Protect your joints
Practical help in everyday life: These are the advantages of a mobile dog ramp
A dog ramp is suitable for both small and large dogs to protect their joints
© Ирина Мещерякова / Getty Images
Older, weak and small dogs are often no longer able to jump into the trunk or onto the couch on their own. This is due to their sluggish joints or legs that are too short. With a suitable dog ramp or stairs, the animals are again more mobile in everyday life.
As a pet owner, you take your dog with you everywhere: for a walk, on vacation, to visit friends or even to the office (if the employer allows it). If the journey is made by car, the animal must be transported in the trunk. But what if the dog is old or weak and has joint problems, for example? And puppies shouldn’t jump too much at a young age either in order for their bones to grow healthily. In this case there are two solutions: Either you lift the animal into the wagon yourself, which is certainly not a pleasure with large and heavy breeds – especially if you yourself suffer from physical ailments. Or you can use a dog ramp or stairs that make everyday life easier for you and the animals.
Ramp vs. stairs: which is better?
In terms of the basic principle, dog ramps and dog stairs serve the same purpose: They should make it easier for sick, old or weak animals to gain access to the car or to elevations such as a couch or bed. However, the question arises here: which model is more suitable and why? The answer is very simple: there one ramp does not need any steps, it can be run up and down without any problems. In addition, when folded, it takes up less space in the vehicle and can be used as an aid to getting in or out of the vehicle at any time. However, the disadvantage here is that the inclined step surface can be more stressful for the paws. Because of this, the Dog stairs an alternative for your pet. It is particularly suitable for small breeds of dogs or puppies that cannot or should not be able to make large jumps.
Tips: These are the most important purchase criteria
Depending on the manufacturer, dog ramps and stairs differ from one another, especially when it comes to the materials used and integrated functions, size and weight. For this reason, you should think in advance about which criteria – in addition to the area of application – are important for your pet. These include the following properties:
- The material
Most models are made of wood, plastic or aluminum. All materials have their advantages and disadvantages: wood is, for example, very robust, but also heavy. plastic is nice and light and easier to clean, but also less sustainable and only has a limited shelf life. aluminum is of high quality and stable, but can heat up quickly on hot days. In addition, the material is significantly more expensive. - The function
Dog ramps usually have a function. Either the model can be unfolded to set it up, or it can be by means of Telescopic function pulled apart and thus also adjusted in length. Dog stairs, on the other hand, can either be folded up or are only available in one piece, as they are intended for living spaces and do not have to be stowed away. - The size
The size should not be ignored when buying a dog ramp or dog staircase. For your pet to walk safely on it, the model must be wide enough. It is best to plan a little more space in case the dog wobbles. The length has nothing to do with the size of your animal, but has a positive or negative effect on the animal Inclination angle from: the shorter the path, the steeper the ascent. - The weight
Depending on how heavy a dog is, the ramp or stairs have to withstand more or less weight. If you keep a small breed, such as a Dachshund or Chihuahua, a maximum load of up to is enough 40 kilograms. For large dogs, on the other hand, such as a German Shepherd or Labrador, the dog ramp or staircase should be able to lift at least 85 kilograms without any problems.
Dog ramps and dog stairs in comparison
1. Plastic dog ramp
This light one Plastic model weighs five kilograms, is collapsible and can therefore be easily stowed in the car. According to the manufacturer, the dog ramp can withstand up to 90 kilograms, making it particularly suitable for large and heavy breeds. However, to ensure easy entry and exit, the loading sill of your vehicle should not be higher than 80 centimeters. The dimensions are given here as 156 x 40 x 9 cm.
2. Aluminum dog ramp
This is significantly more expensive to buy Aluminum car ramp from Lidl. Thanks to the integrated anti-slip step surface, it is easier for older or weakened dogs to get into the trunk. The manufacturer specifies the dead weight as 8.3 kilograms, a maximum load capacity cannot be found in the description. Due to the stable material, however, the model should be suitable for large and heavy breeds.
3. Dog stairs made of foam
These non-slip dog stairs is available with three or four steps, depending on the height of the furniture. With a dead weight of 2.47 kilograms, the foam model is lighter than a ramp and therefore only suitable for small pets. According to the manufacturer, the dimensions are 40 centimeters wide and 57 centimeters high (three levels). The staircase is delivered vacuum-packed and has to expand after unpacking.
4. Plastic dog stairs
With this one Polypropylene model (Plastic) you can choose between two different colors: black and beige. The stairs can be folded up and thus easily stowed in the apartment. According to the manufacturer, however, it should only be used on non-slip surfaces. The dead weight is 2.5 kilograms. As a result, it can withstand a maximum load of just ten kilograms – i.e. very small breeds of dog.
This is how you get your dog used to the dog ramp
As practical as a dog ramp may be, some animals initially suspect it. In order to get your pet used to the entry and exit aid, you need to be patient. Under no circumstances may your dog be forced to step onto the ramp. Instead, you should give the fur nose time to get used to the prop. To begin with, place the ramp (or stairs) in a familiar environment, for example in front of a piece of furniture such as the sofa – if the animal is normally allowed to sit on it. Let the dog sniff it and, after the acclimatization period, encourage him to step onto the ramp with a few treats or a toy. Practice ascending and descending until your pet feels safe. You should then continue training in the car for a while before you start your first journey together.
And one more tip at the end:
A dog ramp or dog staircase is just as suitable for decrepit or sick cats who find it difficult to jump.
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