Types of Dog Ramps: When evaluating the various dog ramps on the market, there are a few characteristics to consider prior to purchasing your ramp, which include: Portability requirements, the age and mobility of your pet, intended use and tread material.
What pets should use dog ramps and pet 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 or pet 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 dog ramps, fold, telescope or roll into smaller sizes when not in use. Telescoping dog ramps, 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 6 pounds and folds into an 18” x 17” x 8” space. The Tote N Store is made for pets under 100 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. Herzhers 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. The 72" and 84" Double and Triple Telescoping Dog Ramp's tread material are a low pile carpet. 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. These Telescoping Dog Ramp carpeted treads are replaceable if they wear out. The 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 ramp when in use. This would require purchasing longer ramps. Using a dog ramp by placing it 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 using dog ramps 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 with side rails increases the possibility that your pet will use the ramp.
