Photo Credit: PetSafe
It may seem unnecessary to use a dog ramp to get your furry friend in and out of the car.
In fact, they are extremely useful especially for dogs with mobility issues.
But there are so many dog ramps available out there, which one should you choose?
Read on and you will find one that suits you.
Here are the 10 best dog ramps for SUVs you can get today.
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1. PetSafe Solvit Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp
This is a luxurious dog ramp from PetSafe that has a high traction surface and side rails to prevent your dog from slipping. It is made of strong aluminum materials that can support dogs that weigh up to 400 pounds which is great for large size breeds. And with the wider and longer surface, it makes it more comfortable for your pooch to use.
Thanks to its telescoping design, you can easily adjust the length according to your car’s size. And what that also means is, it is very easy to store as you can simply slide inwards and lock it with the safety latch. PetSafe Solvit Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp is one of the most popular dog ramps on the market and will be a fantastic option for your next trip.
2. PetStep Original Folding Pet Ramp
An impressive dog ramp that has a weight capacity of 500 pounds. However, it is designed for animal use only. It is made of advanced composite plastics, and has a unique and soft non-slip rubberized walking surface that offers good traction regardless if it is in wet or dry conditions. Additionally, it has an universal non-slip grip that is built to fit all vehicles and edges.
PetStep Original Folding Pet Ramp can help your dog to get on and off the car with ease. It will not rust and is low on maintenance which you can easily clean with soap and water. What we also like about this dog ramp is you can fold it in half when not in use and has molded ergonomic handles on each side for easy transportation.
3. Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp
Unlike any other dog ramps recommended, it has reflective materials to guide your dog up and down the ramp. This is great especially in a low light environment. It also features the skid-resistant surface so that your dog won’t slip off, and has rubber grippers on bottom to keep the position stable.
Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp is 71 inches long and can hold dogs up to 200 pounds. It is 3.5 inches wider and 11 pounds heavier than the Pet Gear Full Length Tri-Fold Ramp, and is relatively expensive. However, it is definitely worth the price for your dog’s safety and comfort.
4. Pet Gear Travel Lite Ramp
This dog ramp has a unique pressure activated surface designed to provide maximum traction for your pooch. As soon as your dog steps on the mat, it will grip onto the paw pads which means it is safer when getting in and out of the car. Also, the mat is removable, making it easy for cleaning.
Pet Gear Travel Lite Ramp has a built-in handle and a patented tri-fold design that allows you to easily fold it for compact storage. It is 71 inches long and 19.5 inches wide, and is suitable for dogs up to 200 pounds.
5. PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp
This is an all-plastic dog ramp that has a high traction surface and side rails to make sure your dog is safe. It only weighs 10 pounds and has rubber feet to keep it stable when in use. Apart from that, you can fold it in half for easy storage and secure it with the safety latch to prevent accidental opening.
PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp is made in the U.S.A. to ensure the quality and can support dogs weighing up to 150 pounds. If you are looking for a simple and easy to use ramp, you may want to consider this.
6. Pet Gear Full Length Tri-Fold Ramp
Another Pet Gear dog ramp made to our recommended list. It has a carpeted platform which is great as it provides better traction for your dog when climbing up, and has rubberized bottom grippers to help secure its position. It is also skid-resistant, a really nice feature that provides a sure-footing for your dog to get on the car safely even in wet conditions.
As its name implies, it can be folded 3 times in order to reduce the storage space and has a carry handle for easy transportation. Pet Gear Full Length Tri-Fold Ramp weighs 15 pounds and 71 inches long, ideal for small to large size dogs up to 200 pounds.
7. Trixie Pet Ramp
This is a fixed dog ramp made of plastic and rubber, and has great safety features such as non-slip coating, side rails, and the non-slip rubber feet. Thanks to the material used for construction, it is very lightweight, yet durable enough to support dogs weighing up to 100 pounds.
Trixie Pet Ramp is 40.55 inches long, 15.55 inches wide, and 5.91 inches high. Since the length is unadjustable and is shorter than most dog ramps recommended, it is more suitable for a low-height platform. This is arguably the best you can get at this price range, and if you have a very tight budget, you may want to consider this.
8. Gen7Pets Natural Step Dog Ramp
At the first glance, you will notice its green turf. It is made of unique poly-grass so that your dog will have a good grip when walking on the ramp. The surface is so soft that it won’t scratch the paw pads and your car’s interior. Not to mention it is lightweight, easy to use, and comes with an automatic locking latch to make sure it will be closed securely.
Gen7Pets Natural Step Dog Ramp is 17 inches long and can hold dogs that weigh up to 250 pounds. What is also great about this dog ramp is that it is only 3 inches thick when folded in half, making it very easy to store.
9. WeatherTech Pet Ramp
This dog ramp is very durable and will not rust or corrode. It has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, designed to support almost any pet. Additionally, the surface is skid-resistant and has specialized traction pads molded into the ramp for your dog’s safety. The rubber feet on both ends help to prevent it from sliding off, as well as to protect your car from scratches.
WeatherTech Pet Ramp is very easy to operate and only weighs 16 pounds. You can simply fold it in half and stow it away in the back of your SUV, thanks to the hinge incorporated in the middle of the ramp. Coupled with the handles on both sides that allow you to carry it with ease.
10. Alpha Paw Dog Ramp for Cars
The Alpha Paw Car Ramp for Dogs is undoubtedly one of the best available dog ramps on the market. It is made of heavy-duty plastic that’s strong enough to support dogs weighing up to 200 pounds, yet it’s lightweight and easy to carry thanks to its molded handle.
The ramp has a non-slip surface to provide traction for your clumsy pup and comes with rubber stoppers to keep it securely in place while in use. It also folds down to just 31 inches for easy storage in your trunk or backseat and has a safety latch to ensure it stays shut during transport.
Why Use a Dog Ramp?
A dog ramp can help your four-legged friend to get on an elevated surface like the back of an SUV. There are a few reasons why you should get your dog to use a ramp instead of letting them leap up.
- For Senior Dogs. Dogs are just like humans, they will get old and might have health problems. When that happens, they may not be able to jump into the back of the car anymore like they used to.
- For Puppies. Similarly, puppies are typically too small and will require a little assistance to get into the car.
- Dogs who have joint issues. Jumping onto an elevated platform will put a lot of pressure on their joints, which will be really painful for them.
- Dogs who are injured. They are already in pain and you don’t want to make it worse when bringing them to the veterinarian for a follow-up appointment. Otherwise, you can also consider a dog stroller or dog lift harness.
- Dogs who are too heavy. You may not be strong enough to lift your dog if they are overweight and you will also be at risk of injuring your back.
- To prevent injuries. Even if your dog is fit and healthy, there’s always a risk of misstep when jumping in and out of the car, which could potentially lead to a serious injury.
Best Dog Ramps for SUVs Buyers’ Guide
We understand that it can be really frustrating and confusing when it comes to buying the best dog ramp as there are so many choices on the market. Don’t worry, we are here to make things simpler for you. Below are the few things you need to consider.
1. Safety
Well, safety is always the top priority no matter what. Remember, the ramp will be in an inclined position which means your dog is more likely to slip. This is why it is crucial to look for ramps with a skid-resistant surface such as Pet Gear Full Length Tri-Fold Ramp, Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp and WeatherTech Pet Ramp.
Another thing that you need to think about is the ramp stabilizer. This is to ensure that it will remain in its position while your dog walks on it. Also, dog ramps like the PetSafe Solvit Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp, PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp and Trixie Pet Ramp may be a good option as they have side rails to minimize the risk of falling.
2. Telescoping and Folding
We would prefer the telescoping dog ramps such as PetSafe Solvit Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp. This is because they are more versatile and you can easily adjust the length if needed.
However, it is totally up to you and both designs are great for storing. If you have limited storage space, Gen7Pets Natural Step Dog Ramp will be a good choice as it is only 3 inches thick when folded in half.
3. Maximum Load Capacity
Make sure you pay attention to the maximum weight the dog ramp can hold. You don’t want it to break into half as soon as your dog steps on it. Although some ramps can support really heavy dogs like the PetStep Original Folding Pet Ramp which can accommodate dogs up to 500 pounds, yet they are made specifically for animal use only. So… Don’t walk on the ramp!
4. Portability
Given that you have to use the dog ramp almost every time when going out with your pooch, it may be better to pick up ramps with handles like the Pet Gear Travel Lite Ramp and PetStep Original Folding Pet Ramp so that it will be easier for you to carry.
5. Width
Put it this way, imagine yourself walking on a narrow and a wide bridge. Obviously, it will be more comfortable and safer to walk on the wider one. The same goes for dogs, the wider ramps will make it easier for them. This is especially important for senior dogs with joint problems.
6. Length
Lastly, the length of the dog ramp, perhaps the most important factor you should consider. The reason is that it will determine how steep the dog ramp will be. Keep in mind that they are for vehicles, which means you can’t adjust the height of your SUV to reduce the steepness. This also means longer dog ramps will create a gentler slope, hence an easier climb.
It is not recommended to go over 25 degrees as anything greater will make it hard for your dog to climb. You can easily find out the angle by using our calculator down below.
All you need to do is to measure the height (distance between the ground and your SUV, the point where you want your dog to reach), and the length of the ramp. Then, put the figures in and you will get the slope. For example, the height is 25 inches and the ramp is 70 inches long, if you key in these numbers you should get 20.92 degrees.
Teaching Your Dog To Use a Car Ramp
In this video, you will be guided through the step-by-step process of teaching your furry friend how to ascend and descend a ramp when entering or exiting your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Ramp or Stairs Better for Dogs?
You may think stairs are better as they are commonly used everywhere. However, this is not exactly true in this instance. A dog ramp is actually a better option for dogs, especially those who suffer from arthritis. This is because it will require less effort and knee flexion when using a dog ramp compared to stairs, which means less pressure on the joints.
How Do I Get My Old Dog Into an SUV Using a Dog Ramp?
Photo Credit: Happy Ride
In order to do that, first you will need to teach your pooch how to use a dog ramp. You can simply do this by laying the ramp flat on the floor so that there’s no risk of it falling. Then, place their favorite treats on the ramp and get them to step on it. Once they are familiar with the textured surface, you can put it on an incline or the back of your SUV. Lure them to walk over it with treats and repeat this a few times until they are comfortable, then you are good to go.
How Steep Can a Dog Ramp be?
As a good rule of thumb, the incline should not exceed 25 degrees. This is to make sure that it will be easy for your dog to go up and down the ramp, and doesn’t put too much pressure on the joints. We have also discussed how to measure the slope of a ramp earlier.
