How do I know when I should get a ramp?
If you have a senior dog, a dog with arthritis, or a dog with other mobility issues, it may be time for dog stairs or a ramp. In fact, dog stairs and ramps can also make life easier for some very small dogs or breeds with short legs and long bodies, like Dachshunds and Corgis. Your beloved canine pal shouldn’t have to struggle to get up on the sofa or bed or into the car. And, depending on his size, it may be difficult for you to constantly lift and carry him. Fortunately, there are dog stairs and ramps suitable for any dog and any location. Follow these helpful guidelines to choose the right product for your dog’s needs.
Should I get stairs or a ramp for my dog?
Stairs are a good choice for dogs that have the agility and balance to use standard household stairs. Many are portable and can be moved from sofa to bed to car. They also tend to take up less floor space than ramps.
If your dog is having trouble maneuvering the stairs in your house or if you live on one level and he’s unused to climbing any stairs, consider a dog ramp. You’ll want a ramp that has a gentle incline and is high enough to reach furniture or your vehicle.
How do I choose the best stairs for my dog?
Look at the rise, or the height of each step. It should be similar to the rise of regular indoor and outdoor steps. It’s easier for dogs to maneuver deep steps, so look for products that have a step depth of 10-to-12 inches.
Be sure the stairs have an anti-skid surface. Your dog’s paws must be able to grip the surface so that he doesn’t slip off. Make sure the stairs are high enough for your needs and will support your dog’s weight.
What should I look for in a dog ramp?
As with stairs, make sure the ramp reaches high enough for your dog to get onto furniture or into the car. If space is an issue, choose a lightweight ramp or one that folds up. This makes storage easier.
The ramp should have an anti-skid surface, so your dog can maneuver on it securely. Whether you choose stairs or a ramp, you may have to teach your dog to use them. Use positive reinforcement and rewards to train your dog. Your goal is to help him feel confident on this new apparatus. So confident, in fact, that he’ll use it even if you’re not around.
12 Great Dog Ramps to Choose From
Frisco Foldable Nonslip Dog or Cat Stairs, Charcoal
+ Foldable pet steps help pets easily get up to their favorite spot; perfect for couches or beds.
+ Folds down for easy storage so you can keep things tidy.
+ Lightweight so you can move it around easily. No assembly needed
+ Nonslip pads on every step give paws traction, plus you can add the included nonskid feet to help the stairs stay put while protecting your floors.
+ Frisco products are crafted to deliver more happy moments together—from reliable pet stairs to sturdy toys, to tasteful décor. + Designed, tested and approved by the pet experts at Chewy.
Merry Products Collapsible Cat & Dog Ramp
+ Adjusts to three different heights to help your pal easily get up onto his favorite spots.
+ Fabric covered steps provide comfy traction and support every step of the way.
+ Perfect for cats and dogs with muscle discomfort, joint conditions, or reduced mobility.
+ Durably built with sturdy wooden frame, rubber soles, and wheels for easy transport.
+ Folds flat for easy storage, no assembly required.
Frisco Tri-Fold Travel Dog Car Ramp
+ From Frisco by Chewy. Tri-fold ramp folds in two places to become more compact for easier storage and transportation.
+ Features a safety latch to prevent the ramp from opening accidentally while folded.
+ Sand-blasted ramp surface improves traction, while the polypropylene fiber security strap improves stability.
+ Stays securely in place with rubber anti-slip feet on the bottom of the ramp.
+ Designed to help pets up to 150 pounds safely get up and down from elevated places.
Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stair
+ For pets up to 150 pounds.
+ Wider and deeper stair landings is designed for both small and large dogs.
+ Carpet tread removes easily and is machine washable.
+ Rubber grippers on bottom keep step secure and in place.
+ Snaps together very easily with no tools required.
PetSafe CozyUp Foldable Cat & Dog Stairs
+ Convenient folding steps help your dog or cat easily get on and off couches or beds.
+ Great for smaller pals who can’t reach furniture or to help protect older companions’ joints.
+ Include fabric covers, side rails and non-skid feet to help prevent slipping.
+ Weigh only 5 pounds for a lightweight design that is easy to lift and move.
+ Durable construction can support furry friends up to 150 pounds.
Pet Gear Easy Step Cat & Dog Stairs, Chocolate
+ The parts simply snap together for easy assembly; no tools required.
+ The carpet tread helps keep your pet from slipping and it’s removable and machine washable.
+ Designed with rubber grips on the bottom to help keep the step secure as your pal climbs with confidence.
+ Small, portable and easy to store with a weight capacity of 175 lbs.
+ The teardrop-shaped step is designed with an incline so it’s easier on your pet’s joints.
Coziwow by Jaxpety Foldable Dog Car Ramp
+ Ideal for helping pets get in and out of cars and SUVs.
+ Can hold up to 150 pounds, making it suitable for medium- and large-sized dogs.
+ Includes a high-traction surface with a textured pattern to prevent slips.
+ Made of durable and lightweight polypropylene material.
+ Folding design includes a safety lock, making it easy to carry and store in the truck.
TRIXIE Two-Fold Dog Car Ramp
+ This ramp is paw-fect for traveling as it’s made in a collapsible design that folds right up.
+ Crafted in a durable plastic material that’s easy to clean in case of accidents or messes.
+ Features side rails and a non-slip coating to prevent your furry friend from getting hurt.
+ Great for your pet who suffers from hindering medical conditions or old age.
+ Use this ramp as a preventive measure to protect your pal’s muscles and joints from injury and wear.
Zinus Comfort Cat & Dog Stairs
- High-density foam is soft on your pet’s feet.
- Stairs make it easier for small or aging pets to reach the couch, bed or chair.
- Assembles easily—simply attach the top step and zip the cover!
- Machine-washable cover is cozy and easy to remove for cleaning.
- Lightweight steps can be easily moved around your home. Available in multiple sizes.
PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp
+ Paw-vides an easy way for your pup to get in and out of the car—helpful for our older fur-iends and those with achy joints.
+ Telescoping design makes it more compact so it’s easier to use and store—the safety latch helps keeps it in place.
+ Choose between 2 sturdy sizes to support between 300 and 400 pounds.
+ High-traction walking surface gives pets a sure footing, especially on steep climbs.
+ Aluminum construction is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Zinus Easy Cat & Dog Stairs
+ High-density foam is soft on your pet’s feet, making it easier for older pets to climb.
+ 3-step stairs make it easier for small or aging pets to reach the couch, bed or chair.
+ Assembles easily—simply attach the top step and zip the cover!
+ Machine-washable cover is cozy and easy to remove for cleaning.
+ Lightweight steps can be easily moved around your home.
Carlson Pet Products Heritage & Home Indoor Wooden Cat & Dog Ramp, White
+ Helpful and effective way to provide your pet easy access to your favorite hangouts.
+ Constructed using white wood with a stylish gray carpet.
+ Ramp is adjustable to various heights.
+ No-slip ribbed carpet helps your pet climb with optimal traction.
+ Includes rubber feet on the underside to help keep the ramp in place.
