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Dog ramps; how useful they are
Topic Started: 6 Mar 2010, 01:42 AM (1,727 Views)
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It is always useful, IMHO, to train one’s dogs to use a ramp into the car. There will, no doubt, be occasions when lifting the dog will not be practical, or allowing it to jump in will not be desirable.

Also, as regards alighting, one can train a dog to walk down the ramp in a sedate manner.

As dogs become more arthritic or have hip problems or post operative surgery, if they are already used to a ramp it is better for their joints and reduces any risk of further trauma.
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shannon111
Dogmatic Poster
i agree could do with a ramp on mon.
but don't know if max would go up it
anyway.
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bootiful
GSD Groupie!
I think they're a brilliant idea. :yay:

Years ago one of my elderly GSDs had a dodgy knee and couldn't get into the car without assistance. I used to have to park near high kerbs or grassy banks so that she could walk in.

Now, of course, it's easy, you just go to Pets at Home and buy a ramp - excellent! :thumbs up:

http://www.petsathome.com/shop/folding-dog-ramp-by-coopet-13693
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WeLoveJess
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Julie Marie wots got a noo friend, Jeanette
I bought badly and got one of those wooden,folding dog ramps... it's so heavy and cumbersome I don't use it... but Jess needs to use one regularly now

that Pets at Home one looks much lighter and better... but I'd be grateful for any other recommendations for a light, strong one as want to buy a new one :GSD:
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WeLoveJess
6 Mar 2010, 12:10 PM
I bought badly and got one of those wooden,folding dog ramps... it's so heavy and cumbersome I don't use it... but Jess needs to use one regularly now

that Pets at Home one looks much lighter and better... but I'd be grateful for any other recommendations for a light, strong one as want to buy a new one :GSD:


I can highly recommend the Solvit telecsopic dog ramp. Mine is the standard size, as I have a Volvo V70. You may wish to check if you might require the larger size, depending on the type of vehicle you have.

I am petite, and I find it easy to operate, and it is very stable, which some of the cheaper makes on the market are not. Some tend to bend in the middle, and the dogs feel insecure.

I hope this link helps.

http://www.solvitproducts.com/ramp_deluxe_telescoping_main.htm This is the model I use. Their other models are shown here as well.

My local pet shop only stocks this model, as they have found it to be very satisfactory. I cannot fault it.

http://www.youronlinepetshop.com/dogramp3940.htm. I notice has them for sale.
I hope that is of some help.

Just a tip, get any dog used to the ramp flat on the floor either in the house, or outside first, walking the dog on a lead on it, before first using it on a slope.

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WeLoveJess
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Julie Marie wots got a noo friend, Jeanette
thanks Penny! :thumbs up:
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NoushyZiggs&Mia's Mum
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wots missing Pat
Yes i have a ramp. I got one for my Golden male who was huge (and slim) but as he got older I didnt want him trying to jump in and out of the car, and as he got ill, he couldnt have either. it was worth its weight in gold and Anoushka walked up it too, reducing any wear and tear on her younger joints.

I have just got it out for my puppy, and as Penny says...lay it flat or against a low step in the garden to start with. i put pieces of chiken on it and with dog on the lead walked the dog along the ramp, with the chicken.... easy peasy. Next I tried it outside against the kerb and again no problem.Over 3 / 4 days if your dog is confident before i tried ot on the car.

Then on the car and for my Golden and my Rotty piece of cake really. Its telescopic and lightweight and holds up to either 35 kilos I think, and i bought mine from Argos!!! Very sturdy on a short sloped angle. Lightweight and rubber floored.

I will make it longer for the puppy as she is all 'floppy' as pups are however will invest in a new one if that doesnt work properly for the adult, heavier weight dogs.

They are excellent to get used to, and no jumping into and out of cars for pups, as my cavalier (who is doing well btw) is the only dog I can pick up now.
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AnoushkaZiggy's Mum
6 Mar 2010, 06:24 PM


They are excellent to get used to, and no jumping into and out of cars for pups, as my cavalier (who is doing well btw) is the only dog I can pick up now.

They are particularly useful for puppies, as well as the older dog, as young joints have not strengthened.
:thumbs up: to read about Ziggy.
I would not be able to lift my dogs, and today I met a GSDx Rottie, who was 10 years old, gorgeous, and weighs 3 stone more than I do. :thud:
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reHAB
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GSD Puppy
Following my dog's injury, I had to get a dog ramp suitable for his breed & size. I was fortunate (because of his injury) to have one on loan through a friend. I bought one anyway because they are able to deal with the breed and size. Baxter can't get into a car of any size with out one following his op.

I had a ramp before Baxter ever had his operation & we can't leave home without it, but I would allow others to try it before they ever buy one. IMHO this is the one to have.

Tri Fold Pet Ramp from caninekennels .com
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reHAB
6 Mar 2010, 11:28 PM
Following my dog's injury, I had to get a dog ramp suitable for his breed & size. I was fortunate (because of his injury) to have one on loan through a friend. I bought one anyway because they are able to deal with the breed and size. Baxter can't get into a car of any size with out one following his op.

I had a ramp before Baxter ever had his operation & we can't leave home without it, but I would allow others to try it before they ever buy one. IMHO this is the one to have.

Tri Fold Pet Ramp from caninekennels .com
Thanks for that Jen
That looks a good ramp too. :thumbs up: Presumably it is hinged. Being trifold, it does not take up too much room.
The Solvit is telescopic, therefore longer, but its length can be adjusted. Overall, though, it takes up far more passenger space in my car than your one would.

Penny
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StarrySkies
StarrySkies
My old dog with CDRM was not interested in going up a ramp. However, both a friend and I have been very successful with steps that are used for a caravan.There is rubber on each on the two steps and it has been very easy to use and takes up one seat on the back of the car. Available from caravan places about £25.
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gilliancowe
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Dalmatians
Loved the dog ramp for my old boy. We adopted him when he was around 9 or 10 and he was ok at first but as time went on he found it more difficult to get into my Sharan. He loved the ramp, took to it no problem.

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catsx11
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"...it's a dog's life!"
.
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gtrmacs
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C'n'me, always together

Got one similar to this for Charley

Posted Image

tucks down one side of his Wentworth and not too heavy.

But we don't use it cos he's not keen, I don't think the 'grip' of the surface inspires confidence - keep meaning to glue some carpet to it and try again ...

ymmv
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Heambro
GSD Annointed Member
I have got one but it's heavy and cumbersome and Sasha doesn't like it (got a low loading car now too so don't really need it)...Kiera just leaps, no problem there. I say it's heavy and cumbersome but it's very sturdy and can hold up to around 90kg and never buckled. It has treads and the surface is rough so even when wet they won't slip...Wing and Jasmine never had any issues with it

I've had it for around ten years so I'm sure there are better ones on the market now but if I can find a link to one I'll add it so you can see it

On first glance can't find a UK site that sells it but here it is on a US site

http://www.amazon.com/PetSTEP-Folding-Pet-Ramp-Khaki/dp/B00006OALW
Edited by Heambro, 30 Apr 2016, 01:12 PM.
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deanna
deanna
My ramp is quite light and in order to make it 'safe' for Sheya, I glued some of a cut up mat that I bought from colin on one of the walks.

Being waterproof, It can be hosed down and does not matter if it is wet. I got Sheya used to the ramp and also Storm, although he does not need it, by lying it flat on the ground and making him walk along it,. then I put two bricks under one end and made them walk along it. As soon as they were very comfortable doing that, I lifted it into the boot and then they both went up it with no trouble.

I hope this helps
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catsx11
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"...it's a dog's life!"
.
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Moses Mum
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wot rides horses in the nood


We have got a Solvit dog ramp, ours is the same as the tri scope one but only a 2 section version. It is a brilliant ramp, very strong, sturdy & suitable for either our Astra van or our 4x4 due to the telescopic sections & luckily Sophie, our Shepherd that has had major surgery for a prolapsed disc & needs it due to not being allowed to jump anymore, took to it like a duck to water :thumbs up: but Mo our other lad, would rather not get in the car than use the ramp :rolleyes: - & he LOVES the car :dogincar: mind you he is a wuss & his legs shake when he walks over small bridges across streams & ditches etc :embarassed: :lol: The only thing we do find with it is putting it somewhere once they're in the car, it has to go on the back seats so we couldn't take passengers in the back at the same time as the dogs :noway:
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