If you are a new pet owner, or a long-time owner who’s just noticed this necessity, you might need to consider purchasing a dog ramp. These ramps will assist your dog when trying to climb into a car, onto a bed, or another surface that may be hard to reach. Whether your dog can’t make the jump because they’re too small, or maybe you want to prevent them from hurting their legs or back, it is important to consider purchasing a dog ramp.
But where to start? This article will tell you. Included in this article is what ramps are, what they are used for, how to build one, the best ramps, types of ramps for different cars, trucks, beds and more. Read on to find out if you want to buy a ramp of your own.
We will start by reviewing some dog ramps on Amazon that you might want to consider.
Reviews
PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp
This texture is better for your dog’s paws, and the lack of carpet or other similar materials also makes it easier to maintain its cleanliness. The ramp is portable and lightweight, and can be folded up and anytime and brought along anywhere. It can be folded in half, and even includes handles for ease of carrying and transporting.
The ramp is low maintenance, and can be cleaned easily with soap and water. The maximum weight for this ramp is 500 pounds. It’s easy to set up too! You just need to set it up at a low slope from whatever your dog is trying to reach or get down from. This way, they will be easily able to walk down the ramp rather than endangering themselves by jumping to or from a dangerous height.
PROS: Low maintenance, no slip, safety, good material, portable and easy to use.
CONS: Expensive, can be difficult to set up if you don’t have a lot of space
Pet Gear Stramp Stair and Ramp Combination, Dog/Cat Easy Step, Lightweight/Portable, Sturdy
This ramp measures 22 x 20 x 10 and is suitable for animals up to 175 pounds. The ramp itself weighs just a bit over nine pounds. The ramp snaps together very easily, and includes an extra wide one step that helps your pet transfer from the floor to chair or couch or other furniture with confidence. The carpet tread removes easily and is machine washable, and the rubber grippers on the button keep your pet’s step secure and in place, so you don’t have to worry about their safety when using this ramp to go from high to low places or low to high places.
The Pet Gear Stramp Stair and Ramp Combination Easy Step reduces the amount of stairs that your pet needs to claim which reduces significant stress on your pet. The ramp is in a unique shape of teardrop, which makes the ramp available to your approaching pet no matter if they are approaching from the left or from the right– they will get where they need to go. The One Step snaps together without any tool usage and is attractive in any room and setting. It can easily blend in with the rest of your furniture.
PROS: Unique teardrop shape, machine washable, safety
CONS: Weight limit, the carpet material can be slippery and absorbs odors, requires maintenance
Prairie View Industries SFW330 Portable Singlefold Ramp, 3 Feet x 30 Inch
As you can probably tell by the name, the Prairie View Industries SFW330 Portable Singlefold Ramp is 3ft x 30 inches in size. This ramp is unique in that it is made of welded fabrication rather than riveting. The surface is covered in anti-slip and skid resistant tape. This adds traction to the ramp, ensuring your pets safety as they use it to move up and down different heights, high and low. The 30 inch platform is a special design, intentionally made to guarantee maximum support and stability. This ramp can withstand up to 800 pounds, the strongest ramp we’ve reviewed this far by a lot.
This ramp is made of portable and lightweight aluminum, which makes it lightweight and convenient to move and store. It is made of high quality material that guarantees both safety and durability. The ramp also comes with a security video and safety pins, which only maximizes your pet’s safety, which should always be your priority.
PROS: Maximum safety, portability, accommodates for disabilities, durable
CONS: Deep incline, can be difficult to fit due to width
Gen7Pets Natural Step Dog Ramp for Vehicles
The Gen7Pets Natural Step Dog Ramp for Vehicles is 72’’ long and 16 wide, 1.5’’ thick. When it is folded up, it is 36’’ long, 16’’ wide, and 3’’ thick. The entirety of it weighs 17 pounds. This ramp is because it is both compact and accessible. The thin, compact fold makes the ramp the most compact 72’’ long ramp available. This ramp is also very easily stored– you can store it in an SUC, a minivan, or even under furniture such as a bed or couch for easy, convenient, and well-kept storage.
The ramp is extremely comfortable for both you and your pet. Poly Grass allows your dog to grip and feel secure as they walk up the soft but safe surface. This will keep their paws safe from harsh material too.
This ramp will make getting and out of the car significant easier for your pet, especially as it ages!
PROS: Portability, Poly-Grass, for Vehicles
CONS: Heavy, large
PetSafe CozyUp Bed Ramp for Dogs and Cats
The PetSafe CozyUp Bed Ramp for Dogs and Cats is usable for all sorts of pets of all ages. It can be used for them to reach your bed, so cuddle time never has to be interrupted! This way, your dog or cat can find their way to your bed without needing to jump, be lifted, and most importantly- without injuring themselves.
PROS: Durable, used for beds, safe, aesthetically pleasing
CONS: Can only handle 120 pounds, the carpet may absorb odors or become dirty
PetSafe Solvit Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp, Standard, Portable Lightweight Aluminum Dog and Cat Ramp
It is both durable and lightweight! The full ramp only weighs 13 pounds and can be easily carried or lifted as you move it in and out of your car. Due to the small size, it is also easily stored. The ramp is also made of high-traction material on its surface, and also has side rails, to ensure your dog’s safety from slipping or falling off the ramp. Like I said before, the ramp is very easy to store. It can be easily slided in inwards and even has a safety latch that locks to let you store it in whatever vehicle you’re using it for. Convenient!
PROS: Lightweight, Durable, Side rails, Inexpensive
CONS: Partially made of plastic, can be hard for larger dogs to use due to weight limit and length
PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp
Another PetSafe product, the Petsafe Happy Rise Folding Dog Ramp is another ramp that is made for SUVs, minivans, and other cars. It is excellent for road trips, car rides to the vet, or other adventures. If your dog loves the car, they’ll love this too. If your dog often struggles to move up and down from the car, this ramp might be perfect for you. This ramp is durable, but is mostly for smaller dogs as it can hold weight up to 150 pounds. It is very lightweight and easy to carry around! If you need a ramp that is easily portable, stored, or carried from car to car, this is a great choice. The entire ramp only weighs ten pounds, making it easy to move whenever you please ,even between stops!
PROS: Safety, Lightweight, Inexpensive
CONS: Cannot handle a lot of weight, not very big, but works for smaller dogs
Trixie Pet Product 39in Pet Ramp
This ramp is made to specifically protect your pet’s joints. So if they have weak or sensitive joints and you want to prevent their pain or lessen the damage, this may be a great way to do so when travelling. The package height of the product is 5.91 inches, the package length of the product is 40.55 inches, and the package width of the product is 15.55 inches.
PROS: Lightweight, protects joints, low price
CONS: Rough material, large ramp so it may be hard to store or use in smaller places
PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp – Portable Pet Ramp –
PetSafe is a popular brand, and offers a variety of products, which is why we’re bringing up yet another one in this list. The PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp is also excellent in providing a safe bridge to and from your car for your pet. It provides them an easy walk to your car without hurting their muscles or paws by continuously jumping. Like the other PetSafe products, this product is specifically made for vans, SUVs, and other vehicles.
PROS: Extra long, lightweight, easy to store, safe
CONS: Expensive, can only handle 300 pounds, rough on dogs’ paws
Pet Gear Free Standing Ramp for Cats and Dogs
There is a rubberized bottom built into its surface with grippers that prevent slipping and help with secure placement. This will keep the ramp from moving as your dog walks on it. The ramp also has raised edges to prevent the dog from falling off the sides. This is especially helpful when the dog is using a ramp for the first time, or may be nervous to use it. The ramp holds pets up to 300 pounds, and measures 55’’ in length, 19’’ in width, and 23’’ in height.
PROS: Can stand on its own, will not collapse, soft surface for dog’s paws
CONS: large, may be hard to use in small places, more expensive
PetSafe Happy Ride Extendable Dog Ramp
PROS: Extendable, customizable, easy to use, stable
CONS: expensive, can only hold up to 300 pounds
Basic Information
Now that we’ve reviewed some of the most popular pet ramps on Amazon, let’s talk about what we’re really looking for here. Whether you want to know more as you look over the ramps we’ve already reviewed, or you want to continue your own search with more information, the rest of this article should provide you with everything you need. We will be covering what ramps are, what they are used for, materials used for them, how to make your own, how to know if your dog needs a ramp, top brands, and a quick Q&A.
What is a Dog Ramp?
Dog ramps are flat, inclined ramps that are used for your dog to walk up and down as they try to reach high furniture. They can also be used to get in and out of cars. The purpose of a ramp is to reduce the strain on your dog, allowing them to easily move up and down without jumping or hurting their joints. These are especially helpful for older dogs, injured dogs, or dogs with weaker joints/muscles.
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Car Ramp
Benefits of Buying a Portable Ramp
Buying a portable ramp is an excellent choice. Whether the ramp is meant to be used indoors with furniture, or outdoors with your car, or even both, having it be easily portable is always an advantage. Not only does this make it significantly easier to store, as you can fold it up and store it anywhere, it means you can pick it up and carry it wherever you go. This can be especially beneficial for road trips and trips where your dog might have to move from car to car.
Safety Tips When Using a Dog Ramp
The most important thing when using a dog ramp is safety. The best way to guarantee safety is to check that your purchased ramp has safety features. These features may include a no-slip surface, side rails, or rubberized bottoms to ensure it stays still. You also might want to test the ramp before you let your dog walk on it, and be sure to be certain that it is secured to the car or furniture enough.
Does My Dog Need a Ramp?
Best Dog Ramp FAQ
What to look for when buying a dog ramp?
When looking to purchase a dog ramp, there are a few things you should consider. The first is what kind of ramp you want–indoors vs outdoors, or maybe both. If your main priority is finding a ramp for your dog to be able to reach your bed or other indoor furniture, look further into indoor ramps meant for beds. If you take your dog on road trips or bring them along for car rides regularly, look more into outdoor ramps.
Once you’ve decided what type of ramp you need, access the size you will need, and the size you can handle. This means accessing both the size of your dog and the size of your car/bed.
You also need to take into account the room you have to store this ramp. After that, your main priority should be safety. You need to make sure that whatever ramp you are buying for your dog to use is safe. This means safety features such as no-slip surfaces, side rails, and rubberized bottoms to keep the ramp in place.
What’s the difference between dog ramps and dog stairs?
The main difference between a dog ramp and stairs is that a ramp puts less stress on your dog’s back. Stairs may be better for younger dogs who have the strength and ability to go up the stairs. Ramps should be used for dogs that need the extra help and may do better by walking up and down a continuous incline rather than stairs.
What Size Dog Ramp Will I Need for My Pet?
The size of your ramp will depend on the size of your pet. You will want to ensure that your pet has plenty of space to move, you don’t want them having to balance on a too-small platform. Make sure you measure your dog before purchasing a ramp. The ramp should be twelve inches long for every inch tall your dog is.
How do I keep the ramp from slipping on tile or cement surfaces?
A great way to prevent slipping with ramps is by using non-slip tape. There are various brands to choose from, you just need to find the one that works the best for you. LifeGrip AntiSlip Traction Tape is recommended by many.
Can I Use a Dog Ramp in the Pool?
There are actually dog ramps made for pools! If your dog loves the water, or you’re thinking of teaching them how to swim for their own safety, this would be a great purchase. It allows them to gradually settle into the water themselves ,making both of you more comfortable. They can take their time getting into the water, and can even just sit on the ramp to cool off if need be.
Best Dog Ramps for Older and Arthritic Dogs
Ramps for SUVs
Because SUVs are larger cars, even bigger dogs often need help when getting into them. You don’t want them straining themselves as they move in and out of their cars. There are plenty of different ramps and stairs for SUVs. Some of the most popular ramps for SUVs and other large carts include the Solvit Petsafe Extralong Ramp, the Flight Bird Ramp Stairs, and Rage Powersports Folding Aluminum Pet Ramp.
Ramps for PickUp Trucks
Similar to SUVs, pickup trucks are very large and if your dog is frequently moving in and out of it, a ramp will keep them from getting hurt. Some ramps that are specifically great for pick up truck owners include Titan 68 Telescoping Pet ramp, the Solvie Petsafe Ramp again, and the Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Pets.
Indoor Dog Ramps
How To Make a Dog Ramp
Now that it has been established what dog ramps are, if you need one, and we’ve answered some basic questions, let’s talk about other options. If you aren’t interested in purchasing a ramp from a retailer whether that be for safety, price, or any other reason, it is definitely possible to make your own. However, remember that safety is still the top priority.
What Angle Should a Dog Ramp Be?
A ramp should have roughly an 18-25 degree incline. Your angle will determine how long your ramp should be, so be sure to measure the surface you are planning to use the ramp for beforehand.
Are Wooden Ramps a Good Option?
Yes! Wooden ramps are completely fine. It is just important to be sure they are safely made, that the wood doesn’t rot, and that the surface is smooth enough so that it does not hurt their paws.
How Do I Get My Dog Used to a Ramp?
Like anything new you introduce your dog to, they will most likely be hesitant to use a ramp at first. It will feel off and unfamiliar. The best way to introduce them is slowly. Allow them to explore it alone, to sniff around, maybe even step on it. Then slowly, you can encourage them to walk on it. As always, use lots of positive reinforcement and praise.
Steps for Making a Dog Ramp in just 4 steps
- Measure and cut the wood, brass threshold, side trim pieces, then
- nail them in place
- Glue down the carpet and let dry
- Attach the metal threshold, add rubber feet, and you’re done!
Top Rated Dog Ramps
Just to add some more recommendations if you still aren’t sure what direction to go into, let’s talk about the top five rated dog ramps. These ramps are just general ramps, there’s no specific theme other than excellent quality.
Our top pick is the PetStep Original Folding Pet Ramp. Runner up for that is the Prairie View Industries SFW330 Portable Singlefold Ramp. The best ramp specifically for cars include the Olvit Petsafe Extralong Ramp, the Flight Bird Ramp Stairs, and Rage Powersports Folding Aluminum Pet Ramp. You can visit the other dog ramps we reviewed here.
Materials and Types of Ramps
Fixed Ramps
Folding vs Telescopic
Telescopic ramps are just like the ones we discussed above. They are adjustable at various points in the ramp, to account for specific needs in height and weight. Telescopic ramps, on the other hand, a folding ramp allows you to fold it up whenever needed. This makes it much easier to store. Folding and telescopic ramps are not opposites. Actually, there are plenty of ramps that are both. By offering both of these qualities, these ramps tend to be very popular, safe and convenient.
Height, Length, and Slope
The height you should be looking for in a ramp is dependent on what you need the ramp for. If you’re looking to use it for furniture, measure the height of that furniture. If you’re looking to use it for your car, take into account the height of your car. The length is mostly dependent on the height as well. The slope, however, how steep it is should depend on your dog. If you have an older dog, you might want a ramp with less of a steeper incline, whereas younger dogs can handle more of a steep incline.
Additional Features
Additional features that you can look for in a ramp that enhance safety include no-slip surfaces, rubberized grips on the bottom of the ramp, and side rails. All safety precautions should be looked into and evaluated. Just as any purchase you make for your dog, the purchase of this ramp should be done with safety as a priority.
Prerequisites and Precautions for Dog Ramp Use
Training
Your dog will most likely take some time to get used to their new ramp. Training may be a long process, but you must remain patient. Give them time to explore the ramp on their own and gradually become comfortable. They may need to take small steps, but they will eventually grow comfortable with it and learn that it is just there to help them. Remember to use positive reinforcement and lots of treats!
Safety
As mentioned before, there are plenty of safety features to consider for your ramp. These include side rails, rubberized grips for the bottom of the ramp, and no-slip surfaces. These features ensure that your dog does not fall and hurt himself.
Keep and Eye on Your Dog
Never let your pet use the ramp without your supervision. It is important to make sure that as they are walking on it, you are watching to ensure they don’t fall or the ramp doesn’t collapse. Make sure you’re watching them whether you are first training them, or even after they’ve become comfortable with it.
You Stay Off the Ramp
In case this doesn’t go without saying: your dog ramp is a dog ramp. Do not use it for yourself. Do not step on it. The ramp may break under you, or you could break it so that the next time your dog uses it it cannot withstand their weight. Using your dog’s ramp will only put you and your pet in danger.
Top Brands
The top brands for dog ramps are Pet Safe, Pet Gear, and PetSTEP.
Alternatives for Ramps
Now that we’re familiar with dog ramps, what they are, how they work, other options, and your best options, you should have enough information to know what kind of ramp (if any) that you want to buy. Remember that safety always comes first, and the best way to make sure your dog is always by your side is by giving them access to you at all times and making it as easy as possible. Purchasing the right ramp can make this dream come true.