Senior dogs, like their human counterparts, don’t always understand their limitations, claims Dr Emergency veterinarian Travis Atkins, DVM, and co-founder of SquarePet Nutrition For instance, “my wife and I had a Boston Terrier named Harley as our first ‘child,’ and when she was a puppy, she could launch herself from the floor to the middle of the bed and back down again without hesitation,” says Dr Atkins. But after a decade or so, there were scenes that looked like daredevils crashing into walls because she couldn’t get over the height of the bed. ”.
It can cause pain and even injury if your older dog keeps jumping like he did when he was a puppy. For any compromised dogs, placing ramps, stairs, or temporary furniture is crucial, says Dr Atkins says.
If you recognize this situation, it may be time to investigate pet stairs and dog ramps. Here is a description of dog ramps and advice on how to pick the best one.
How do I choose the best stairs for my dog?
Dog Ramps vs Dog Stairs: Why Do We Need Them?
A pet owner typically requires a pet ramp or stairs for the following reasons:
When it comes to canine joint issues, ramps, stairs, or stairs for dogs are always a smart idea.
Several studies have found that jumping or even climbing steep surfaces places a lot of stress on the dogs joints because theyre not designed to sustain it (unlike humans).
Further, research also found that climbs and jumps increase the likelihood of arthritis.
More active dogs who frequently jump up and down from high places are much more likely to experience joint pain, agility problems, or arthritis in later life.
How Both Benefits Dog Owners
Alternatively, using dog ramps or steps can be beneficial for dog owners.
The most prevalent example is of pet owners who have medium-sized dogs and SUVs.
If your dog is unable to fit into the back of your car, you will need to pick him up and assist him inside. Your back and joints experience a great deal of needless stress when you do this frequently.
The same holds true for picking up and putting your small dogs to bed. This calls for more flexibility and strength, especially if you have large dogs.
Samantha has created a wonderful video that explains how to assist a dog into a vehicle, the benefits of dog ramps, and how to prevent both you and your dog from getting hurt.
What follows is the question of how a pet owner chooses between dog ramps and steps/stairs.
FAQ
Are dog stairs good for older dogs?
It might be time for dog stairs or a ramp if you have an older dog, a dog with arthritis, or a dog with other mobility issues. In fact, some very small dogs or breeds with short legs and long bodies, like Dachshunds and Corgis, may find life to be easier with the use of dog stairs and ramps.
How do you get an old dog to use a ramp?
Treat him at first for raising one paw on the ramp during ramp training. Then reward him for putting both of his paws on the ramp. Progressively move the treat toward the middle of the ramp. Your dog should follow your hand across the ramp to the opposite end as soon as all four paws are up. Reward him with treats.
How do you make stairs safer for older dogs?
Purchase a ramp or ramps to make climbing to higher places easier. For older dogs, an inclined surface is preferable to a staircase. Ramps are useful for climbing stairs, entering and exiting cars, and even getting onto beds and couches. Anti-slip ramps are ideal.
What is better a ramp or stairs?
Since stairs typically permit greater height gains over shorter distances than ramps do, they typically occupy less floor space than ramps do. Although it would require more floor space and take longer to reach the same height as stairs, an equivalent ramp allows for a more gradual incline and an easier climb.