Dog Ramps and Stairs

Types of Dog Ramps: When evaluating the various ramps for dogs on the market, there are a few characteristics to consider prior to purchasing your pet ramp, which include: Portability requirements, the age and mobility of your pet, intended use and tread material.

What pets should use dog ramps and stairs? Is your pet getting older? Has your pet recently had surgery and needs assistance reaching his favorite chair? Do you have a toy breed that can't jump up to the bed without a little help? Do you want to protect your young, active dog's joints and hips from too much impact that could lead to problems later in life? Then dog ramps and stairs might be the answer for you.

Now is the best time to buy, as pet ramps have undergone significant improvements over the past two years and are now stronger, lighter and less expensive than ever before!

Portability: If you plan on taking your dog ramp with you in the car and on the go, then portability will be an important requirement for you. Portability refers to the ease of carrying and storing your dog ramp. If portability is important to you, you should review and analyze: (1) the weight of the ramp, will it be easy for you to carry?; (2) the size of the ramp when not in use; and (3) the ease of converting the ramp from a storage state to an "in-use" state. Many pet ramps, fold, telescope or roll into smaller sizes when not in use.

Telescoping ramps for dogs, our most popular models of pet ramps, contract down to a portable size when not in use, and easily extend to a full length position when it's time to use. Folding dog ramps are typically hinged in the middle and fold in half when not in use. PetSTEP has recently introduced a new portable multi-folding dog ramp, called the Tote N Store pet ramp. It weighs only 7 pounds and folds down to 16" x 17" x 8". The Tote N Store is made for pets under 65 pounds, so it is not the pet ramp for all dogs.

Tread: When determining the type of dog ramp to purchase, it is important to evaluate the different types of tread used by the various manufacturers, especially those dog ramps that are purchased for outside use. The Solvit and Mr. Herzher's brand dog ramps use a sand paper-type tread material, which is similar to the material used on surf boards. We have found that this type of tread material can still be a bit slippery in the snow or rain, but most customers find this dog ramp tread to be very acceptable. The surface of this dog ramp may begin to peel off with age; however, it can be replaced if desired.

Some other telescoping dog ramps use a low-pile carpet for tread material. This tread is best suited for skittish dogs as they can get a better grip on these dog ramps as they walk up and down it. The downside to a carpeted pet ramp is that it tends to retain odors and is slightly more difficult to clean. Some manufacturers sell replacement carpet tread. On the other hand, PetSTEP dog ramps are made of a corrugated plastic material. This tread appears to be the most durable as it wears the best as it ages and is easily cleaned.

Your Dog's Age and Mobility: As your dog ages, it becomes more difficult for him to enter and exit vehicles, and reach beds, sofas and other elevated surfaces. For older dogs, we at America's Pet Store recommend decreasing the angle of the pet ramp when in use. This would require purchasing a longer pet ramp. Using a dog ramp placed on a gradual incline will make it easier and safer for your aging pets to walk up and down the ramp.

Many older dogs prefer to use a dog ramp with side rails. As your dog's eyes begin to fail, poor eyesight makes him more skittish on the ramp since it is difficult to see the ramp's edge. A dog ramp with side rails provides your pet with additional security since he can easily see the edge of the ramp making the dog more comfortable and confident walking on the ramp. Dog ramps and steps with side rails increase the possibility that your pet will use the pet ramp.

If you are looking for cheap dog ramps and steps, we would have to caution you in saying you get what you pay for, and it probably won't last. But if you only plan on using your dog ramp for a short period of time to help your dog or cat's mobility after a surgery, a cheap dog ramp might just do. More words of caution – if you have a large dog we would not recommend purchasing a cheap dog ramp because in most instances the dog's weight will not be properly supported on the ramp resulting in your dog becoming fearful to use it. America's Pet Store would prefer to use the word affordable, and all our pet ramps are that! You can purchase a very strong, durable dog ramp for under $100 with free shipping!

What is the best rated dog ramp? Well in order to answer that question, it would depend on the application. For example, the most heavy-duty pet ramp on the market would be too heavy for small people to use as a portable dog ramp. The best pet ramp for indoor applications is different than that for outdoor use. As you can imagine that answer is up for debate, but we polled our employees here at America's Pet Store and have agreed that the Solvit Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp wins! However, we need to qualify that for indoor use, it probably won't match your decor.

Pet Ramps for your cats? Are you looking for a cat ramp? Yes, believe it or not, cats need ramps too! Maybe your cat just went through surgery or you need a ramp for your aging cat. Either way, we don't want to discriminate! Any of the dog ramps available at America's Pet Store can also be used as cat ramps!

Americas-Pet-Store.com carries many brand-name ramps for pets. If you are looking for a Solvit dog ramp, we are an Authorized Retailer and carry their full line.