Although stairs are meant to simplify the process of moving from one floor to the other, they have been proven to be a health hazard. This applies to man and pets alike.
This is all because of the slippery nature of the materials used in making the pet steps. But how can you effectively prevent falls and slip-related injuries from happening?
Simple, by selecting the best stair treads for dogs, since what works for pets will also work for you. The tread increases traction while also protecting the surface.
Amazon’s Top 3 Best Seller “Stair Treads for Dogs”:
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Comparison Table of Top Stair Treads for Dogs
There are many staircase treads on the market, but are they efficient for dogs? Don’t worry as we have come up with a brief comparison list to help you make a perfect decision.
| # | Name | Color | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carpet Stair Tread Treads Stair Rugs Mats Rubber Backing | Dark Red | Check Price |
| 2 | Non-Slip Tread Bullnose Carpet by Comme Rug | Brown | Check Price |
| 3 | Non-Slip Carpet Stair Treads by EdenProducts | Brown | Check Price |
| 4 | Carpet Stair Treads Non-Slip 15-Pack Runners for Wooden Steps by Finehous | Brown | Check Price |
| 5 | 15-Pack Non-Slip Stair Treads Tape Clear Anti-Slip Indoor Strips | Clear Transparent | Check Price |
What to Look for in Dog Stair Treads
Below are some of the main factors you should consider when looking for a high-quality and efficient stair tread.
Safety
The primary reason why you opt for stair treads is that slippery surfaces pose more harm to the pets. This is because, unlike you, it’s almost impossible to control a dog’s nature of walking.
Also, the pieces should be equipped with adhesive backings e.g. rubber backing and have a soft, non-slip yet easy-to-walk on surface.
Number of Treads in Each Pack
The number of treads varies from one manufacturer to the other; this allows you to choose a package that suits your number of steps. For example, some packs contain 15 pieces while others have less than that.
Type of Material
The stair tread should be made from high-quality materials that will offer long-term use, are gentle and non-slip.
That isn’t all, the durable stair tread should not get dirty quickly and can retain its color or shape despite limitless use.
Ease of Installation
Some treads require permanent installation and prove challenging to install while others are easy to set up. This all depends on whether you’d want removable stair treads for easy cleaning or the non-removable ones.
Dimensions
The width and length of the treads are essential in determining the size of your respective staircases.
A good tread should not leave more allowance as this will be a loophole for slippage, hence it won’t be addressing the real safety issue.
Let’s not keep you waiting for long, below are the 5 top-rated treads as explained in detail by our unbiased editors.
The 5 Best Stair Treads for Dogs:
1. Antdle Non-Slip Indoor 14-Set Carpet Stair Treads
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These simply designed carpet stair treads from Antdle will not only enlighten your hardwood stairs but will also prevent you and the pets from slipping over.
The truth is the treads don’t require a rubber gripper to be installed as they boast of an anti-skid PVC bottom and non slip backing for safer use.
The set comprises 14 staircase treads weighing in at 12 pounds. Each tread measures 30 by 8 by 0.3 inches and features a double stripe top surface for added safety.
The best part is that the treads can be cleaned easily by hand or in a large washing machine. Nevertheless, you must take care not to use hot water on the treads.
Lastly, the product comes with a one-month replacement warranty to give you the confidence to invest in the product. However, we felt that the warranty period could have been longer.
Pros
- Non-skid base and top surfaces
- Doesn’t shrink or deform when washed
- 1-month free-replacement warranty
- Non-slip treads
- Elongates the life span of wooden stairs
Cons
- Only meant for indoor use
- The bump design tends to trap dirt
2. Comme Rug Non-Slip Aucuda Indoor Hard Floor Stair Tread
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Give your pet stairs or hardwood floor a decent look with these treads made from premium-quality tear and wear-free polypropylene fiber to guarantee long term use.
These Aucuda treads are tightly woven and are bound on all the edges to avoid unwanted curling up or loosening.
Installation of these 26 by 9.5 by 1.5 inches treads is easy as they feature adhesive tapes to stick them in one place.
Each bag contains 13 pieces of hard floor staircase covers which can be obtained either as beige, brown, or gray.
The flat surface has no bumps, just like the Antdle treads doesn’t collect dirt and makes cleaning easy with a vacuum cleaner.
However, this product was one of the priciest ones that we came across. It may indicate the quality it packs, but the high cost will surely put off many potential buyers.
Pros
- Long-lasting 100% polypropylene construction
- Easy to clean
- Simple to set up
- Edge-bound to prevent fuzzing or deformation
Cons
- A little pricey
- Can’t be cut (take correct measurements in the case or spiral stairs)
3. EdenProducts Non-Slip Patent Pending Carpet Stair Treads
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Ensure your whole family and pet’s safety with these luxurious EdenProducts carpet stair treads made from soft yet durable wool blends for a comfortable feel for the bare feet.
Each carpet tread features a non-moving surface for easy removal whenever the need arises, unlike the treads that once put up stay in that place permanently.
The package includes 15 treads of 8 by 30 inches with a total weight of 4.85 pounds and has a 30-day worry-free warranty.
You can simply clean your non slip tread with a vacuum cleaner or a broom to remove any dust particles. Also, the various colors the treads are offered in as brown, gray, beige, and red allow you to choose the ones that blend with your house decor.
Most of all, the surface is non-slip, as you would expect of a stair tread carpet. This minimizes the chances of your pet slipping and falling over when walking up and down the stairs or any other slippery surface.
Pros
- Quite affordable
- High-quality construction
- Non-slip surface
- Cleans easily
- Elegant design
Cons
- Doesn’t have a permanent adhesive and might need nails to fix
4. Finehous Non-Slip Carpet Stair Treads
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Similar to wooden staircase runners, these Finehous treads feature an adhesive surface for better traction.
The treads are made from 100% polyester which is more robust than polypropylene, owl blend, or wool. This is in terms of texture retention, stain-resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning.
Although machine washing is recommended, spot cleaning or vacuuming is advised after first-time use.
Installation can be done quickly by removing the protective film on the base to expose the less intensity adhesive surface. After that, you can now fasten the pad on a previously cleaned surface.
The set contains 15 stair mats weighing 4.05 pounds and measuring 8 by 30 inches each.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Machine washable
- Excellent quality
- Non-slip
Cons
- A little pricey
5. Grade Anti-Slip Clear Tape Indoor Strips
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You don’t deserve to incur injuries on your office or home staircase due to slippery stairs when you can utilize these Grade non-slip tapes.
The package comprises 15 pieces of 4 by 32 inches tapes made from PEVA based non-harmful materials to deliver total comfort and safety.
Interestingly, the tapes are long enough to occupy the entire length of each staircase, unlike the standard 24-inch adhesives.
The tapes come with a roller to ensure seamless installation for better traction on staircases or stairs like wooden stairs, concrete stairs, marble stairs, tile stairs, or metal stairs.
There’s more, the clear tapes allow you to cover your slippery surfaces without having to change their original look. This also makes your precious floors or steps to retain their sparkle despite the regular use they might be subjected to.
Pros
- Transparent
- Works on various types of floors
- Made with eco-friendly materials
- Increases traction on surfaces
Cons
- Works great only on a painted wood stair
Smart Ways of Preventing your Dog from Falling Down the Stairs
We have all seen the kind of threat that stairs often pose to canines. On top of that, we have mentioned a non-slip stair tread as one way of making stairs safer for your dog with minimal risk of accidents.
Are there other ways of making stairs safer for dogs? Yes, there are, and we have discussed them below.
I) Block off The Stairs
This may be the ultimate solution to the problem whereby you ensure your pet has no access to the stairs at all. Then, if your pet doesn’t climb the stairs, there is no way of tripping on them.
In this instance, we suggest that you invest in a pet gate that you would invest at the base of the staircase. As a result, your dog will not find a way of climbing the stairs.
A typical pet gate should be easy for you to go through when you need to, while the size will depend on your stairs’ design.
II) Set up A Dog Ramp/Carpet Runner
Another way of keeping your dog away from the stairs is by installing a pet ramp. However, this only works if the staircase is very short. Here, we are talking about stairs with less than five steps.
The best part is that the installation should be pretty straightforward, and you should be done in a matter of seconds. Your only task would be to lay the installation over the stairs.
This unit is perfect for elderly dogs since it reduces pressure on the hips and hind legs. Further, they feature a non-slip coating that keeps them from sliding back down.
And if you have wide stairs, a stair runner will ensure you have no need to remove it after use as you will have enough room left to walk on.
III) Consult your Vet
At times, maybe the dog stairs aren’t the problem but your canine. There are certain medical conditions that may make stairs difficult for your dog. These issues include:
- Arthritis
- Joint problems
- Hip issues
- Nerves, and so on
Make a point of observing your dog as he goes up or down the dog steps, and if you notice any signs that may require a vet’s attention do not waste time and set up the appointment.
IV) Carry the Pet
For the smaller-sized dogs or pups, carrying him up and down the carpeted stairs should not be an issue. Alternatively, you could also use a travel kennel, which will help you out if you have a stubborn canine. Then, load the small dog and shut the door.
What about a large dog? The answer is in the next point.
V) A Dog Lift
Larger breeds such as German Shepherds are often plagued with hip or joint issues as they age. Since climbing the stairs with such a condition is not easy, a dog lift/sling could help remove some weight from the hind legs.
Walking up and down the stairs will no longer be uncomfortable for the older dog.
VI) Train the Dog
Lastly, you could indulge your dog in boundary training. This involves training your dog to stay out of specific areas such as bedrooms and, of course, the stairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to the questions you might be having concerning stair treads.
Q: Are stair treads important?
A: Yes, because they help you to secure your home further since they enable you to navigate the staircase comfortably.
Q: Do I need special tools to install my stair treads?
A: Most stair treads are easy to install since they have rubber backing/adhesive bottoms and won’t require special tools or knowhow.
Q: Can I use the treads for my outdoor stairs?
A: Find out about this before ordering as every bunch of treads is specified whether if it’s suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Fortunately, some treads like those from Grade are ergonomically designed for installation on most surfaces.
Q: What makes the perfect stair treads?
A: There are certain features that would serve as an assurance that you have invested in the best stair treads. These include the quality of construction, safety aspect, ease of installation, and the number of treads per pack.
Q: Can you wash a rug pad in the washer?
A: Yes, you can. However, this depends on the materials used in the rug’s construction, whereby some are suitable for the machine while others aren’t. Always make a point of reading the label beforehand to be on the safe side.
Which One Is The Best?
After our detailed analysis on each stair tread, we’ve concluded that the Antdle Non-Slip Indoor 14-Set Carpet Stair Treads to be the best. This is because the carpet treads feature a simple design, have a skid-proof PVC surface, and retain their original shape.
Moreover, the Antdle carpet treads are easy to clean either by hand or machine and come backed by a 30-day satisfaction or replacement warranty.
Conclusion
This article has explained in detail the buyer’s guide to some of the top-rated stair treads you can use to keep your pets safe.
The most notable thing is that all these stair covers are made to last, are offered in different colors, and are easy to maintain.
Above all, the stair treads feature non-skid adhesive bottoms including a rubber backing to keep them in place while their top layer is made with non-slippery fabric for enhanced pet safety.
