Dog Ramps or Stairs: Which one is an ideal solution?

The one thing we know about dogs is that they are one of the most loving, caring and loyal animals in the whole world. So, no wonder why dog owners get so attached to them, and they do everything they can in order to make dogs’ life easy. Aside from installing a dog door on the existent front/back door of your home in order to give your dog the freedom to go in and out whenever it wants, you can also ease its job when getting into the car. And, it seems that the easiest way to help him out is by using a folding pet ramp and steps.

Why Do Some Dogs Need Dog Ramps and Stairs?

The first and most important thing you need to know is that even if your dog doesn’t have any obvious problem, the constant jumping on and off the furniture and vehicle will seriously put stress and pressure on its joints and bones. So, depending on its physical condition, breed or age, at some point in life your dog might find it difficult to perform its basic action, to jump. However, senior dogs, dogs with arthritis, small breed dogs, puppies and dogs that recover from an injury or surgery might also not be able to hop in the car, SUV or truck with ease. Fortunately, it seems that folding pet ramp and steps are an excellent choice for all types of dogs. Both ramps and stairs have their pros and cons which means that there is no right or wrong choice, and your choice should be based on both – your dog’s and your personal preference.

Dog Ramps

Dog ramps are appealing, sleek, sturdy and easy to maneuver solutions designed for all dog types. These epithets are more than enough and in fact, a good explanation why dog ramps are still the most popular choice among dog owners and dogs themselves. Nowadays, you get the chance to find a large selection of dog ramps ranging in size, shape and model. They are perfect for even the smallest dog breeds and smallest puppies as well as for dogs who have any kind of health problem. When chosen properly, you might certainly ease the life of your dog when getting in and out of the vehicle. Being able to fold these ramps are also extremely easy to store and move around. When in the search for the right foldable dog ramp, you should take into account some of the most basic things.

The Ramp’s Length

Before you make any rash decision, the first thing you’ll have to do is to calculate and choose the right ramp length. For its purpose, you’ll have to measure the height of the elevated surface and then choose the right ramp model.

The Ramp’s Surface

Choosing a ramp with an anti-slip surface is essential, so your dog could walk on it safely and securely.

The Dog’s Weight

This goes mainly goes for bigger dogs since not all ramps are designed to hold up heavyweight. So, before buying the ramp, make sure you know the weight of your dog and check if the chosen ramp model can support its weight.

Dog Stairs

Dog stairs are a compact and convenient solution for dogs that are still able to climb stairs. Usually, wood and plastic are the most commonly used materials for pet stairs and the one you choose should depend on how often you plan to move them. Just like choosing a dog ramp, there are some important things that you should have in mind when choosing the right dog stairs for your furry friend.

The Stairs’ Surface

The chosen dog stairs should be made of an anti-slip surface so your dog could be able to climb up and down with ease.

The Dog’s Weight

The chosen stairs should be able to support your dog’s weight, so before buying the first stairs you see in the store, it’s best if you check their description. For instance, some of them are precisely made for smaller dogs, so larger dogs can’t use them.

The Steps’ Size

The size of the steps should be big enough for your dog to stand easily. Since you are using them, this means that your dog has some kind of problem, so it’s essential for your dog to avoid the jumping motion when climbing up the stairs.

The Stairs’ Weight

As we already mentioned, the weight of the stairs should mainly depend on your needs, however, it is best if you choose lighter stairs since they are easier to move around. In other words, you can use them in your home as well and not only for the vehicle.

As you can see, both stairs and ramps are a good solution for your dog and whichever you choose would be awesome. The thing that stays the same for both of them is that you need to buy them from a trusted and reliable supplier in order to get the best deal for your money.