When you welcome a dog into your family, at first you don’t fully imagine how important this new member would become to you. You may set some ground rules prior to the adoption, like not allowing dogs on your bed or favourite sofa spot like Sheldon, not planning on taking the dog on trips with you and rather leaving it in the care of pet accommodation and sitters.
But things change as soon as you actually open your home and heart for this arrival. It’s easy for dogs to grow on us with their cute puppy eyes, unmatched loyalty, incredible playfulness and energy. So much so in fact you’ll find yourself doing things you said you wouldn’t, like sharing your sofa and taking it on adventures with you.
This latter part can become slightly more challenging when your furry friend finds it somewhat difficult and painful to get in and out of your vehicle, especially if it’s an SUV that sits taller. Thankfully, we have all sorts of pet supplies available nowadays, so you can make your trips hassle-free and enjoyable for everyone if you buy dog ramps for SUV designed to make it piece of cake for your Fido to enjoy vehicle rides with you.
When Should I Get My Dog a Ramp?
If your dog is dealing with mobility issues, then this kind of purchase is a no-brainer. However, ramps aren’t only meant to provide relief from climbing and descending discomfort either. Such aids are also suitable for smaller dog breeds that don’t have musculoskeletal disease issues due to bone or joint problems but rather struggle because of their small legs and long bodies, as is the case with Dachshunds.
In addition, handy dog ramps for SUV can be particularly of help with dogs that have undergone injuries or surgeries, as well as those that are on the heavier side too and find discomfort in climbing, much like in the case with useful ladders you can use with pet beds and sofas. Okay, now that we’ve cleared the importance of ramps for your car trips, ranking them among the top supplies with snacks, foods, bowls, shoes and vests, it’s time to learn something more about how you can choose the right ones for your pooch.
What Makes a Good Dog Ramp?
It’s the dog supply that can easily be attached to your vehicle and has the kind of design that makes it smooth for your dog to go up the vehicle or down. If you buy a ramp only to end up doing the work yourself with lifting your pup, then it’s no use – the harsh truth would be that you wasted your money.
A good dog ramp is also one that’s sturdy and durable, so the focus should be on the material it’s made from. When shopping, choose models that are created from aluminium in a combination with heavy-duty rigid plastic to be sure you’re buying something of quality. Mind you though, this shouldn’t be at the expense of weight; while you require something with the capacity to withstand your pooch’s weight, you also need something that’s lightweight so it wouldn’t pose trouble with the additional weight storage.
Models that are compact and adjustable are the ideal balance. Don’t overlook adjustability because it’s one of the crucial factors with ramps as it ensures you get a design that’s long enough for your dog and vehicle. Moreover, the angle is just as crucial, so there should be at least one foot of length for every inch of height. And lastly, the surface shouldn’t be slippery and make matters worse, which is why options with grid patterns are recommended.
Are Dog Ramps Worth It?
As with any purchase, this is a valid question to make. After all, you want to know the money you spend will make a difference in your Fido’s life. The answer is as long as you choose the perfect dog ramps for SUV that are lightweight, durable, and easy to use, you can be certain there would be benefits to reap. A couple of these include:
Improved Mobility
When you eliminate the root of discomfort, your beloved dog won’t only enjoy going on trips with you, but would also get to experience a better life quality. A great ramp is designed to take off the pressure from their joints, but besides protecting their joint and muscle health in the long run, it makes it easy on you too as you don’t get to do the heavy lifting.
Fewer Accidents
This refers to you as much as your dog. When you don’t have to lift a Great Dane for example, that means fewer accidents for both of you. It also means there’s less of a risk for additional injuries when you already have an injured dog. All in all, it’s a great pet supply!