Here you’ll find all of our roundups featuring dog ramps for different occasions.
Our team has scoured the market, using and examining a wide range of dog ramps. For each ramp, we employed a combination of in-depth research, personal experience, and specific tests. Naturally, the tests and qualifications depend on the ramp’s specific use. For example, we made sure all boat ramps were water-resistant, and all truck ramps were sufficiently tall.
If your dog is having trouble hopping up onto the bed or couch, into your car, or any other elevated and lowered spaces, it’s a sign that you definitely need to use a dog ramp. You can tell that he’s having trouble if he cries, pants, or seems restless after he jumps onto or off of a surface. Another way to tell if he’s having trouble is if hesitates before he hops, or seems to be priming himself for the jump.
If you have a senior dog, you may have seen this kind of behavior.
However, it’s important to have a ramp for your dog, even if your dog isn’t old. I have a Labrador, so I always use a ramp. Large dogs like Great Danes and St. Bernards and medium dogs like Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues as they age. You can get ahead of the curve by ensuring they aren’t jumping on and off of higher surfaces when they don’t have to.
Short-legged canine companions are another group who can benefit from a ramp. Whether you’re at home and they need support to get on the couch, or out in the pool and they can’t reach the edge, dachshunds and similar breeds will often need a dog ramp.
Even if you don’t use a ramp on a daily basis, it can work as insurance. If your dog unexpectedly becomes sick or gets injured, he will likely be unable to jump in and out of a car or on and off of the couch. In a worst case scenario, you want to make sure you can transport your pup to the veterinarian in an emergency.
Since there’s so many reasons to acquire a dog ramp (or two!), let’s take a look at our roundups!
Dog Ramps for the Vehicles
I drive a Jeep and I love taking my pooch on rides. Regardless of what car you drive, it’s important to get the right ramp for your vehicle. After all, you’ll need a different ramp for when you’re taking your dog to the vet in your car vs when you’re taking your dog to an outdoor adventure in your RV!
Normal-Sized Vehicles
Large Vehicles
The important qualities for vehicle ramps are that they are portable and can fold up, that they can fit in your specific vehicle, and that they have an anti-skid surface that’s also comfortable on your pet’s paws.
Dogs need fresh air. As someone who trains bird dogs of all ages, I’m constantly ushering dogs in and out of my vehicle. I’d otherwise be carrying them in and out, or letting them jump on and off. Traveling with your dog, both in and out of the car, is a great bonding experience and good exercise as well.
Dog Ramps on the Water
From the land to the seas, a ramp for boats and pools is absolutely necessary. I know some of you will likely wait until your pooch gets older to get a car ramp, but you absolutely cannot skip out on a boat or pool ramp. See our two round-ups for wet and wild fun!
For water-related adventures, a dog ramp is absolutely necessary. After all, your dog can’t very well climb up the pool ladder. And while it’s possible for your dog to jump off of your boat, he certainly can’t climb back on without a ramp.
Necessity aside, there are several benefits to using a ramp at the pool, ocean, or lake. A dog ramp will allow your dog the power to get in and out of the water himself. He will enjoy swimming more with this extra freedom. And of course, swimming is a fantastic workout for dogs because it strengthens muscles. If your dog has joint problems, a ramp and water exercises are two good ways to alleviate the issues and the discomfort. When swimming, 90% of your dog’s body is supported by the water.
If your dog is a jumper, there’s a chance he may not properly judge the distance between the dock and the boat, so training him on a ramp is the least risky bet! For extra safety, strap a doggy life vest on him too.
And just like when you’re traveling with your pup, water activities are a great bonding experience for you and your canine best friend!
Ramps at Home and Outside
As mentioned, ramps for in and around the house are important for older dogs, short-legged dogs, and larger dogs who are susceptible to joint issues. Here, we present a ramp roundup for each specific issue!
- 7 Best Dog Ramps for Beds
- 5 Best Large Dog Ramps
- 5 Best Dog Ramps for Your Day Out
- 5 Best Dog Dock Ramp For Your Day Out
- Adjustable Dog Ramp
- 5 Best Adjustable Dog Ramps For Couches
A lot of older dogs continue to jump the same way they did when they were younger. If they don’t already have sore joints, continuing to do this will definitely lead to pain or even injury.
Before I started using ramps, I noticed that the health issues in my older dogs manifested earlier. Ever since I started using a ramp in and around the house, my pets have stayed healthier longer.
Moreover, dogs tend to be stoic. So even if they start to develop issues or have gotten ill, you may not know until they’ve been living with it for longer than you realize.
Having a ramp for bed or couch, for large dogs, and for a day out is important as a lifeline and a way to keep injury at bay. It’s better to be overprepared, after all.
Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?
We want to be an excellent resource for all fellow dog lovers. If you’re here and you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, we have many other sections on this website.
Use the search function at the top right of the page to find exactly what you’re looking for. Our team covers all areas of owning, caring for, and loving our favorite pets.
Also, check back regularly for new posts, roundups, and guides!
The Importance of Dog Ramps
Remember, it’s important to have a dog ramp for your pet. Whether they’re older, have a particular condition, a large breed, or a short-legged breed, a dog ramp is needed. Even if none of the above apply, it’s important to keep a ramp for insurance or to get ahead of future conditions.
Our researchers spent time trying out all of the dog ramps in this collection of roundups so you don’t have to. Do you have a boat that you want your buddy to join you in?
Perhaps you’re an outdoor buff and you love taking your friend on adventures with you! We took care to ensure that for each specific occasion, we used the right tests and prerequisites.
We hope this was helpful to you and your pup!
