How to Measure Your Dog for the Right Bed, Steps or Harness Size

For a bed

Measure your dog lying fully stretched out, nose to tail tip, then add 15-20cm. A bed that's too small stops them stretching into a natural sleeping position; too large loses some of the pressure-relief benefit of the foam.

For steps or a ramp

Measure from the floor to the top of the sofa, bed or car boot lip. For steps, choose a set whose top step sits no more than roughly 20cm below that height, so the final stride stays easy on stiff joints. For a ramp, check the folded and extended length against your boot space and the incline it will create.

For a harness

Measure around the chest, just behind the front legs, at the widest point — this is the measurement that matters most for a snug, comfortable fit. Weight-based size charts are a reasonable starting point, but chest measurement is more reliable for dogs with an unusual build.

For paw socks or boots

Measure the width of the paw at its widest point while your dog is standing and weight-bearing, not lying down — paws splay slightly under weight, and a measurement taken while lying down usually comes out too small.

When in between two sizes

For beds and steps, size up — a slightly larger bed is barely noticed, while a too-small one gets avoided. For harnesses, size down slightly and check the adjustable straps have enough room to loosen if needed.