The science behind dog stairs

Stairs aren't a luxury.
They're the healthier choice.

Research from Hartpury University found that using a properly-fitted stair reduces the force on a dog's joints by up to 5 times compared to jumping from the same height. For large breeds, that difference compounds over thousands of trips.

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By the numbers

What the research shows.

Less joint strain

Research from Hartpury University found stairs reduce the force on a dog's joints by up to 5 times compared to jumping from the same height.

70kg+

Load rated

Tested to handle the heaviest large breeds — Great Danes, Malamutes, Rottweilers — without flex or movement.

15,000

Quality cycles

Every set is tested to 15,000 use cycles before it ships. That's twice-daily use for over 20 years.

When it makes a difference

Every dog. Every trip. Every time.

Daily trips

The boot becomes a frictionless part of every day — deploy in 5 seconds, your dog climbs in. No lifting, no hesitation.

Vet visits

Dogs that are already anxious don't need the added stress of jumping. Stairs give them a calm, controlled way in and out.

Road trips

On long drives, your dog needs to get in and out multiple times. Stairs make every stop easy regardless of the terrain.

Older dogs

Joint stiffness sets in gradually. Stairs remove the daily impact load that accelerates that process — or makes it worse once it's started.

Post-surgery recovery

After cruciate repair or hip surgery, jumping is off the table. Stairs are the only safe way back into the car.

Prevention

You don't need to wait for signs of joint pain. Starting stairs at 2–3 years old for large breeds is increasingly what vets recommend.

Common conditions

Why vets recommend stairs
for these conditions.

These are the conditions most commonly cited by vets when recommending dog stairs for car access. If your dog has been diagnosed with any of these, stairs aren't optional — they're essential.

Hip dysplasia

A structural condition where the hip socket doesn't form properly. Jumping amplifies the grinding and inflammation. Stairs eliminate the impact entirely.

Cruciate ligament tears

One of the most common large dog injuries in Australia — and one of the most expensive to treat. Repeated jumping is a significant risk factor.

Elbow dysplasia

Often overlooked because it's in the front legs, but front legs absorb the landing force first. Stairs reduce that shock load significantly.

Arthritis

Once arthritis sets in, every jump is painful. Stairs make car access possible again for dogs that have started refusing.

Spinal compression

Long-bodied breeds like Dachshunds and Labs are prone to disc issues worsened by repeated impact. Stairs reduce the spinal load on every trip.

Post-surgical recovery

After TPLO, FHO, or hip replacement, jumping isn't just painful — it can undo the procedure. Stairs are the clinically required alternative.

Think in trips, not moments

7,000 jumps over 10 years.
Or zero.

If your dog gets in and out of the car twice a day, that's 730 jumps per year. Over 10 years, that's over 7,000 high-impact landings on developing joints. The force from each one is real. The damage is cumulative. Stairs don't just help today — they change the trajectory of your dog's joint health over their lifetime.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about dog stairs, joint health, and whether they're right for your dog.

Ready to protect your dog's joints?

Tell us your vehicle and your dog's name. Our team will confirm the right fit and send you a custom quote — usually within a few hours.

From $4,500 — shipping included Australia-wide

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