It is the jumping down that does the damage. A small dog leaping off a sofa lands with its full weight on the front legs and shoulders, and repeated over years that is a genuine contributor to joint trouble — which is why vets suggest steps long before a dog looks like it needs them, not after.

These are three carpeted treads on a light plastic frame. The carpet matters as much as the structure: a bare plastic step is slippery under claws, and a pet who slips once will not use the steps again. Non-slip feet keep the base still on wood and laminate, where lightweight steps otherwise skate away at the moment of weight transfer. They fold flat to 15cm and weigh 2kg, so they can go behind a sofa during the day or travel in a car boot.

• Overall 49cm long x 38cm wide x 38cm high
• Folds flat to 61 x 38 x 15cm
• Each step 33cm wide x 16cm deep x 12.5cm rise
• Carpeted treads and non-slip feet
• Supports up to 15kg; suits cats and dogs under 10kg
• No assembly required

Getting them used to it. Almost no animal uses steps the first time unprompted. Put them exactly where they already jump, keep the position fixed for a fortnight, and lure them up with a treat on each tread rather than lifting them onto it. A pet who is carried up learns nothing; one who walks up twice has usually got it.

Who it's for: Older cats and small dogs, dachshunds and other long-backed breeds where jumping is a known risk, and anyone recovering a pet after surgery.