As our dogs get older, ailments may increase causing them to have difficulty performing some activities, like jumping onto the couch or bed or getting into and out of the car. Dog ramps can assist your dog get to their favorite spot on the couch, in bed or into and out of the car with greater ease. This post looks at dog ramps for large dogs.
What Is A Dog Ramp?
A dog ramp is a flat surface that inclines to allow your dog to walk up or down an elevated surface. There is usually some kind of traction on the ramp to prevent your dog from slipping while using it.
Why Should My Dog Use A Dog Ramp?
You may want to use a dog ramp for various reasons.
- Age. As dog’s get older, they may not be as agile as they once were.
- Medical Conditions. Hip dysplasia, spinal conditions, blindness or other conditions.
- Surgery. Knee or ankle surgeries will have precautions for your dog to avoid stairs or jumping.
- Predisposition to certain conditions where it will be beneficial for them to avoid stairs or jumping.
- Fear. Some dogs are afraid to go up and down stairs or jump on and off a bed.
Are Stairs Or A Ramp Better For Dogs?
This will depend on your dog. Are they still able to get up and down stairs without any kind of difficulty? If your dog can still negotiate going up and down stairs, this should be fine for your dog to use to help them get to a bed that is too high for them to jump up and down from.
If your dog has developed a fear of using stairs (this happened to my dog after her ACL surgery), if they have a degenerative condition where stairs may be difficult for them in the future, or if they need to avoid stairs as per post surgical instructions, then a ramp would be better for your dog.
Check out our post HERE for the best dog stairs for your dog.
Where Can I Use A Dog Ramp?
Dog ramps can be used to help your dog get to a surface that may be too high for them to just walk or jump up to. Places you may want to utilize a dog ramp include:
- Your car. A ramp can help your dog get into or out of the back seat or trunk of your car.
- The couch. Ramps will give your dog a slight incline to easily get on and off the couch.
- A high bed. If your dog likes to enjoy the comfort of your bed, a ramp can help them get on and off of it with greater ease and without the risk of injuring themselves from jumping.
- Stairs. Some dogs may have difficulty getting up and down even a few steps. A ramp can help them avoid the stairs altogether.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Dog Ramp For My Large Dog?
There are a few factors you may want to consider when choosing the best dog ramp for your large dog.
Use
What are you going to be using the dog ramp for? Do you want one that is portable or more permanent? Choose a ramp that will be able to be used for the correct purpose you need it for.
Indoors or Outdoors?
Some ramps are only made to be used either indoors or outdoors but not both. Check the ramp to be sure you can use it where you want to use it.
Size
Will the ramp be too big for the area you want to use it? Measure the ramp as well as the space you want to use it to be sure it will fit.
Material
Some ramps are made of wood and some use aluminum or plastic.
Ramp Slope
Will the slope of the ramp be too steep for your dog?
Weight
Depending on the material and size of the ramp you choose, it may be heavy for you to lift and move around.
Set Up
Is the ramp easy for you to set up into the position you need it to be in?
Storage
Can the ramp be easily put away? Does it fold into a smaller ramp? Fold in half? Will you have enough space to put it when you are not using it?
Traction
Ramps use different material to provide traction for your dog to walk on to avoid slipping when they are using it. Some are better for some dogs than others. Some ramps use carpet, others rubber, some use a sandpaper type of traction, and still others use their own combination of materials. Your dog may tolerate one type but not another.
Non-Slip Bottom
Having a non-slip bottom will be beneficial if you are using your ramp on a slippery surface, like tile or thin carpet.
Width
Is the dog ramp wide enough for your large dog to walk on comfortably?
Side Rails
This helps your dog feel more secure when walking up and down the ramp, without having them feel they are going to fall off.
Weight
Can the ramp support the weight of your large dog? Manufacturers provide a maximum weight their ramp can hold. Choose a ramp that goes over your dog’s weight to be on the safe side.
Assembly
Does the ramp come ready to use or will you have to assemble it yourself?
The Best Dog Ramps For Large Dogs
These are some of the top rated dog ramps for large dogs. We have included the weight that each is rated to support as well as the measurements. Pay attention to the weight to make sure it will support your dog’s weight and then some, just to be safe. The width of the ramp is also important. Make sure it is wide enough that your dog will be comfortable using it. All the information about each product is provided by the manufacturer.
Best Dog Ramps For The Car
These ramps are designed to be used to help your pup get into and out of the car. They can be used to get your dog into and out of the car by the side door or the back. Compare the width of the ramp with the opening of your car door if you plan on using it there instead of the back to be sure it will fit.
Each of these is considered easy to use, sturdy, and easy to store when not in use by users.
The width of some of these may be too narrow for your dog, so double check that with each.
WeatherTec Pet Ramp
- Measures 37 x 18 x 7”.
- Can hold dogs up to 300 lbs.
- Easily folds for storage.
- Rubber feet at each end to hold in place.
- Specialized traction pads (rubber textured surface) on the ramp.
- Lightweight.
- Integrated handles for easy carrying.
- Weighs 16 lbs.
- Made in the USA.
Portable Dog Stairs For Large Dogs
- Available in 4 step and 5 step options with or without grass.
- Gentle incline.
- Non- slip surface.
- Low angle: 45 x 22” with 5” between each step.
- High angle: 38 x 28” with 6 “ between each step.
- Safety tether to attach to the car.
- Foam handles.
- Folds for storage.
- Holds up to 150 lbs.
- Weighs 8 lbs.
PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp
- Measures 87 x 20 x 4″.
- Can hold up to 300 lbs.
- Adjustable height for a gradual, moderate, or steep slope.
- Made of aluminum.
- Lightweight.
- High traction walking surface.
- Safety latch to keep it in place.
- Weighs 18 lbs.
Pet Gear Tri-Fold Dog Car Ramp
- Measures 71 x 19.5x 4”.
- Can hold up to 200 lbs.
- Supertrax mat.
- Bottom grippers.
- Folds for storage.
- Raised edges.
- Safety tether to secure it to a car.
- Handle.
- Weighs 27 lbs.
Best Dog Ramps For The Bed/Couch
These dog ramps are designed to help your dog get up and down from a bed or couch. These are heavier than those designed for a car and are made of hardwood.
They are sturdy, easy to use, and easy to store if needed according to users.
PetSafe CozyUp Folding Wood Petsteps
- Measures 30 x 19 x 25”.
- Good for dogs up to 200 lbs.
- 25” tall.
- Carpet cover on each step.
- Folds flat.
- 4 steps.
- Side rails for safety.
- Weighs 16 lbs.
DoggoRamps Couch Ramp For Dogs
- Available in 2 colors: Walnut and Clear Natural.
- Measures 35 x 15 x 3”.
- Can hold up to 150 lbs.
- Adjustable height: 14”, 16”, 18”, and 21”.
- Platform at top.
- Folds flat.
- Traction on surface.
- Arrives fully assembled.
- Weighs 15 lbs.
- Made in North America.
Gentle Rise Dog Bed Ramp
- Measures 74 x 17 x 26”.
- Non-slip rubber surface.
- Side rail can be installed on either side.
- Can hold 130+ lbs.
- Highest point of the ramp is 26”.
- Rubber traction.
- Made of wood.
- Weighs 30 lbs.
- Some assembly required.
PetSafe CozyUp Wooden Dog Ramp
- Available in 2 colors: White and Cherry.
- Measures 79 x 16 x 25”.
- 25” tall.
- For dogs up to 120 lbs.
- Carpet surface for traction.
- Made of wood.
- Weighs 22 lbs.
- Assembly required.
Cons:
- Carpet can be slippery but the ramp is good so you can add your own traction.
- No rail.
- No rubber on the bottom.
DoggoRamps Large Bed Ramp
- For dogs up to 200 lbs.
- Measures 64 x 20”.
- Made of maple hardwood.
- Adjustable height 20 – 35”.
- Safety rail that can go on either side.
- 5 colors.
- Anti-slip surface.
- Landing platform at the top.
- Folds flat to 4.5”.
- Platform is 19” wide.
- Weighs 46 lbs.
- Made in North America.
Best Dog Ramp For Use Indoors And Outdoors
This dog ramp is designed to be used both indoors and outdoors. It is a free standing ramp, so it does not need to attach to anything when used for a car.
Pet Gear Free Standing Carpeted Dog Car Ramp
- For dogs up to 200 lbs.
- Measures 56 x 16 x 23”.
- Rubber grip on each leg to avoid slipping.
- Folds for storage.
- Slip resistant surface.
- Surface can be removed for cleaning.
- Weighs 17 lbs.
Just because your dog is no longer able to go up and down a flight of stairs or jump on and off the bed, it doesn’t mean they can’t continue to go to their favorite places. Dog ramps can help your dog maintain their independence by giving them a little “boost”.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.