Does Your Dog Need Dog Stairs or a Ramp? – American Kennel Club (2024)

It’s sad to see your senior dog struggling to jump up for a snuggle on the sofa, and lifting the largest breeds with mobility issues into the car for a beach trip can be backbreaking. Fortunately, there are many ways we can help ensure our aging pets don’t miss out on the things they enjoy. In addition to appropriate veterinary care, mobility aids, such as dog stairs and ramps, can help them safely and comfortably access their favorite spots.

Plus, it isn’t just senior dogs that can benefit from using these assistive pieces of gear. Read on to understand when it’s worth investing in dog stairs or a ramp, what to consider when purchasing, and how to help your dog adapt to using one.

When Can Using Dog Stairs and Ramps Be Beneficial?

While stairs and ramps are most commonly used to make your home more accessible for senior dogs with mobility issues, there are many more situations when they can be beneficial.

Arthritic Dogs

Dr. Amanda Steffen, a certified veterinary acupuncturist and senior pet specialist, recommends using dog ramps or stairs for arthritic dogs. They reduce joint pain and strain caused by jumping on and off sofas, beds, car seats and other elevated areas.

She explains that having your dog evaluated by a veterinarian is also important, especially because dogs show pain in very subtle ways. “They’re typically not going to cry out in pain,” she says. “[Often] they will simply stop doing the things that cause discomfort or start doing them differently (going upstairs sideways instead of straight on).” They might also hesitate or more carefully position themselves before jumping.

A veterinarian will assess your dog’s discomfort levels and the extent of any damage. They can also suggest additional pain management strategies to help improve your senior dog’s quality of life.

Breeds With Back Issues

“We often recommend dog stairs or ramps to clients with pets who are prone to back issues such as intervertebral disc disease,” Dr. Steffen says. While any dog can develop IVDD, some breeds, such as Dachshunds, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and Basset Hounds, are predisposed to this condition because of their anatomy.

This low-impact method of accessing elevated beds and sofas reduces the risk of them jarring their spine.

Small Breeds

Consider using dog stairs if your toy breed has to take a running leap to settle on the sofa. Jumping up and down from these heights places stress on the joints and increases the chance of injury.

Large Breeds

It might be time to invest in a dog ramp when your large breed dog can’t hop into the back seat or the trunk of your car anymore. Lifting a heavy dog in and out can be dangerous for you both. A ramp prevents you from injuring yourself or hurting your dog by picking them up awkwardly.

Even if your dog doesn’t have mobility issues, when the jump into the trunk is big, using a ramp avoids them putting pressure on their joints.

Puppies

Offering a helping hand to small or ungainly puppies reduces worries about them injuring themselves. Especially because those still-developing, soft bones are more prone to damage, even just from the repeated strain of jumping down from heights.

Following Injury or Surgery

Dog stairs and ramps benefit dogs recovering from injuries, those with physical disabilities, such as amputees, and those who have had surgery with an intensive rehabilitation period.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Dog Stairs or Ramps

There are a wide range of dog stairs and ramps available to purchase. Dr. Steffen says the key is finding the ones that are safest for your individual dog. Below are some factors, other than price, to consider when deciding which dog stairs or ramp to select.

• Slip-resistant surface: Ramps or stairs with non-slip material prevent slipping and help build your dog’s confidence.

• Width: Pick dog stairs or ramps that comfortably accommodate your pet’s size. If the stairs are too narrow, your dog could lose confidence and risk falling off the side.

• Height: Select stairs or a ramp that reach the height of your sofa, bed or trunk surface. If they’re adjustable, that offers more flexibility for multi-use.

• Strength: Check the weight limit for dog stairs or ramp. You don’t want a flimsy ramp snapping on your giant breed dog as they get in the car.

• Purpose: Are you only using the stairs to allow your dog to access your sofa, or do you also want something to help them in and out of the car? A fold-away, lightweight, adjustable-angle portable ramp is better for multipurpose use.

• Aesthetic: Plastic ramps aren’t as pretty as fabric-covered dog stairs you can match to furnishings in your home.

How to Choose Between Dog Ramps and Stairs?

Whether you opt for dog stairs or a ramp depends on where and why you’re using the mobility aid. Below are some differences worth weighing up.

• Space: Dog ramps take up less space when folded, but if you plan to have something pushed up against your sofa or bed all the time, then dog stairs occupy less floor room.

• Portability: Dog ramps are easier to fold down and are often lighter than quality dog stairs, making them the better choice if you want to use them in your car.

• Ease of use: If you have a dog that’s fearful of using new things, they may adjust better to ramps than stairs. Sloping ramps are also gentler on sore joints.

• Dog size and weight: More sturdy dog ramps are available to accommodate big dog weights.

• Aesthetic: Dog stairs come in various fabric colors and materials to fit your furnishings, whereas dog ramp designs tend to be more functional and limited.

How to Help Your Dog Adjust to Using Ramps or Stairs?

Some dogs need help getting comfortable using stairs or ramps. “If a dog is a breed predisposed to joint issues or back issues, teaching them to use stairs from a young age will be easier than when they’re older and have a habit of jumping,” Dr. Steffen says.

Erin Askeland, M.Sc., is Camp Bow Wow’s Animal Health and Behavior Expert and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA), and Fear Free Certified Professional. She suggests starting with short practice sessions and letting your dog sniff and explore the ramp or stairs before expecting them to use it. “Where possible, place ramps or stairs where there is a barrier on at least one side to help guide them and prevent falling or leaping off prematurely,” she says. Ensure the ramp or stairs are on a stable surface—it’s not setting your dog up for success if it’s wobbly.

Avoid creating negative associations with the dog stairs or ramp. Don’t pull or push your dog up or down or punish them if they aren’t comfortable going on them.

“Use treats or a favorite toy to lure the dog up the ramp or stairs,” she says. “Reward them with each step with praise and treats or playtime, creating a positive association with the new equipment.” Askeland suggests gradually increasing the difficulty by encouraging them to take a few steps at a time.

The handy thing about a ramp compared to dog stairs is that you can begin with a low angle, increasing it slowly as your dog becomes more comfortable. If your dog is feeling uncomfortable, start with a few steps at a time rather than trying to get them to reach the top of the ramp or stairs immediately. “Encourage regular use, but don’t overdo it initially, especially for dogs recovering from injury or older dogs with joint issues,” Askeland says.