The best dog ramps are designed with your canine’s needs in mind and will make life more comfortable and easier to manage for both the dog owner and his dog.
The best way to help your dog get in and out of his bed or car all by himself is by using a dog ramp. Dog owners always put the health of their dogs at risk when they let them jump down from the high boot lips in their SUVs.
While negotiating an exit from any car is always problematic for many dogs, dogs with mobility and health issues will also benefit from the use of a dog ramp.
While the market offers a wide range of dog ramps to choose from, the best ramp for your dog will depend on its size, weight, and where you want to use it. When looking for the best dog ramp, a good rule of thumb is to look for something lightweight yet durable, waterproof, and easy to carry around.
Why Use A Dog Ramp?
- It makes it easier for dogs to get in and out of high heights. Small-sized dogs have problems getting out of bed, sofa, or car while bigger dogs are reluctant to jump. You eliminate these fears when you provide a ramp for them.
- Easier for the owner. You don’t have to lift your dog in and out of the bed or car anymore.
- Less risk of injury. Dogs can easily get injured when they jump from a certain height. Using a ramp helps lessen the risk of injury and your dog stays healthy.
- Dog ramps are quite versatile. Their lightweight and portable design make them suitable for use on the bed, sofa boat, and vehicles among other places.
- Perfect for aging or senior dogs. A dog ramp is a great tool to help protect senior dogs from injury while still allowing them to enjoy the routines they are used to.
What Are the Qualities of a Good Dog Ramp?
- Sturdy construction- the materials the dog ramp is made from will determine its strength and application. Also, will influence the weight the ramp can handle comfortably. Dog ramps made of metal or heavy-duty plastic are ideal as they can support the weight of most dogs.
- Traction- walking up and down the ramps can be a hassle especially for senior dogs whose mobility is impaired by joint issues. For this reason, a dog ramp must have good traction. Traction is paramount as it helps dogs keep their footing even when the paws are wet. Other safety features like side ramps and guide rails also help a great deal.
- Functionality- Dog ramps are meant to help your pooch access hard to reach high surfaces such as cars, couches and beds. The pet ramps you choose should be tall enough to reach the intended surface. If you want a dog ramp to use in your car, go for the telescopic dog ramps that fold for storage in the car’s trunk.
8 Best Dog Ramps For Every Situation
If you are a new pet owner and you find yourself having trouble finding the best dog ramp, this review is for you. Below is a review of the best dog ramps so, let’s check them out.
#1) PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp
Make it effortless for your dog, whether young or old to enter and exit your vehicle using the PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp one of the best dog ramps. Suitable for medium to large-sized dogs, this versatile dog ramp can either be used on dry land or in water. This is a superior, paw-friendly pet ramp with a soft non-slip ridged rubber surface not common in other dog ramps. The non-slip rubber surface is not only soft on paws but also provides superior traction in both wet and dry environments. The ramp opens and closes with ease, and folds down into a small and compact size for easy transportation and stowing. Furthermore, it weighs just 18.5lbs and has cut-out handles that make it easy to transport. With its advanced composite plastic construction, this ramp accommodates dogs weighing up to 500lbs. Additionally, it is rustproof and corrosion resistant as well. It can also be easily cleaned with soap and water and with a 5-year warranty included, you get a product that offers you plenty of time to grow with your pet. Key Features
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#2) PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Pet Ramp
If you love to travel or camp with your favorite furry friend and you are looking for the best dog ramp, this telescopic pet ramp from Pet safe is the way to go. The ramp features raised rails that create security for your pet and a high traction surface that help paws grip the ramp. This makes it the ideal dog ramp for elder dogs with mobility issues such as arthritis. Considering how easy it is to use this ramp, your dog will learn how to use it with just a few training sessions. Additionally, the ramp is super lightweight. While it only weighs 13lbs, it is strong enough to support dogs weighing above 400lbs without bending. The combination of aluminum and plastic construction makes the ramp extremely sturdy. The ramp utilizes four rubber feet to keep it stable while in use. With the telescopic design, this ramp is an easy slide-out to use and slide-in to stow. A safety release latch prevents accidental opening while the included carry handle makes it easy to carry around. While it is easy to clean and disinfect, it requires very minimal maintenance. Key Features
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#3) Pet Gear Free Standing Ramp
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Unlike other dog ramps that require you to attach them to the car, this is a free-standing ramp that doesn’t need to be attached to a vehicle. It is an excellent choice for large-sized dogs as it can support the extra weight without excess wobbling or bending. This ramp allows for pressure-activated gripping which means that the more pressure the pet puts on the mat, the stronger the grip achieved. This reflective ramp provides extra safety when loading and unloading your dog and the high contrast marks included will guide your pet up and down. Treads on this ramp are soft, offering paws protection. It has rubberized bottom grippers for stable and secure placement while the raised edges help prevent slipping offside. No assembly is required and when not in use, the ramp folds flat for compact storage. It’s suitable for dogs of all ages and has a removable mat for easy cleaning. Key Features
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#4) Paws and Pals Dog Ramps for Large Dogs
Made to make entering and exiting cars, trucks, and SUVs safe and easy, Paws and Pals Dog Ramp is one of the best dog ramps on the market and is all you need if you have a large-sized dog breed. This helpful ramp is made of heavy-duty and sturdy materials to withstand the heavyweight of your dog without wobbling or bending. While this ramp is sturdy, it is lightweight and easy to bring along on your next outdoor adventure. Whether helping him hop in the car or safely exiting the same car, this sturdy ramp is also great for puppies, old dogs and dogs with mobility issues. It can accommodate dogs weighing up to 100 pounds and comes complete with rubber grips that keep it sturdy while enhancing the dog’s paw traction. When not in use, the ramp folds down to a compact size for simple storage. Key Features
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#5) Solvit Deluxe Tri-scope Dog Ramp
Investing in a good-quality dog ramp is an important decision to make as it helps keep your dog safe and healthy. Solvit Deluxe Tri-scope Dog Ramp is made of high-quality material which is not only sturdy but also very durable. The three-piece telescoping design allows for more compact storage while also offering a compact solution for dogs to reach their favorite places. Weighing just 14lbs and supporting dogs weighing over 300 pounds, this is a lightweight and compact option suitable for a wide range of pet owners. By being lightweight, it becomes easier to handle and stow. Additionally, the telescopic design is secret to making it easy to use. The high traction walking surface provides a safe footing for your pet, especially on steep climbs. The four rubber feet included keeping the ramp stable during use while the side rails allow your dog to confidently walk up and down the ramp without slipping or falling. In between uses, the ramp slides down to a smaller and more compact size for convenient storage in your car. Key Features
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#6) Weather Tech Dog Ramp
This is a high traction, foldable pet ramp suitable for pets of all ages and sizes. Specially designed to make it easy for pets to access vehicles and other household areas, this foldable pet ramp is all you need to help your old dog climb and get down from high heights. Designed with rubber feet on both ends, the ramp stays stable during use. Weighing only 16lbs, this lightweight dog ramp is made with sturdy materials to ensure many years of use. It is strong enough to accommodate any domestic pet weighing up to 300 lbs. Additionally, the top of the ramp has a soft textured rubber surface which provides extra traction for your dog. The custom-designed hinge provides strength, compact folding and helps prevent hinge damage if accidentally dropped. When not in use, the ramp folds flat for easy storage. Integrated carrying handles on both sides let you take it anywhere it’s needed with ease. While this ramp is easy to assemble, it’s durable and easy to clean as well. It won’t rust or corrode. It is therefore ideal for outdoor adventures such as camping. Key Features
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#7) Perfect Life Ideas Truck Dog Ramp
If you have an active and heavy dog, this is your ideal dog ramp. This dog ramp is extra wide to prevent injuries to dogs being lifted in and out of vehicles. It provides a good platform for old dogs with mobility problems to travel with their owners. While it prevents injuries on dogs, it also reduces wear and tears on pet joints, especially for aged dogs having joint problems. Considering that this ramp is non-skid, you are assured of your dog’s safety even when walking down a steep slope. Additionally, its all-weather reliability ensures that you can either use it indoors and outdoors. There is no assembly required with this ramp and after use, it folds down into a small and compact size for easy storage. The safety release latch keeps the ramp closed when it is being transported or stored. It is easy to clean as you just rinse it with water. Key Features
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#8) USA Made Adjustable Pet Ramp for All Dogs
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See Also: Best Dog Crates with Dividers for Potty Training, Separation Anxiety
Criteria for Choosing the Best Dog Ramps
There is a wide range of dog ramps out there to help you bet your pup up to anything from the car to any furniture or couch. Whatever the purpose, it is important that you put into consideration the following factors before settling on a specific dog ramp model.
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Your Dog’s Size
The first thing to look at is the weight of your dog then compare it with the different boat ramps available. Dog boat ramps come in different sizes and each can only accommodate the specified weight.
Once you are fully aware of your dog’s size and weight, it becomes easier for you to narrow down your options. If you are a multiple dog owner, go for an adjustable dog ramp so that you get to easily accommodate different dog sizes.
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Safety Features
You’ll need to get a ramp with multiple safety features to ensure that your dog doesn’t end up getting hurt while using it. Some dog ramps feature side railings to prevent the dog from falling off the side while walking. Make sure that all the edges are smooth to prevent injuries as the dog walks in and out of the water.
Additionally, make sure the surfaces and non-skid prevent the dog from sliding especially when it is wet. Some ramps also feature non-skid rubber feet that keep the ramp stable when in use.
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Easy Installation, Portability, and Storage
Chose a dog ramp that’s not just portable but also easy to set up. The ease of installation largely depends on the manufacturer. Some ramps are permanent while others are easy to pick out, use and fold back.
No one wants to get stuck with a dog ramp-up that’s difficult and time-consuming when it comes to setting it up. Most of the ramps we have reviewed have a foldable design that makes them easy to transport and stow. Such ramps are also lightweight and portable making them ideal for traveling.
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Versatility
Nobody hates a multi-purpose product. It becomes more beneficial to you and your dog if the ramp can be used for different applications. Having a ramp for pool use, boat use, car use, indoor use or a floating dog ramp seems problematic unless you have a versatile ramp that can be used in all those situations. Gauge the extent of your use and purchase a right that can be used in different scenarios.
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Durability
Dog ramps are made of different materials which have a direct impact on how long they can be used. The common materials used are metal and plastic or a combination of both.
With metal ramps, make sure that they are rustproof and corrosion-resistant. On the other hand, make sure that the plastic ramps are UV resistant, just to add to the general longevity of the product.
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Safety
There are general safety principles to consider with a dog ramp, wherever you intend to use one. One is visibility. Make sure that the dog can see the ramp even in the dark. This way they can use it safely without running into it or toppling off. Make sure that the ramp is also sturdy and unlikely to slip or collapse.
If it attaches to the back of your car, make sure that the attachment is firmly secured before the dog attempts to walk on it. The surface of the ramp should also be skid-proof so the dog doesn’t slip.
Types of Dog Ramps
Whereas dog ramps are not mandatory dog equipment, having one helps pups access hard-to-reach areas easily. Although some pet owners don’t feel the need to get their pup a dog ramps, jumping from furniture poses a risk to the dog if the landing is hard. Having a dog ramp help minimize the injuries that could arise when your dog is jumping into the car or hopping onto the bed.
Besides graduated dog ramps keep your pooch more active and independent. The best dog ramps simply contribute to a quality life for your pooch. The dog ramps come in different sizes, weights and designs to suit different applications. Here are the main types of dog ramps:
- Step Ramps
They are mostly constructed of wood and feature built-in steps to help the pooch access difficult-to-reach areas such as your bed. The steps on these ramps are comfortable for your dog and are mainly used indoors.
- Extendable Vehicle Ramps
These dog ramps help dogs hop into and out of the car. They feature a collapsible design that allows for storage in the trunk when not in use. These dog ramps are usually made of metal or sturdy plastic material. They also have rubber gripping that offers better traction so that your dog can walk up and down without skidding.
- Fixed Ramps
The fixed dog ramps come in one piece and are ideal for permanent solutions. They don’t collapse for storage and will therefore not be ideal for use in vehicles. They are designed for home use to help the pet climb onto the furniture. They are very stable, durable, and easy to use.
Best Dog Ramps FAQs
Q: What Size Do I Need?
A: This will depend on the size and weight of your dog. Dog boat ramps come in varying sizes to meet the needs of different dog owners. The best ramp should be more extensive than your dog and able to accommodate more weight than your dog’s weight.
Q: How Do I Install the Ramp on the Car?
A: The installation procedure depends on the manufacturer’s instructions. Look at the installation manual and follow the instructions written down.
Q: How Long Do Dog Ramps Last?
A: The durability of any dog ramp depends on the materials used in making it. If you are using the ramp on water, make sure that it is waterproof with rustproof compounds to ensure many years of use.
Q: How Long of a Ramp will I Need?
A: The length of your ideal ramp will be determined by what you intend to use it for. Simply measure the height you want the ramp to reach then compare it with the values in the chart provided by different manufacturers.
Conclusion
If you need a dog ramp in the house, chances are that you’ll also need one for the car. The market offers a multitude of dog ramps to choose from, so there is always something for every pet owner. We have reviewed some of the best dog ramps and any ramp model reviewed above is a great option to improve your dog’s mobility whether at home or on the go.
See Also: Modern Dog Crate Furniture. Best Modern Dog Crate Furniture Reviews