Getting your dog in the car can be a tricky business for both you and your dog, especially if you’re working with an older dog or one that has mobility problems. Almost 80% of dogs show signs of joint problems in their early years. Many of these will live a comfortable life with a few simple and inexpensive changes. But even more serious conditions can be prevented by taking simple precautions. Thanks to the wide range of dog ramps available for every dog, no matter the size, this is no longer an issue and means you can take your furry friend pretty much anywhere.
What Are Dog Ramps?
Dog ramps for cars are designed to help your pet get in and out of the vehicle safely and quickly. The best dog ramp for cars is one that is lightweight and portable so that it can be easily stored in the trunk or backseat. There are also ramp options that attach to your vehicle.
source: pinterest.com
How to Choose a Dog Ramp?
When choosing the best dog ramp for your furry friend, consider the following.
- Size and weight: Make sure that it will fit your car and is light enough to carry easily.
- Material: The material should be durable and sturdy enough to hold the weight of your pup. It should also have a non-slip surface for better grip when your dog is using it.
- Length: Ensure the ramp is long enough for your dog so that they can easily walk up without any strain on their joints. It’s best to get an extendable one.
- Angle: The angle should not be too steep, as this could make it difficult for your pet to walk up or down the ramp. A good rule of thumb is one foot of length for each inch of height. For example, a two-foot-high car should have a two-foot-long dog ramp for cars. A four-foot-long ramp is recommended for sizes up to three feet.
Benefits of Dog Ramps for Cars
Improved Efficiency
A dog ramp for cars will make your pup’s life easier. Sure, you can lift him into the car, but helping him get in and out is a much better solution.
Easier on the Joints
Your dog’s joints are just as important as yours, and carrying them around can cause damage over time, especially if they’re overweight or suffer from hip dysplasia or arthritis. A ramp takes the pressure off their joints and yours, making it easier for everyone to get where they need to go.
Safe to Use
Lifting large dogs in and out of a car can be dangerous for both of you. For one thing, it’s a lot to manage on your own — especially if you’re lifting an 80-pound Great Dane onto a high bed truck or SUV. If you’re lifting them from the ground, you might hurt your back or drop them altogether. They could fall too hard and hurt themselves as well. Either way, it’s simply not safe to lift your dog into the car every time you want to go somewhere. With a ramp, there’s no chance that either of you will get hurt in the process of getting in or out of the car.
source: pinterest.com
It’s Comfortable for Your Pooch
Let’s face it: dogs don’t like being lifted up into cars, even when they’re healthy and young. It’s hard on their joints and muscles, especially as they age. A ramp makes it easier for them to climb in or out at their leisure without any help from their humans.
Fewer Injuries
Injuries can happen to any dog. Your pet could break a leg from slipping on wet pavement or chasing after a ball. Other times, the injuries are harder to see and may result from an accident, illness, or old age. Getting him in and out of a vehicle can be difficult when your dog is injured. A dog ramp for cars can significantly help in this case.
A dog car ramp can help your pet avoid injuries by reducing the impact on their body when going up or down the stairs. It can help them enter and exit vehicles with ease, or just provide easier access to places in your home that might have become difficult to reach as they’ve aged. Besides getting your furry friend an orthopaedic bed, ramps also can help dogs who are recovering from surgery or an injury.
They’re Versatile
Dog ramps are versatile and help dogs who have mobility issues climb up on a bed or couch. Some ramps also double as stairs which makes getting into the car more convenient. There are three main types of dog ramps.
Telescoping dog ramps are long, narrow ramps that fold into a compact size for easy storage. These are lightweight and portable so that you can take them on the road with you. Some telescoping models come with a handle, making it easier to carry around.
Tri-folding dog ramps are similar to telescoping models, except they only fold twice instead of three times. Tri-folding models tend to be heavier than telescoping models but can support more weight.
Bi-folding dog ramps usually consist of two separate pieces that pivot in the middle to create one longer ramp. They often fold down into two sections, making them easier to store than tri-folding or telescoping models.
To Sum Up
The bottom line with dog ramps is this: regardless of your dog’s size, condition, or mobility needs, there is sure to be one that you can choose. With so many options available, it’s easy to find more than one excellent dog ramp that you can use to get your puppy into the car. Their usefulness in the home is just as important and will save you a lot of hassle and scratches in the long run.
