How do I dog-proof my open stairs?

5 years ago

We recently moved to a new house, and — perhaps I should have thought of this before we bought the place — I‘m terrified that my little dogs (4&5 pounders!) are going to fall between the treads of this staircase. The good news is that the dogs are afraid of the stairs, so they don’t try to go up or down by themselves. So all I really need is something (nets?) for the very bottom stairs on each side pictured here, so that the dogs can’t accidentally get kicked through to the basement. Does this make sense? I’ve tried searching on Amazon and Chewy, but I can’t find anything. I think part of my problem is that I don’t know how to describe what I need. Any ideas? I’m so grateful for any leads!

Featured Answer

shivece

5 years ago

If they really don’t go on the stairs and the issue is just the bottom, what about a plexiglass “cover” for those openings/back of the openings or even a bar across the middle, assuming even little dogs wouldn’t fit thru half the opening?

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Comments (9)

K R
5 years ago
I’d be nervous too! I used to have a fabric “gate” that I bought from Etsy. They can customize it to any size and it goes on with Velcro and command strips. Not the best but it’s not permanent and easy to take on and off, so maybe for when you’re not home. Here’s a link to one I found. https://www.etsy.com/listing/247980295/fabric-baby-stair-gate?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=dog+gate+for+stairs&ref=sr_gallery-1-13&organic_search_click=1&frs=1&col=1
Mazsola thanked K R
ci_lantro
5 years ago
Maybe cargo netting, like is used to hold cargo in place in the back of a SUV when you lift the rear hatch door?

A lot of the cargo net is a large mesh that a small dog could slip thru but you can find finer mesh ones.
Mazsola thanked ci_lantro
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annztoo
5 years ago
Try this,hardware plastic netting. Lowes may also carry it. I use this for lots of projects around the house, from leaf catcher for downspouts to barriers on the deck railing to keep my cats from falling thru.

You can staple or tape it in place and since it's black you'll hardly notice it's there.
Mazsola thanked annztoo
socks
5 years ago
I'd be worried too. You don't have to treat each side the same. One side could be a gate, maybe one at the top and one at the bottom. The other with some kind of net attached. How about wide carpet runners? Probably not the look you want, but gotta keep the pups safe. Berber might look ok.
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Mich
5 years ago
Maybe a spring loaded shower curtain bar? They make them in all colors and are pretty sturdy once put in...
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Jude
5 years ago
I used a "Super Wide Configurable Baby Gate" across my entry hall. I bought it on amazon and is Regalo brand. I bought the cheapest but designer ones are out there. I have 3 little dogs and my yorkie is a runner. Opening a gate to walk to the front door gets old, but doggy safety first.
Sam Kremer
3 years ago
Soooo beautiful. Congrats.
Ana William
3 years ago
You could try searching for "stair barrier for small dogs" or "pet safety net for stairs" to see if you can find any products that might work for you.

One option could be to use clear plastic carpet runners or rug grippers on the stairs to cover the gaps between the treads. You could also consider installing baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs to further prevent your dogs from accessing them.

Another idea would be to hire a contractor or handyman to install custom-made nets or barriers to fit your specific staircase. They may be able to provide you with more personalized options to ensure your dogs' safety.