There are many decisions you have to make when you take care of dogs and many things you’ll need to learn. Should you buy a playpen for them; should you choose a dog bed or a crate; what type of food and supplements do they need, these are just some of the questions you’re going to face. Nevertheless, there are certain things that you shouldn’t doubt. While dogs love running and jumping around, it has been proven that jumping in and off your vehicle, on and off your couch, etc. can put a serious strain on their joints.
Most dogs, if not all of them, can benefit from having a way to get on and off higher things without jumping. The most common products dog owners use for this purpose are dog ramps and dog step ladders. Both of these products are, of course, especially useful for older dogs, dogs that have joint conditions, and dogs that are recovering from an injury. However, they are also good for puppies and dogs with shorter legs, that may not be able to get into your car or on the sofa or your bed, and even though they may not be too heavy for you to lift them, it’s not the best solution for this problem. Furthermore, they are also a great way to protect healthy dogs from developing joint issues, especially breeds that are prone to such conditions.
Undoubtedly, both options are very convenient and beneficial and can make a huge difference in your and your dog’s lives. Whether you buy a telescopic dog ramp or a foldable step ladder, is of course entirely up to you, but you can make a better decision if you learn about the different advantages each of them has to offer for your dog because there are some circumstances one may be a better choice than the other.
Telescopic Dog Ramps
Dog ramps are used to make it easier for your pet to get into and out of your vehicle or other heights, without the risk of injury or strain. This is also good for you, as you won’t need to lift your dog on your own, which could potentially hurt your back. These ramps are foldable and portable and they don’t take up too much space, which makes them easy to transport and perfect for people who love taking their dogs on car rides, and especially for travelling.
Telescoping dog ramps can also be used for more than just vehicles. Because of their lightweight and because they are portable, you can easily bring them anywhere. Moreover, ramps aren’t like some other dog products you may need to buy along the way. Once you buy a good quality folding dog ramp, your dog can use it regardless of how old and how big they get, for a long, long, time.
Many dog owners simply prefer collapsible dog ramps over dog stairs. However, if the reason you are looking for a product that will assist your dog to get in your car or on other higher surfaces, is joint problems, injury, old age, short legs, etc., a lightweight foldable dog ramp, can be the better choice. This is mainly because even stairs that aren’t too high can put a strain on the dog’s legs in some of these cases. Generally, bigger breeds can also be better off using a telescopic dog ramp, rather than dog foldable stairs, as it completely eliminates the need for jumping.
Foldable Dog Step Ladders
The purpose of a dog step ladder is the same as that of a dog ramp. Like the name indicates, this product is basically portable stairs that you can use to aid your dog to get into your car or get up on the sofa or on your bed. Because they are easily foldable, they can take up even less space than a ramp, which can be very convenient, if your dog can use them.
While they can also reduce the risk of injury and the stress on the joints of your dogs, since they feature stairs, they can be less suitable for some dogs. Foldable dog step ladders are more appropriate for dogs that have balance and are agile enough to use stairs. In other words, if your dog can’t climb the stairs in your house, or they aren’t used to ones, you should invest in a ramp instead. Foldable stairs are also more fit for small and medium dogs.
If you decide to buy stairs for your dog, you should make sure that they are deep enough, because it’s easier for them to walk on deeper steps. Generally, steps that have a depth of at least 25 cm or over, are the best choice. Furthermore, make sure that the stairs you are getting can take your dog high enough for your needs, and that the steps have a similar height as regular steps.
Another reason why you may choose steps over telescopic dog ramps is if you need something that you will only use indoors. There are different styles of dog step ladders available on the market, which can be much more convenient, offering other features as well. For instance, you can find pet beds that can be converted into step ladders.
