Dogs – like humans – sometimes need a little helping hand when it comes to getting to those hard-to-reach places.
Their needs can be dependent on age, breed or physical disposition, in light of an injury, operation or medical procedure.
Stairs or a ramp can be particularly helpful for smaller breeds, like Dachshunds and Corgis, when their desired destination is unattainable.
And they can aid those more senior canines with slightly more delicate joints, who no longer have such a spring in their step.
If you, as a pet parent, believe your four-legged friend would benefit from some assistance, then this purchase could change their life!
What are the benefits of using a dog ramp?
Ramps, and their alternatives, are like a gateway to the unknown for our pups.
They’re the equivalent of a ladder to a fireman, an escalator to a shopper, a lift to an office worker or a rope to a mountain climber.
They get you to where you need or want to be, they get you to the places that would be impossible to reach without them.
Unfortunately, not all of our canine companions have the plyometric capability to propel themselves onto surfaces above ground level.
They don’t have the power, youthfulness or explosiveness to give themselves a boost onto the bed, sofa, or into the car.
And even if they do, even if they push or exert themselves into defying the odds, it might not be too kind on their joints.
Dogs lead very active lives; they’re playful, unpredictable, clumsy, chaotic, adventurous and relentless, and their bodies pay the price.
Some will feel the pinch in old age, as their joints stiffen, seize up, and become delicate, while others will suffer the more restrictive, debilitating effects post-operation, if an illness or injury has required surgery.
They’re perfect for our four-legged friends with neurological issues and mobility-limiting problems, such as arthritis.
Then there are those who are more vertically challenged, whose little legs and chunky torsos make it difficult to attempt even the most unambitious leaps of faith.
Even if your dog appears to be physically capable of defying potentially hazardous heights, but seems hesitant beforehand, or breathless afterwards, then these inventions could do the trick.
What to look for when choosing a ramp or stairs for your dog
Ramps and stairs generally provide the same service for our pups.
Pet parents just have to figure out which device is the most compatible and convenient for their dog and home.
Stairs tend to take up less room than ramps, which makes them a good option if space is an issue.
High-quality stairs are also usually less expensive than high-end ramps, making them ideal for anybody working on a budget.
They’re foldable, mobile, easy to store, operable in all spaces, and tick all the boxes.
Ramps can be less efficient in tighter spaces, they can be clunkier, heavier, more difficult to move around.
However, they’re supportive, reliable, sturdy, and probably a better option for larger, heavier breeds.
Whatever you decide, consider its purpose, weigh up its reliability to support your pet’s weight against its convenience to move around, and ensure that the surface is ‘non-slip’.
Are ramps necessary for puppies as part of training?
Start them young!
The best way to stamp out bad habits is to educate your pup from a very early age.
Introducing them to a ramp at the earliest possible opportunity will teach them to make use of it.
If pet parents encourage their beautiful little barkers to use a ramp to get up and down from a bed, or a sofa, then it’ll become second nature.
That way they’ll refrain from trying to jump on, or down from, elevated surfaces, which will protect their joints and bones.
And they’ll grow up to be happier and healthier dogs!
Diet paves the way for a healthy, active life
Feeding your four-legged friend a complete and well-balanced diet will ensure that their bones are healthy and strong.
Preventing them from risking injury or sustaining general wear and tear by jumping off large platforms will ensure that they stay that way.
Our hairy housemates require assistance for a whole host of reasons, which we’ve explored throughout this blog.
Age, size and condition can all act as limitations and determine what your pup is and isn’t capable of doing.
Dog ramps, or stairs, are a sure fire way of enabling your dog to get to where they need to with relative ease and comfort.
Trust us, they’ll thank you for it!
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