Using Dog Ramps - To Prevent Injuries

Learning after her first dachshund died of a broken back, Pat made sure that she had dog steps and ramps for her second doxie. Dog ramps enhance a dog’s mobility and help prevent injury, especially for older dogs with arthritic conditions.

Jumping up and down, either off of couches or trucks, puts stress on a dog’s spine and joints. This is especially true of dogs like the dachshund that are long backed and short legged and who are prone to arthritis in their spines.

Ramps are also important for dogs who are healing from injury or surgery.

Additionally, having a ramp for dogs helps assist the owner by relieving her of the burden of picking up the dog, which can be difficult with large breeds like shepherds or retrievers. A dog ramp can keep both you and your dog from wrenching your backs.

Dog ramps come in different types from wood and covered with carpet or other fabric to aluminum (typically for cars and trucks).

When considering a dog ramp, you need to decide on durability, ease of cleaning, ease of use and for you to carry or move, material, good traction (nonslip), stability (so it won’t tip if he stands on the edge), storage options, size and weight to support your dog, length. Dog ramps have weight rating and that should be at least double your dog’s weight.

You must decide too what the ramp will be used for. Will you be helping him get up a small set of stairs? Into your car? On the couch? If it needs to help you with multiple task, you might want one with a handle to easily move.

Traction is especially important for your dog because a slip can be just as dangerous as a jump. Too slick means your dog can lose his footing and fall off. And if he doesn’t feel secure using it, he will likely avoid using the ramp. Carpeting on the ramp will give your dog decent traction, but it may not be an easy footing to clean (unless you can vacuum it). A rough type of footing will provide traction and be easier to clean than carpeting. Also ensure that the base will work on your flooring. If the base is wood, will it work on a wood surface or will it slip? Rubber treads on the bottom can help with stability.

Whatever you decide, a ramp can be a great way to increase your dog’s mobility, access and activity in a safe way. For small dogs, recuperating dogs or elderly dogs, a ramp helps them retain some independence and activity while still being comfortable and safe.

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