As your dog gets older, daily activities like jumping on and off the couch or the car can put pressure on its joints, leading to arthritis and pain. Although that’s true for both small and big dogs, smaller breeds and seniors are at greater risk. Even if your dog still hops up and down without any difficulty, veterinarians advise getting a dog ramp or stairs in addition to a suitable dog bed to prevent future joint and back strains and injuries. Here’s what you need to know about these supportive devices for your pet.

Is a Ramp or Stairs Better for Dogs?

Both a ramp and stairs would work well for most dogs. However, before deciding on an option there are a few factors to consider, mostly depending on your dog’s abilities, floor and storage space, and usage needs.

Dog ramps are excellent for both large and small breeds. They’re more versatile and adjustable – you can use them to various height levels. Also, most options are foldable to completely flat, making them excellent for storage in a shed, a car or anywhere. Choose a ramp if you live in a one-level house and your dog isn’t used to climbing stairs regularly or has trouble manoeuvring them.

Dog stairs are available in different sizes and heights. Some options are foldable, while others aren’t. Most are lightweight and portable and take less floor space than ramps, making them suitable for inside use and with furniture. If your furry pal can use standard household stairs, it’ll get used to stairs more quickly than a ramp. On the other side, stairs can be trickier for smaller dogs.

How Do I Choose a Ramp for My Dog?

Many pet owners decide to get a sturdy and reliable dog ramp for cars because it provides a gradual, mild elevation that is better on the dog’s joints, particularly for older canines and breeds with limited mobility. The moderate incline lessens aches and pains and lowers the pressure of raising their legs with every step. A ramp can make the transfer to couches, beds, or even cars easier than individual steps for dogs who are shy or nervous. These are some aspects that can help you choose correctly.

Length and Scope

Choose a ramp with a length similar to that of your furniture. While a shorter option will provide a more gradual incline, a too-short one can make it challenging for your pet to use, putting strain on its back and joints. It’s essential for a ramp to fit in your space, too; but longer options are better for climbing onto higher surfaces such as tall beds.

Width

The width is another important consideration, as picking a too-narrow ramp can make it difficult for your pup to use it, especially when they need to turn in and get on and off of it. As a general rule of thumb, the platform on the ramp of choice should be at least 10 cm wider than your pup’s widest part (shoulders or hips). For larger dogs always choose the broadest option possible, and be especially careful if choosing a ramp for a French Bulldog or a Corgi; these are smaller breeds with sturdy/long bodies, needing extra room to move or turn. Also, opt for a wider ramp if you have multiple small pups that usually want to climb together so they can do that with no difficulty at the same time.

Anti-slip Surface

What an irony would it be to buy a dog ramp to help your pet climb somewhere more safely, only to watch them slip on it and hurt themselves? While carpets, artificial grass, and rubber mats all provide better traction, they tend to be too slick for most dogs when on an incline. Opt for a dog ramp for cars with a high-traction, non-slip surface, such as grit tape.

Sturdiness

Similar to other ramp types, those for dogs are made of various materials. Out of all the materials, aluminium provides the finest stability and durability for all canines. In addition to feeling like a legitimate piece of furniture, ramps constructed from this sturdy yet lightweight material may be dependably utilised by dogs, whether walking on them or exerting a little extra energy with a faster step.

How Do I Choose Dog Stairs?

If you decide to get your dog stairs instead of a ramp, you should consider the same things as picking a ramp, with only a few differences.

Height

The standard use for pet stairs is to help your pet climb onto a bed, couch or other furniture rather than into a car. Therefore, the height of these devices is similar to those of most furniture pieces. Beds’ heights range from 45-65 cm, so ensure getting a ramp that’ll help your furry pal reach the bed.

Step Height and Shape

Additionally, the height of each step matters. When the rise of each stair is excessively high, small pets and people with mobility impairments may find it difficult to climb. Scalloped stairs are a common substitute for conventional 90-angle stairs since they don’t require your dog to raise their legs as much to go from one step to the next.

Width

Pet ramps and stairs are available in a variety of widths. Because they don’t take up much space, a set of stairs around 38 cm wide is perfect for small areas, but medium and large dogs might not find them suitable. Use stairs at least 50 cm wide for medium and large dogs. They will feel more safe and solid as they ascend thanks to this.

Sturdiness and Safety

Look for dog steps made of lightweight material if you intend to move them frequently to use in different areas of the house, such as next to the bed at night and the sofa during the day. Ensure the surface is non-slippery for added safety.