your dog has back problems, ask your veterinarian about whether stairs, a ramp or no bed access is appropriate.

Aodisman sells a range of heights, so you can match the model to your bed.

Pros

• Good mid-height
• Five steps for small dogs
• Several heights available

Cons

• Not for large dogs
• Step depth not listed

7. Garnpet 4-Step Adjustable Dog Stairs: Best Adjustable Pick

• 4 steps, adjustable and foldable, per the listing
• For small dogs and cats
• Foldable for storage
• Exact height settings: not in the short listing
• Weight rating: not listed

Best for: People who move beds or share stairs between a sofa and a bed.

Skip if: you need verified height settings before buying.

Adjustable stairs are useful if your bed height changes, for example when you switch between a bed with a topper and one without. They also help in a house with a bed and a couch.

Foldable stairs store easily in a closet. The compromise is that a folding hinge is another thing that can wear.

Check the full product page for the settings and use the table in this article to match the height to your mattress.

Pros

• Adjustable
• Foldable
• Good for multi-use

Cons

• Heights not in the short listing
• Hinges add a wear point

Also Consider

Love's cabin Foldable Dog Stairs with Storage: foldable stairs with built-in storage, for small, medium or large dogs and puppies.

Aodisman 3-Step Dog Stairs (15.7 Inch): a lower, cheaper stair for low beds and sofas.

KASBAH 5-Step Stairs for Beds up to 30 Inches: 27.5 inches tall with a tunnel design, for very tall beds and small dogs or cats.

Pawaboo Foldable Dog Ramp for Couch and Bed: an adjustable 9.8 to 20.5 inch ramp for small dogs that prefer an incline.

How We Chose

We started with how people actually use pet stairs: stepping onto a bed at night, often after a bath or a groom when the dog is clean and the owner wants it on the bed. We read manufacturer listing details, compared heights, step counts and foam types, and checked mobility guidance for senior and short-legged dogs.

We did not personally use these products. Where a listing leaves out weight ratings or exact heights, we say so. Price tiers are relative.

Selection rules: real, currently sold stairs; no more than two per brand; heights covering low, standard and very tall beds; ramp-style and stair-style options both represented.

Setup Checklist Before the First Night

• Measure floor to mattress top and write the number down.
• Place the stairs flush against the frame so there is no gap for a paw to slip into.
• Press on each step and rock the stair to confirm it does not slide.
• Put a light under or beside the stairs if the room is dark at night.
• Reward the first few climbs with a treat so the stairs feel like a good thing.
• Recheck stability after a week, because foam settles and rugs shift.

Taking ten minutes on these steps prevents most of the refusals and slips owners report with new pet stairs.

How to Match Stair Height to Your Mattress

Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress where your dog will step. Then compare the number with the stair height. The top step should land within two inches of the mattress surface. A stair that is too short forces a jump, and one that is too tall can leave the dog stepping down awkwardly.

A worked example: a platform bed with a 10 inch frame and a 12 inch mattress measures 22 inches to the top. That points to the Aodisman 22.2 inch stair or to the ZOMISIA, and the 18 inch EHEYCIGA would leave a four-inch jump.

Which Dogs Benefit Most From Bed Stairs

Small and short-legged breeds are the obvious group. A Dachshund, Corgi, Shih Tzu or Pug lands hard when it jumps down from a bed, and repeated impact adds up over years. Stairs turn that jump into a series of small steps. Senior dogs of any size are the second group, since stiff hips and knees make a leap from the floor unappealing even when the dog still wants to be near you.

Recently groomed dogs are a third, less obvious case. After a bath, trim or deshedding session many owners want a clean dog on the bed, and a stair with a washable cover lets the dog get up without paws dragging damp coat across the floor first. Puppies of large breeds are a fourth case, because owners are often advised to limit repeated jumping while their joints are still developing. Your veterinarian can tell you what is appropriate for your puppy’s breed and age.

Dogs with a diagnosed back or joint condition are a special case. Ask your veterinarian whether stairs, a ramp or keeping the dog off the bed is the right call, because the wrong angle or step height can make a problem worse rather than better.

Keeping Foam Stairs Clean Between Grooms

Foam stairs collect hair, dander and the odd muddy paw print. Pull the cover every couple of weeks and wash it on a gentle cycle, then air-dry it fully before putting it back. Use a lint roller or a rubber glove to lift shed hair from the foam itself. If a step gets damp, stand it on its side in a ventilated spot until it is dry, because trapped moisture can leave a musty smell.

Check the stairs every month for flattened steps and a loosened base. A step that no longer holds its shape is a slip risk, and a base that slides is worse. Replace worn stairs rather than trying to patch them.

Buying Guide

Step rise and depth

Step rise is the height of each step. For small dogs, 4 to 5 inches per step feels natural, and for large dogs 6 to 7 inches is fine. Divide the stair height by the number of steps to estimate it: an 18 inch stair with 4 steps has about 4.5 inches per step, while a 28.7 inch stair with 5 steps has about 5.7 inches if the steps are evenly spaced, though ramp designs alter this.

Depth matters too. If a step is shorter than your dog’s paw, it will slip. Large dogs need deeper treads.

Foam density and covers

High-density foam keeps its shape under repeated use. Low-density foam flattens, and a flattened step becomes slippery and uneven. Look for makers that describe the foam density or certification. Covers should be removable and washable, and a waterproof liner helps keep a wet dog from soaking the foam.

Non-slip bases

A base with rubber dots or a grippy fabric stops the stair from sliding when a dog hits the first step. On hardwood, this is non-negotiable. A stair that moves once will cause some dogs to refuse it for good.

Stairs or ramp

Stairs suit dogs that can climb. Ramps suit dogs that struggle with steps, but need more floor space. If your dog has mobility issues, a veterinarian can tell you which is safer. Ramps often cost more and fold less well.

Training your dog to use them

Introduce the stairs on the floor with treats, then move them next to the bed. Let your dog explore, lure the dog up one step at a time and praise each step. Most dogs learn within a few days, but nervous dogs may need a week or more.

Mistakes to Avoid With Dog Stairs

The most common mistake is buying stairs a few inches too short. Measure your mattress and compare it with the stair height.

The second mistake is leaving a stair against the bed without checking that it is stable. Press down on each step before you let your dog on.

The third is placing stairs on a slippery rug. If the rug moves, so does the stair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best height for dog stairs for a bed?

Choose stairs whose top step is within two inches of the mattress surface. Measure the floor to the top of the mattress and match it to the stair height.

Are dog stairs better than ramps for beds?

Stairs take less floor space, while ramps give a gentler incline. Dogs with mobility issues may do better on a ramp, but ask your veterinarian.

Do small dogs need stairs for the bed?

Many do. Short-legged breeds and older dogs may strain their backs or legs jumping up and down. Stairs reduce that jump.

How do I get my dog to use the stairs?

Introduce them on the floor with treats, then place them next to the bed. Lure your dog one step at a time and praise each step.

Can large dogs use foam stairs?

Yes, if the stairs are rated for large dogs and the foam is high density. Check the listing for weight limits; several listed here do not state them.

How do I clean pet stairs?

Remove the cover and wash it according to the label. Spot-clean the foam with a damp cloth and let it air-dry fully.

Are dog stairs safe for puppies?

Small, low stairs can help puppies, but keep sessions short and supervise. Ask your veterinarian about jumping limits for large-breed puppies.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you have a tall bed and a medium or large dog, start with the ZOMISIA. For a standard-height bed and a small dog, the EHEYCIGA 18-inch is hard to beat for the price. For very tall beds, choose the MEJYJEM, and for nervous or heavy dogs, the Miorun Extra Wide gives the broadest steps.

Measure your mattress, compare it with the table, and choose the stair whose top step is closest to the mattress without exceeding it by more than a couple of inches.

Sources

• Manufacturer listing details for each product named
• American Kennel Club breed and joint-care articles
• Veterinary guidance on stairs and ramps for senior and short-legged dogs
• CertiPUR-US program standards

Last updated: October 2026