If you have a pup that’s finding it difficult to get onto the sofa, bed or any other surface then dog steps can be a worthwhile investment. My dog, Lilly, struggles because of her poor vision so I thought I’d give the ZNM (Zvonema) dog steps a try and I was pleasantly surprised with what I got.
The ZNM dog steps feature a lightweight yet sturdy foam inner and a durable, machine washable cover for practical and convenient use. They’re non-slip and provide easy access to surfaces for older dogs or those with short legs.
With longer steps and a gentler slope, Lilly and I found these to be super easy to use as you can see from my YouTube video. But even so, there are some things I’d urge you to consider before making a decision on whether these are the right steps for your pooch.
ZNM Dog Pet Steps Advantages
- Ideal for dogs with short legs, joint problems or older animals.
- Dog steps like these can make getting up and down much safer, regardless of age or health conditions.
- The steps are well made and durable.
- The ZNM steps feature a removable cover and come with a free lint roller.
- The steps are easy to move from room to room.
Design
I’ve seen some dog stairs and steps whose design is neither practical or aesthetically pleasing. So you can imagine my delight when I discovered the ZNM steps because they excel in both of these areas.
For starters, the gentle slope provides your pet with more of a ramp-like design than actual steps which is perfect for dogs with joint issues or that are getting older. There are three steps in total although there is the option to purchase a two or four step design, should you require.
Not that the steps sit flush against the surface which means there’s no final step up for your pet. This is again ideal when limited the amount of effort your dog has to put in.
I was also really impressed with how nice these dog steps looked. I don’t know about you but the last thing I want are garish pet accessories around the home. Finding these steps that have a beautiful grey cover and a modern appearance was a real plus. And, if you aren’t a fan of grey, the steps also come in blue or pink.
Height
The ZNM dog steps measure 40 cm in height. It’s ideal for most sofas and beds as well as for things like window seats. Of course, I would suggest that you measure your surfaces before purchasing as you may need to consider the 30 cm or 52 cm versions with fewer and more steps.
If you are going for the two or four step options, I would also consider whether the step slope and depth is suitable for your dog. I noticed that, with the four step version, the depth was significantly shorter which gave the steps less of a gentle slope. For Lilly, that could be a problem.
Width
The steps are the same in width as they are in height: 40 cm, so they aren’t going to take up a massive amount of space on the floor but still give plenty of room for a small dog. Again, I would recommend measuring to make sure that they’ll fit.
Shape
As I’ve discussed, the ZNM dog steps are a ramp ladder so the steps have a gentler slope which is perfect for older dogs or those with mobility issues. Each step is 30 cm deep which is suitable for most small breeds but you’ll need to check the compatibility with your dog before buying.
ZNM Dog Pet Steps Material And Durability
One of the things that really impressed me about these dog steps was how strong and durable the cover material was. It’s made from corduroy which is known for being tough and is the perfect choice for dogs. What’s more, it’s high friction so there’s no risk of your dog slipping as he or she moves up and down the steps.
The steps themselves are made from 30D high density foam and the benefits of this are two-fold. For starters, the material is really breathable which I think is important when you’re using it with animals as anything else would hold onto odours and that’s not what we want.
Moreover, the foam really holds its shape. You can compress it right down and it’ll spring back to its original form. However, do keep in mind that the steps come vacuum packed and will need around 48 hours to expand.
I love that the steps are soft because Lilly has a habit of bumping into things because of her poor eyesight. Plastic and wooden steps could be pretty hard and may hurt when she has a bump but I’ve no concerns about her injuring herself with these steps.
If there’s one thing that I felt let the quality and durability down, it was the zip on the cover. It feels a little flimsy and I have read user reviews stating that it has easily broken. I haven’t been using the steps for long enough to determine if this will be a problem yet, but I will update this guide should I have any further issues with the zip.
Practicalities
What I really love about the ZNM dog steps is that they’re really stable. On the underside, you’ll find an anti-slip pattern so they’re ideal for use on wooden or tiled floors. Plus, while they are lightweight, the steps feel pretty sturdy. Although, if you have a very bouncy dog that is prone to running or jumping boisterously up the steps, I would err on the side of caution.
That said, as long as you stick to the weight limit of 60 lbs, there should be too many issues with stability.
As I mentioned, these are pretty lightweight steps weighing just 3.26 kg. The main benefit of this is that it’s really easy to move them around the house. However, when they’re not in use, it’s incredibly difficult to squash them down and put them back into the original packaging so storing them could be tricky.
I was also impressed with the free lint roller. It might be a small touch but it just helps to keep the steps looking their best, especially if you have a breed that moults a lot.
Zvonema Pet Steps Video Review
To see these pet steps from ZNM in action, see my detailed video review below.
Pros And Cons
ZNM Dog Pet Steps Suitability
The ZNM steps are versatile enough to be used for any kind of small dog. However, I think they’re especially good for dogs who are a little bit older and struggle to move up steep steps thanks to the ramp-like design.
This design also makes them perfect for dogs who are suffering from joint pain as there will be much less pressure on the joints.
However, users should be mindful that the maximum weight limit for these steps is 60 lbs. Using them for dogs larger than this could be dangerous.
A Veterinary Perspective
Jason Haley 4th year Vet Student stated –
“Pet steps are a great household addition for any potential pet owner looking to maximise the health and welfare of their animal.
I would highly recommend considering Pet Steps for older age / geriatric pets and those suffering from various joint conditions. Conditions such as OA (osteoarthritis), elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia are all too common in our older furry friends, especially in large / giant breed dogs. The benefit of pet steps for these patients is that they reduce the strain and pressure placed upon joints from jumping up / down from sofas / beds etc. Pet steps (although not treating the condition) will not only assist in preventing further joint degeneration (from reduced jumping), but also help to keep your pet as comfortable as possible, providing pain free alternative to reach their favourite areas in the house.
Another recommendation for pet steps would be for smaller pets (toy breed dogs / cats etc). Having pet steps present will discourage your pet from jumping from high surfaces and potentially causing self trauma / limb fractures, something all too commonly seen in Veterinary Practice. In these cases pet steps can act as a preventative measure for injury, something which is always advocated over cure in Veterinary medicine. Pet steps will not only keep your pets safe, but also reduce the potentially high veterinary bills by preventing injury in the first instance.”
Conclusion
Finding the right steps for your dog is super important and I’ve been looking for a set for my Maltese, Lilly. I needed something that was appropriate for her size and that she could move up easily despite her being blind. Training her to use the pet steps was easy as she will do anything for her favourite treat. I have created a video of how I trained her to use the steps, this can be found in my article How To Teach Your Dog To Use Pet Steps And Stairs.
The ZNM dog steps were ideal since they have a gentle slope that’s more like a ramp than traditional steps. The ones I’ve tested have three steps but they are available in a two or four step design, depending on your needs.
I found the stairs to be very stable and comfortable to use. Plus, they look really good and will fit in with the decor of your home. Since I like to use the steps in different rooms, I was pleased to see that they were lightweight enough to be freely moved around.
While there were a few things that I thought could be improved upon, overall, the ZNM dog steps didn’t disappoint me.
Why not take a look at my video review above to see these pet steps from ZNM (Zvonema)
Where Should I Purchase the ZNM Pet Steps
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Best Selling Zvonema Pet Steps At A Glance
Last update on 2024-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more great pet step reviews, see The Complete Guide To Buying Pet Steps And Stairs
FAQs
Are these pet steps suitable for dachshunds?
A standard dachshund weighs between 20 lbs and 26 lbs, since these steps are designed for dogs up to 60 lbs, they should be suitable for your breed.
Are the steps easy to clean?
These dog steps come with a removable cover that can be put in the washing machine. They also come with a free lint roller to remove hairs in between washes.
Can you use the steps on tiled and laminate floors?
Yes. Since these dog steps come with a non-slip base, they’re suitable for use on most types of floors.
Why do I need dog steps or stairs?
When dogs jump up or down on furniture, this puts a lot of pressure on their joints. Having steps and stairs relieves this pressure and can reduce the risk of conditions like arthritis later in life. They’re also known to reduce the risk of things like hernias and simply make accessing surfaces a lot safer. For dogs with health conditions, using steps can make it more comfortable for them to get up and down.
How are the dog steps packaged?
The ZNM dog steps come vacuum packed so you will need to remove the packaging and allow them to expand for 48 hours before you use them.
Is a ramp or steps better for dogs?
Generally speaking, ramps are better for dogs with limited mobility. The benefit of the ZNM steps is that they are a hybrid between steps and a ramp so give the best of both worlds.
How tall should dog steps be?
The height of your dog steps should be enough that the dog can easily walk onto the surface once they reach the top. It’s important to take measurements before buying to ensure you get the correct size.
For more than a decade I have been working with and reviewing a wide variety of household products, including pet related mobility products. My many years' of experience writing articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications, have allowed me to recognise the benefits and shortfalls of a wide range of products and tools; providing me with the ability to not only identify what makes a good purchase, but also to help you choose a suitable product for your exact needs and requirements.
