How to Make Steps for Dogs

Sick, small or lame dogs can sometimes struggle to get up on the bed next to you, or on a couch or chair. You either have to lift the poor thing yourself, or watch as he claws and paws at the side of the couch, begging to sit near you. Help your dog out by following the directions below to make him a set of safe, lightweight dog steps out of foam. Make more than one and place them by each bed or couch, or build one set and move it around. Either way, life will get a bit easier for you and your dog.

Things You'll Need

• Dense foam of your choice Spray-on adhesive Fabric Butcher knife Newspapers Needle, thread 1/16 size elastic band

Instructions

1. Purchase a large block of foam at your nearest upholstery store or home improvement center. The firmer the foam, the longer it will hold it's shape. Ask some at the store to cut it to the following specifications, or alternately, cut them yourself with a butcher knife. The first piece should be 4-inches by 14-inches by 12-inches. The second piece of foam should measure 4-inches by 11-inches by 12-inches, and the third piece should be 4-inches by 8-inches by 12-inches.

2. Create the first steps. Protect the floor with newspaper, then put the longest piece of foam flat on that paper. Take the second piece of foam, and spray the bottom of it with a spray adhesive. Place it on the longest piece, with the far ends aligned so that a step is formed.

3. Create the last step. Take the smallest piece and spray it with the adhesive. Place it on top of the middle piece, again aligning it with the other two so that it forms a stair-step. You should now have three steps. Let them sit for a few minutes on the newspaper so the adhesive can dry.

4. Create a removable cover for the steps. This will protect the foam from gouges and nicks from the dog's teeth and claws. First, cut a swath of fabric the size of the combined height and length of the steps. Next, lay the steps on their side on a new piece of fabric, and trace the shape of the steps onto the fabric. Cut two pieces, one for each side. Finally, cut a piece for the bottom of the steps.

5. Sew the side pieces to the top piece of the steps. Next, take the bottom piece and cut out the middle of it. Sew elastic, 1/16 inch size, around the opening. Then, sew the bottom piece onto the remainder of the step cover. This will allow you to stretch the cover over the steps and give it a more snug fit.

Tips & Warnings

• An alternate to sewing the fabric step cover would be to cover each step individually by wrapping each step in fabric and using the adhesive to glue the fabric onto the step.

Resources

• Directions for building dog steps out of styrofoam.