DAYTON, Ohio –– The Wall Street Journal recently ran a story about a new problem affecting dogs across the country and the blame lies squarely on the bedding industry. It seems that bedmakers are quietly and dangerously increasing the height of beds. And dogs are taking it squarely in the hips, elbows and shoulders.

The Journal says vets are reporting they are seeing a rise in the injuries to dogs –– elbow and shoulder arthritis, hip dysplasia and degenerative disk disease –– because older dogs are having to leap higher and higher to jump onto the bed.

OK, dogs don’t HAVE to jump on the bed, but try to keep them off.

Anyway, it seems the bedding industry may be in cahoots with the pet furniture industry because guess who also is doing booming business? Yes, the makers of steps that help dogs climb onto beds.

The Journal article details all kinds of pet stair products, from a $40 model to a $535 job that has decorator fabrics.

Which all makes me wonder how many dogs leap onto the bed next to their spiffy stairs, sitting unused and lonely next to the giant bed.

There’s a whole debate over whether dogs should even be allowed to sleep in beds with their owners anyway. Each side is pretty vehement about their view.

Those against argue that parasites and other nasties will take over the bed if the dog is allowed to lie on it and you are acting like a pushover for letting the dog get his way.

Those for argue that sleeping with a dog is the ultimate bonding experience between a pet owner and a pet, and makes your dog easier to deal with because he feels close to you.

Pet owners should make their own decisions about how much to adapt a home for their pets, but they can also use common sense. Older pets need more help with some things.

Dogs like dachshunds should also be carefully monitored because they are prone to back injuries from jumping. If your old dog can’t jump into the car anymore, you might need to help.

If you can’t afford steps for the bed, consider a small chair or piece of furniture the dog can use to climb up onto the bed. Or lower the bed.