The Dog Sleeps in the Bed! A Guide to Dog Bed Steps and Ramps

Seth Carter 25/06/2025

If you’ve got a diminutive doggy, a canine that is long in the tooth, or a Rover in recovery after surgery or injury, you already know the struggle. Your dog is a part of the family and wants, nay, needs to be on the bed. Getting up there safely isn’t always easy. High bed frames and aging joints don’t mix, and constant lifting can strain you and your dog.

That’s where handcrafted pet steps and ramps come in. At DutchCrafters, we offer solid wood dog steps and ramps that are built to last and made to blend beautifully with your solid wood bedroom furniture. Skilled Amish woodworkers craft each piece and can be customized to match your décor, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for your pet’s comfort.

When Does Your Dog Need Help Getting on the Bed?

Senior dogs with joint issues can’t make the jumps anymore. They may choose to sleep elsewhere even though they want to join you in bed. Or, they may risk it all and potentially suffer an injury.
Small breeds with short legs (e.g., Dachshunds, Yorkies, and Chihuahuas) can make the jumps, but the repeated stress on their joints and ligaments can damage them.
Dogs recovering from surgery or injury should never jump on and off furniture.
Puppies should not jump for safety while growing. This one may not be so obvious, but the AKC recommends that puppies not be trained in jumping (for show) until after 12 months old. The growth plates are still open until a dog reaches one year of age, and they may not have the required muscle to absorb the jumps and take stress off the ligaments.

Should You Get Dog Steps or a Dog Ramp?

Dog steps are great for dogs who comfortably climb stairs. They easily fit into small bedrooms and seamlessly into your solid wood bedroom decor. They are more compact and vertical, making efficient use of space.

Dog ramps are better for dogs with arthritis or mobility limitations. Although ramps may not have the same aesthetic as dog stairs, they are easier on the joints, particularly for older dogs. The ramp might be necessary if your dog is struggling with joint health. It’s well worth the tradeoff of using more floor space.

Tip: Some customers keep a ramp by the bed and a set of steps in the living room for couch access.

Why Solid Wood Matters for Pet Steps and Ramps

Compared to flimsy plastic or folding foam steps, solid wood pet furniture offers support and long-term reliability. While lightweight options from big-box stores might work in a pinch, they often slide, bend, or wobble, especially under the weight of larger dogs or those who hesitate before leaping.

Our solid wood pet stairs and ramps provide stability, durability, and the beauty of natural wood. Each piece from DutchCrafters is handcrafted from real premium hardwoods. They can be customized to match your existing bedroom furniture or selected to match a new set.

This isn’t just pet furniture, it’s real furniture.

Stylish Support: Match Your Bedroom Décor

DutchCrafters’ pet furniture can complement your sleigh bed, platform bed, or classic panel bed.

Support your pooch’s independence and mobility by allowing them to get in the bed and cuddle whenever they please without hurting their joints. Explore our handcrafted dog bed steps, built to last a lifetime.

Shop All Dog Steps and Ramps

Don’t forget to check out our other solid wood, Amish-made pet furniture!

If you’re a fellow dog lover, you might enjoy learning more about the dogs of DutchCrafters and the special bond our writer, Beth Rice, shares with her rescued pup. Beth is the heart and voice behind many of our videos and blog posts, and she’s also a published author with a deep love for animals.

Read/Watch my interview with Beth about her new novel
Check out her novel about working at a vet’s office on Amazon