susiewho's Full Review: As Seen On TV Deluxe Doggy Steps
We have two little Chihuahuas. Short legged and older, so they aren't too agile. One has a luxating patella (bad knee) so it was imperative that they had help getting in and out of our rather high bed. I didn't want them bounding off and breaking something and getting momentum to leap up just wasn't happening. We discourage bad knee guy from jumping on and off furniture.
We see a lot of infomercials and had seen the doggy steps on television. We were iffy about getting involved with having to mail it back if we didn't like the one shown but then we saw it in our local CVS and gave it some thought. We bought the doggy steps in our local CVS rather than buying it from the system on television because it gave us a much easier return ability.
These are called Deluxe Doggy Steps I might add. To start with the light weight of the box should have been a clue that this wasn't all that Deluxe but we gave it a shot anyway. You put your steps together yourself. There are the three step version of the steps and there is also a four step version.
The steps are meant to be covered with sheepskin or rather faux sheepskin that stretches over the frame. This goes on fairly easily but isn't reallly snug enough once on. The material is washable. The whole thing measures 12" high, 14 inches deep and 14" wide. The three steps are really small measuring only 4 " high. The advertising on the box says it can be used for dogs or cats. Supposedly it can hold up to 70 pounds. I highly doubt it would support any dog that large. This might work better for a cat than a dog.
There are many more pet steps on the market that are sturdier. This set moves too easily, does not grip the floor and in general is rather junky, hardly deluxe.Some sets are entirely made of polyurethane foam which is really unstable. These are probably more suitable for light weight cats if any pet. The good doggy steps are usually carpeted and of course, more expensive running around $79.00 but this set is a classic get what you pay for or less set.
The entire thing was less than impressive. The faux sheepskin was thin, the steps were narrow. We didn't even bother introducing the dogs to it. We looked at each other and said "Nah ,it's junk, it's going back." We dismantled it and took it back. It was $19.99 less a $5.00 off CVS card holder rebate if we spent $25.00. Definitely not worth the money. We ended up using an ottoman, actually what used to be called a hassock. We purchased this at TJ Maxx. It's lidded, upholstered , decorative and holds the boys necessities. It was only a few dollars more than the flimsy steps but far more sturdy and practical since it also provided storage. It was also quite decorative. The Deluxe Doggy Steps were certainly not decorative.
This "Deluxe" Doggy Step is just another one of those rainmaker gadgets that appears on infomercials all the time. You know,"call now and you also get deals..." Don't bother with this. Build your own or buy an ottoman or chest. There are much sturdier versions of the doggy steps on line at many of the pet cites i.e. drsfosterandsmitih
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Doggy steps are great for small or overweight pets (up to 70 lbs), pets with arthritis. These steps will also help reduce your back problems: no more ...More at Amazon Marketplace
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