Are you looking for the best dog ramp? Then you’ve come to the right place! A dog ramp is designed to protect your dog’s health. We’ve tested 5 dog ramps for this review, incorporating the opinions of experts as well. We promise, you’ll truly be helped here 🙂

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Dog Ramp Buying Guide

Sometimes, your dog might find it impossible to get into the car. While its hind legs might try to follow, it can’t quite manage.

Is the trunk high? Your dog’s joints aren’t as strong anymore? Then such tasks become challenging for it to handle.

An assistance ramp might sound funny at first. But the laughter quickly fades when you have to manually lift your heavy friend into your car.

But if you use a loading ramp, you’ll not only save your back but also its joints.

Dog ramps are available with two different mechanisms, namely folding and sliding. A folding ramp is more stable and less prone to damage than telescopic ramps.

However, assistive devices with a telescopic mechanism prove to be more flexible. You can collapse them to save space.

Advantages of Dog Ramps

Large dogs have a hard time due to their high weight. They can’t jump into the car by themselves.

Especially when they’re in their senior years. Therefore, they rely on a loading ramp. With it, these problems become a thing of the past. It protects the joints as well as the spine and hip area.

Is your dog suffering from age-related issues? Then it can experience severe pain due to steps and jumps. The car ramp is slightly inclined, relieving your faithful friend.

Even if it doesn’t have joint problems yet, you can use it preventively. Furthermore, you can already use it for puppies. Since they feel safer during their growth phase.

Here’s everything to consider when choosing a dog ramp:

1. Ideal for Joint Protection

The dog ramp is a great tool to protect the joints of both dog and owner. An assistive device is designed so that your dog can easily get into a car.

In the meantime, you can also allow him to climb stairs or go from the floor to the sofa without discomfort using the loading ramp.

So, you’re doing a lot of good for him with a dog ramp. Below, we’d like to go over the two types of telescopic and folding assistive devices again. Each variant has its pros and cons.

Folding Mechanism:

Telescopic Mechanism:

2. Mechanism

A dog ramp features a long, retractable board. You can extend this board until your dog can directly access the transport box.

The focus is therefore on the mechanism. Thus, it should be secure, flexible, lightweight, spacious, and easy to handle. You should be able to fold it down to a compact size for easy storage.

Generally, all dog ramps are safe. They also come with an anti-slip coating, providing your pet with secure footing.

During your search, you’ll encounter different variants: folding and sliding mechanisms. Both models are safe and can be folded down to save space.

The only difference is that the folding dog ramp is easier to use. The sliding version is less user-friendly but more flexible. This flexibility is not present in the folding mechanism of the assistive device.

Size, weight, and pack size vary for each assistive device. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the best product for you.

3. Material

Plastic:

Plastic is lightweight and sturdy. Additionally, it’s easy to clean. You won’t pay a high price for a plastic dog ramp, but you may find it less durable.

Aluminum:

Aluminum dog ramps are lightweight and sturdy. They’re also easy to clean, but they can heat up in the summer.

Wood:

Wood is a very sturdy and heavy material. In many cases, wooden ramps are folding dog ramps, but they are less suitable for telescopic mechanisms.

Composite:

Many manufacturers make assistive devices from a combination of aluminum and plastic, aiming to combine the advantages of these materials. Typically, the frame is metal, while the tread is plastic.

4. Size and Stability

Before buying the dog ramp, you need to measure your dog. All manufacturers have set a maximum weight for their assistive devices.

Your pet should not exceed this weight limit, or the ramp may break. Small and lightweight animals, as well as puppies, can use any ramp.

The larger your dog, the more you need to pay attention to the maximum weight limit. Most models are also between 35 and 45 cm wide.

If you have an anxious friend, you’ll need to do some exercises with him before he fully trusts the ramp. Use his favorite food or some treats to encourage him. Then it shouldn’t be a problem.

5. Additional Features

The most important feature is the anti-slip coating, which is only beneficial if your dog can safely ascend and descend without slipping or sliding. Typically, every assistive device should have such a coating.

Furthermore, safety rails on the side can enhance your pet’s sense of security.

If you can adjust the length continuously, you’ll benefit from many applications.

The last important point is the rubber feet, which make the ramp non-slip, ensuring it securely grips the ground, such as on the road.

Certainly, an assistive device can quickly get dirty. Therefore, a ramp should be easy to clean. Depending on the material and model, you can usually clean it without any issues.

6. Assembly and Disassembly of a Dog Ramp

To make it as easy as possible for your dog to enter the car, assembly and disassembly should be straightforward. In just a few steps, you can set up the assistive device for use.

In most cases, it involves a folding or sliding system.

You don’t need to screw it in place. Simply unfold or slide it out. Disassembly is also straightforward after use.

In its folded or slid-out state, it’s quite small and space-saving. You can easily place it in the trunk.

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🥇 Top Recommendation

Furthermore, it features a convenient folding mechanism. This allows you to quickly fold and unfold it. It’s also compact, making it easy to transport and store.

The product is equipped with an anti-slip coating. With the raised rails on the side, your faithful friend enjoys a secure footing as they move across it. Cleaning the product is very easy.

Due to its low weight of only 4.5 kg, you can transport it anywhere. That’s very practical. You can set it up in different locations. Finally, it has a maximum load capacity of approximately 90 kg.

Premium Recommendation

Dogs with arthritis, hip, or joint pain often have trouble reaching higher areas, such as cars. This is often a burden for the dog owner as well because the furry friend needs to be lifted. With this car ramp, these problems are a thing of the past. The Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp allows your pet to effortlessly master high entries, without straining their joints. Due to the durable aluminum construction, this ramp is both sturdy and lightweight. It weighs only 6.35 kg and carries over 135 kg. The anti-slip surface provides secure footing. Your dog can confidently walk up and down the ramp.

Budget Recommendation

This product offers excellent value for money. It’s extremely stable, and your pet will have no trouble getting into your car. It weighs only 4.8 kg. Therefore, you can easily store it in the trunk. The maximum load capacity is 90 kg.

Furthermore, it is made of plastic and has a piano hinge with an iron rod in the middle. This prevents slipping. Additionally, it is well-made and stable despite its simple design. Assembly and disassembly are very simple.

Telescopic Ramp

Make it comfortable for your dog, puppy, or other pets up to 85 kg with a continuous ramp. The ramp is also suitable for older, anxious, or sick dogs that need assistance. Thanks to its low weight of 5.8 kg and compact size (71x42x11.5 cm) when folded, the telescopic ramp is easy to store.

The length of the ramp can be easily adjusted from 73 to 163 cm using the three-part telescopic function, adapting it to your car. Large rubber feet at the ends of the ramp protect the car from scratches. The strong structure and side safety rails ensure a secure walking surface.

Dog Stairs

Dog stairs are the perfect solution for large, small, sick, and elderly dogs showing initial signs of mobility issues. In cases of joint and back problems, dog stairs provide optimal assistance for both dog and owner. The four steps of the pet ramp offer a large stepping surface and enough stability to give your pet a secure feeling. The pet ramp provides you and your pet with more safety when getting in and out.

The extra sturdy PVC material is easy to clean and water-resistant. With the double reinforcement of the steps with a thickness of 3 mm, the trunk ramp is suitable for weights of up to 80 kg. Thanks to the height-adjustable mechanism, the PiuPet assistive device fits all car types such as compact cars, convertibles, station wagons, and SUVs. The inclination of the dog telescopic ramp adapts optimally to the vehicle.

Conclusion

A dog ramp is a real gift for your beloved furry friend, making it easier for them to get into the car, onto the couch, into bed, or up the stairs. It not only protects their valuable joints but also ensures a happier and pain-free life.

The folding and telescopic mechanisms each offer their own advantages, stability, or flexibility -, so you can choose the ideal ramp for the needs of your faithful friend.

Give your dog the feeling of independence and joy with a dog ramp and experience how your back is relieved as well. Together, you will experience many carefree moments and adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which manufacturers are there?

Here is a list of manufacturers and brands:

Has there been a test by Consumer Reports?

Consumer Reports has not yet conducted a test on dog ramps. Nothing has been found in the English-speaking area.

Which assistive devices are suitable for the car?

In general, a dog assistive device is 150 cm long and at least 35 cm wide. It has an anti-slip coating and a safety edge.

There are also smaller models that you can use for the sofa or dog bed. You should never pull your pet up by the collar. Instead, always use the assistive device.

Is the dog ramp suitable for stairs?

Assistive devices are suitable for stairs. Is the length correct? Then it can protect your dog’s joints at staircases.

Does he use the stairs instead? Then you can train him with a whistle or his favorite toy.

If you have an extendable or foldable assistive device, your dog can even get into a dog stroller.

It doesn’t matter how tall he is. Furthermore, with a ramp, you can teach your puppy to practice difficult transitions.

How can I get my dog used to the dog ramp?

A new assistive device can be unusual for your beloved friend at first. Depending on the dog, it may take longer or shorter for him to get used to the new object.

Tip:

First, place the new product in a familiar environment. You can, for example, place the object in the garden.

This way, your furry friend can explore it in peace. Give him the time he needs to discover it.

Once your dog has overcome his fear, you can lure him onto the ramp with some treats or his favorite toy.

Make sure the ramp is securely placed on the ground and your dog is not feeling uncertain.

By using treats or toys, you create positive associations. Your dog will therefore only feel positive when thinking about the assistive device.

Once your pet has finally built trust in the object, all you have to do is show him which direction to move in.

In this case, it’s just a matter of practicing a lot. After all, you need to repeat these processes in the car as well so that your dog can independently use the dog ramp to get into the car.

Where can I buy a dog ramp?

You can buy an assistive device not only in traditional pet stores but also in online shops.

When buying online, you benefit from better prices, various payment options, and delivery right to your doorstep.

Furthermore, with this online buying guide, we aim to help you make the best decision possible.

What complaints can be avoided with a ramp?

You should not only buy it to alleviate health problems. You are doing your dog a big favor by using it as a preventive measure.

Don’t let it get to the point where he will develop health problems.

There are good reasons why you should buy an assistive device for your dog now. You can avoid the following conditions:

How does a dog ramp work?

When setting it up, make sure it is stable and does not wobble or slip while your pet is moving on it. If he doesn’t feel secure on it, he won’t develop trust in it.

For this reason, ensure that the car and the ground are level. Ideally, purchase a ramp that you can anchor in your car.