Introduction
Dog ramps for beds 36 inches high or more provide an invaluable way for elderly, disabled, or small dogs to safely access high areas like beds, couches, and cars. As dogs age, develop arthritis, or deal with mobility issues, jumping up onto raised surfaces can become difficult and dangerous. Dog ramps eliminate the need to jump, reducing risk of injury and joint pain.
When choosing a dog ramp for a high bed, key factors to consider include the ramp’s height, weight capacity, traction, foldability, and special features. The ideal ramp depends on your dog’s size, mobility needs, and the specific height of the bed or furniture it will be used for. This guide explores the pros and cons of various ramp options to help dog owners make the best choice.
Recommended Height
When choosing a ramp for a 36″ high bed, the ideal ramp height is around 30-32 inches. This allows for a gentle incline that isn’t too steep for the dog to climb. The incline should be no more than 30 degrees, which is about a 1:2 ratio of height to length.
A 30-32 inch ramp height allows even smaller dogs to easily ascend and descend without excessive effort or joint stress. Larger ramp heights become difficult for smaller dogs to maneuver. Extremely short ramps under 24 inches can have inclines that are too steep for safe use.
Some key factors in determining the ideal ramp height include the dog’s size, age, joint health, and mobility strength. Larger breed dogs may handle a steeper incline better than smaller dogs. Senior dogs or those with mobility issues do best with a lower incline around 20-25 degrees. Adjustable ramps allow customizing the incline to your dog’s needs.
The downside of lower incline ramps is they take up more floor space. But given the choice, it’s better to optimize for your dog’s safety and comfort over space-saving considerations.
Material Options
When choosing a dog ramp, there are several common materials to consider including wood, foam, and plastic. Each material has its own unique pros and cons.
Wood, especially hardwoods like oak or maple, is often considered the best option for dog ramps. Wood provides unparalleled strength and stability according to dog ramp experts. Hardwood ramps can support dogs of any size and won’t flex or warp underweight. The main downsides of wood are that it can be prone to slipping when wet and is typically more expensive than other materials.
Foam dog ramps, usually made from ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, are lightweight and provide good traction. The foam is easy for dogs to get good purchase on. However, foam ramps are not very sturdy or weatherproof. They tend to compress down over time and degrade when exposed to the elements.
Plastic dog ramps are affordable and easy to clean. They are waterproof and hold up better outside than foam. However, plastic can become slippery when wet according to pet ramp reviews. Plastic also tends to have less grip and is not as shock-absorbent as other materials.
The best dog ramp material depends on your specific needs and preferences. Hardwood provides the greatest strength while foam is the lightest. Plastic ramps strike a balance between affordability and weather-resistance. Adding textured tape or rubber mats to a plastic or wooden ramp can help improve traction.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a dog ramp is critical to ensure it can safely support your dog. Selecting a ramp that is rated for your dog’s full weight is essential.
For small dogs under 30 pounds, look for ramps with at least a 150 pound capacity. Medium dogs between 30-60 pounds need a ramp rated for at least 200-300 pounds. For larger dogs over 60 pounds, it’s best to choose a ramp with a capacity of 350 pounds or more.
The average weight of popular breeds can help guide your choice. For example, Labrador Retrievers often weigh 60-80 pounds. Greyhounds are around 60-70 pounds. Golden Retrievers weigh 60-75 pounds. So for these medium-large breeds, a 300+ pound capacity ramp is recommended.
Giant breeds like Mastiffs and Great Danes that can reach over 150 pounds need extra sturdy ramps able to hold 500+ pounds. Exceeding the weight capacity can lead to instability, collapse, and serious injury.
Traction
Traction refers to the grip and friction between a dog’s paws and the ramp surface. Having proper traction is crucial for keeping your dog steady and preventing slips or falls while going up and down the ramp.
The best ramp surfaces provide a non-slip grip that gives your dog confidence during use. According to DoggoRamps, rubber mats offer excellent traction thanks to their tactile pattern that increases friction against your dog’s paws. Other good options are carpet, mesh, or gritty sticker surfaces.
Avoid ramps with a smooth plastic or wooden surface, as these can become slippery, especially when wet. For wooden ramps, add a traction element like carpet to improve grip. You can also purchase separate traction treads as replacements for smooth ramp surfaces.
Proper traction gives your dog stability and security when using the ramp. Prioritize ramps with a textured, non-slip surface for optimal safety and confidence during use.
Foldability
Foldable dog ramps offer many benefits compared to fixed ramps. They can easily be folded up for convenient storage and portability (Source 1). This makes them ideal for using both inside the home and outdoors. Foldable ramps allow pet owners to bring the ramp with them while traveling or visiting other locations with their dog (Source 2).
When considering storage for a foldable dog ramp, look for a ramp that folds into a compact size. Look at the dimensions when folded and make sure it will fit in your desired storage location, like a closet or the trunk of your car. Consider getting a ramp with a carrying handle or case to make transport easy. Make sure to store the ramp somewhere dry and out of direct sunlight when not in use, to maintain its condition. Storing a foldable ramp properly makes it easy to set up whenever you need it.
Additional Features
When selecting a dog ramp for a high bed, there are some key additional features to consider:
Handrails provide important stability and security for dogs as they ascend and descend the ramp. According to DoggoRamps, handrails are a top safety feature to look for. Ramps with sturdy handrails on both sides give dogs something secure to grip if they lose their balance.
Reflective strips help make the ramp more visible in low light conditions. This is especially useful for senior dogs or dogs with limited vision. As recommended by PetStep, reflective strips along the ramp’s edges provide increased safety and confidence for pets.
Adjustable legs allow you to customize the ramp angle to your specific bed height. Having multiple adjustable leg height settings helps create an optimal slope for your dog’s size and mobility level. An adjustable ramp is also useful as your dog ages and their needs change.
Other useful extras include anti-slip surfaces for enhanced traction and water-resistant materials for outdoor use. But the most important features for a 36-inch high dog ramp are sturdy handrails, reflective edges, and adjustable legs to customize the slope.
Training Your Dog
Getting your dog comfortable using a ramp takes patience and positive reinforcement. Here are some tips for training success:
Start slow – Place the ramp on the floor and let your dog get used to walking on it without any pressure to ascend. Reward with treats for any interest and exploration of the ramp.
Use lures and targets – Hold treats at the top of the ramp to lure your dog onto it. Or place a target like a favorite toy to encourage them to walk up. Reward with treats and praise when they do.
Avoid forcing – Never pick up your dog and place them on the ramp. This can cause fear and resistance. Let them set the pace and decide when to engage with the ramp.
Be patient – Some dogs may take days or weeks to feel comfortable on a ramp. Take short, positive training sessions and don’t get frustrated or force them.
Praise success – Verbally praise and give treats for any steps in the right direction. This positive reinforcement will build confidence.
Consider traction – Add grip tape or a carpet runner to give traction if your dog seems nervous about slipping on the ramp.
Stay upbeat – Keep training sessions happy and upbeat. Your positive energy will make it a rewarding experience.
With consistency, patience, praise and treats, you can teach your dog to successfully and confidently use a ramp. Proper training prevents injuries and ensures you both enjoy the benefits of easy access.
Top 5 Dog Ramps for High Beds
Based on expert reviews and buyer ratings, here are 5 top recommended dog ramps for beds 36 inches high:
1. Pet Gear Tri-Fold Extra Wide Pet Ramp
This extra wide ramp can support large dogs up to 200lbs. It has raised edges to prevent slipping and a high-traction walking surface. The tri-fold design makes storage quick and easy. Rated 4.5/5 stars on Amazon.
2. PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Ramp
Made of high-quality wood with a stylish cherry finish. Supports up to 120lbs and works for bed heights 18 – 72 inches. Features a high-traction carpeted surface. Rated 4.6/5 stars on Wayfair.
3. Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs
Durable plastic construction holds up to 120lbs. The stair design is ideal for smaller dogs and low mobility pets. Raised edges prevent slipping. Rated 4.7/5 stars on Doggoramps.com.
4. Majestic Pet Portable Dog Ramp
This heavy-duty ramp supports large dogs up to 200lbs. The no-slip walking surface provides stability and traction. Folds easily for storage and travel. Rated 4.5/5 stars on Amazon.
5. Paws & Pals Auto-Fold Pet Ramp
Features a unique auto-fold design for quick storage. Made of high-density foam for comfort and traction. Handles up to 400lbs for use with multiple pets. Rated 4.3/5 stars on Wayfair.
Comparison of Top 5 Dog Ramps for High Beds
| Product | Weight Limit | Bed Height | Surface | Foldable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Gear Ramp | 200lbs | Up to 36″ | High-traction | Yes |
| PetSafe Ramp | 120lbs | 18 – 72″ | Carpeted | Yes |
| Solvit PupSTEP | 120lbs | Up to 30″ | High-traction | No |
| Majestic Pet Ramp | 200lbs | Up to 34″ | No-slip | Yes |
| Paws & Pals Ramp | 400lbs | Up to 39″ | High-density foam | Yes |
Conclusion
Selecting the right dog ramp for your pet depends on several key factors such as the height you need to reach, the weight of your dog, traction and stability of the ramp, and any mobility issues your dog may have. It’s critical to find a ramp that provides secure footing and is the appropriate incline for your dog to safely climb up and down from your bed.
Properly training your dog to use a ramp is also essential. Take it slow, use positive reinforcement and treats to encourage them, and never force your dog onto the ramp. With time and consistency, your dog will learn to utilize the ramp confidently. Ensuring your pet’s access to your bed not only deepens your bond, but provides health benefits as well.
With an understanding of your dog’s needs and ramp design and training tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect ramp solution. Your dog will thank you for giving them years of comftable access to snuggle in bed with you.