All You Need to Know About Dog Car Ramps and How to Choose
Welcoming a furry friend into your life is a commitment to their care, which extends beyond just providing food. As a pet owner, you’re responsible for your dog’s overall health and well-being, which includes ensuring they get enough exercise, regular grooming, and routine vet checks. One often overlooked aspect of pet care is how they get in and out of vehicles safely.
Dogs generally love going for walks or car rides, but getting them into a car can sometimes be challenging. Whether you have a small dog that naturally struggles with high surfaces or a larger dog that is hesitant to jump into the car, buying a pet car ramp can make life easier for both you and your canine companion. A pet car ramp is a flat surface designed to provide a gradual incline, allowing dogs to walk up to a vehicle rather than jump, which can be difficult and risky for some pets.
Reasons to Buy a Dog Car Ramp
To Help Puppies Get In and Out of a Car Safely
Puppies are full of energy and curiosity, but their bones and joints are still delicate. Jumping from higher places or trying to climb into a vehicle can pose a risk of injury. A pet car ramp provides a safe way for puppies to get in and out of a car, minimizing the risk of accidents and teaching them safe habits early on.
To Ensure Easy Access In and Out of a Vehicle for Small Dogs
Dogs with shorter legs often struggle to climb onto higher surfaces. For these smaller breeds, a car ramp can offer easy access to vehicles and a safe way to exit, preventing them from straining themselves or getting injured in the process.
To Treat Senior Dogs Right
As dogs age, they often face mobility issues due to arthritis, weakened muscles, or other age-related conditions that make it hard for them to jump or climb. Senior dogs may not always recognise their limitations and might continue to attempt jumping in and out of the vehicle, which can lead to pain and injury. A pet car ramp can be a great way to help older dogs maintain their independence while protecting their joints.
To Help Dogs with Arthritis
Arthritis is a painful condition and most often it affects elderly dogs. The joints inflammation can make it very painful for them to climb or jump and a ramp is an excellent tool to help them in and out of the car.
To Make Things Easier for Dogs Recovering from Injuries
If your dog is recovering from an injury or has undergone surgery recently, they may struggle with mobility for some time. You want to make the recovery period as easy as possible for them and prevent further injuries.
How to Choose the Right Dog Car Ramp
When searching for the ideal dog ramp, you’ll find numerous options available, varying in material, quality, and features. To make the best choice, consider factors such as the size of your car, whether your dog will enter through a hatchback or a back seat, and the following key elements:
Material
The surface material is crucial as it should offer sufficient grip to prevent slipping and an extendable ramp with an anti-skid surface is a great solution. Most pet car ramps are constructed of composite or aluminium materials. Composite ramps are lighter but can get cracked easily if not handled right. Aluminium ramps, on the other hand, require minimal care, don’t rust and don’t crack if they get bent.
Safety
Safety should be at the forefront of any pet-related purchase and in the case of choosing a dog car ramp, look for an anti-skid surface to ensure your pup can safely navigate it and reduce the risk of accidents. The ramp’s height is also important to ensure your dog won’t have to strain to reach the elevated surface.
Sturdiness
Choosing a sturdy ramp is crucial, especially for larger breeds. It would help if you had a ramp that’s able to bear your dog’s weight without wobbling or collapsing.
Portability & Easy Storage
If you travel frequently with your furry friend, consider the ramp’s portability. Choose a sturdy, foldable ramp that’s light enough to carry around easily. It can help you and your pet enjoy your adventures more.
Versatility
From transporting your dog to the groom or the vet to giving them access to stepped areas, indoors and outdoors, a pet ramp can significantly improve the quality of life for you and your furry friend.
Final Thoughts
Getting a pet car ramp is an important purchase for dog owners, but it’s certainly one that can make your furry friend’s life easier and more comfortable. Maybe you won’t need to use it daily, but if your dog suddenly gets injured, you want to make sure you can transport him to the vet without too much trouble and make things easier for them whenever they struggle to conquer a higher surface.
