If dogs could talk, we’re fairly certain they’d be begging for a dog ramp.
You see, dog ramps aren’t just good for small and older dogs. They help dogs of all shapes and sizes protect their joints and prevent injury. Not to mention save your back from the constant lifting. Which is why we’re about to share with you the best dog ramps, tailored to your lil mates size and needs.
But first things first, how do we know all this?
At Ramp Champ, we have Australia’s largest range of ramps. We stock all the major brands of dog ramps and sell over 7,500 ramp per year. We’re proud to keep tails wagging (and owners’ backs in one piece) all around Australia.
So, here’s what you’re about to discover:
- The best dog ramp for your furry friend based on their size
- How to work out the best length and gradient for your dog ramp
- Two features that every dog ramp should have
- Our Frequently Asked Questions - answered!
So get comfy, call over your furry friend and browse through this guide together.
Choosing The Best Dog Ramp For Your Furry Friend
Your best friend is not really a dog, are they? The way they roam your house and lounge on your bed - anyone would mistake them for a fully fledged human. Luckily for you, this guide to the best dog ramps is here to help your dog-human live their best life with ease.
So, size up your doggo and scroll through to find the best ramp for them.
Dog Ramps For Small Dogs
Think: Toy Poodle, Chihuahua and Dachshund Ramps
When it comes to mini mates, look no further than the Heeve ‘Up-Ya-Get’ Wooden Dog Ramp. Perfect for beds, couches and other squishy places, this ramp comes in three different sizes, all with adjustable height settings so you can get the perfect gradient. When not in use, it has a simple lock & fold away design. This ramp is rated to support 20kg (in case your pooch puts on some winter weight), and it’s available in three stylish colours to suit your home.
What's the downside? While you can use your Heeve ‘Up-Ya-Get’ outdoors, you’ll need to apply a non-toxic varnish to waterproof it. So if you’re looking for a ramp to be used entirely outdoors, we have some other options.
For small puppers outdoors, our PetSafe Ultralite Bi-fold Ramp will do the trick. It’s made from a lightweight plastic, weighing just over 4kg (with the capacity to support over 68kg!) This also makes it easy for you to maneuver, and thanks to the high-grip surface, it’s also safe and easy for your puppy to use. But if you’re a multi-dog family, you may want to consider something a little larger that suits a whole range of dog sizes. Read on.
Dog Ramps For Medium-Sized Dogs
Think: Border Collie and Kelpie Ramps
The PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe Tri-Scope is your match. This is an ultra compact, 3-part telescopic ramp. It’s incredibly lightweight, compact and strong. You can easily adjust it from 71cm to 177cm - with the shorter length being nice and compact for low couches and beds. And the best part? This can double as an outdoor ramp. Simply extend the ramp to its longest setting to provide access to cars, SUVs and utes.
The Heeve ‘Up-Ya-Get’ Aluminium Dog Ramp - Standard Size is perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes to use when outdoors - including medium-sized doggos. It will help your pooch safely navigate steps, cars, SUVs or utes when it’s time for an adventure. It comes in two sizes; the standard (1.8m long x 380mm wide) ramp is ideal for smaller heights, versus the large (2.1m x 480mm wide) is ideal for utes and SUVs. It’s light-weight with a fold-away design, making it easy to store when it’s not in use.
Dog Ramps For Large Dogs
Think: German Shepherd and Great Dane Ramps
Got a dog that’s more like a horse? We’ve got you covered. For large dogs, try our PetSafe Deluxe Extra Large Telescopic Ramp. It supports over 135kg with no bending! For indoor use when the surface isn’t too high (such as beds and couches), you can shorten the ramp to 119cm. This means it won’t take up too much space in your home. Better yet, the ramp can adjust to 220cm for use with cars, SUVs and utes. A great all-rounder.
The Heeve ‘Up-Ya-Get’ Aluminium Dog Ramp - Large Size is perfect for large dogs reaching large heights outdoors (like SUVs and utes). Catering to a whopping 113kg, it features an easy fold-away design so you can hide it when it’s not in use. It’s also complete with an anti-slip surface (for your dog) and an anti-scratch rubber coating (for your car). Win-win.
What Is The Best Ramp Length And Gradient?
So now you know the best ramp for your dog’s size, let's talk about gradients.
Read this section carefully, because if you choose a ramp length that’s too short, it’ll be a steep and scary trip up for your pal (or they won’t want to use the ramp at all).
As a general rule, a dog ramp gradient should be no more than 25°. The higher the surface, then the longer the ramp needs to be in order to make a gentle slope. Lower surfaces (like a bed or couch) are usually suited to a shorter ramp length.
Here’s another way to know: Do you remember learning about sin, cos and tan in high school to work out the side length of a triangle? Yea, us neither, which is why we made our nifty Ramp Calculator. Simply type in the length of the ramp you’re interested in and the height of the surface, and you’ll get a visual diagram of the slope.
Two Features That EVERY Dog Ramp Should Have
At Ramp Champ, there are two features which are non-negotiable in our pet range. And that’s a non-skid surface (to keep your doggo safe) and a lightweight design (to keep you safe).
Imagine this: you’re heading home from the beach, trying to load a sopping wet dog via an aluminium ramp. Sounds disastrous, doesn’t it? That’s why all of our ramps are equipped with an anti-slip surface so your pupper can cruise up and down with ease.
Now imagine this: buying a dog ramp to save your back from the constant lifting, only to find out that the ramp weighs more than the dog. Sounds silly, doesn’t it? Thankfully, we focus on lightweight designs (that are still strong enough to support big boys and girls).
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Are ramps or stairs better for dogs?
This comes down to your unique circumstances. In saying that, ramps are a popular option for many dog owners as they’re incredibly sturdy, light and versatile. On the other hand, stairs are nice and compact if you need a solution for a small space. For more information, we wrote an article comparing dog stairs and ramps.
How do I train my dog to use the dog ramp?
It’s important that your dog creates a positive association with the ramp from the get-go, so reward them with treats and toys! If your dog is extra stubborn, you can introduce the ramp to them gradually. Start by laying it flat on the ground, and gradually increase the incline. We take a deep dive into this topic here: Teach Your Stubborn Dog To Use A Dog Ramp In 2 Days With These 7 Easy Steps.
What if I still need help choosing the best dog ramp for my best mate?
No problem - we’ve got plenty of ways to help you. You may visit our Pet Product customer form or if you prefer to speak to a human, give us a buzz on 1300 913 047 or email us at hello@rampchamp.com.au
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3 comments
Hi Linda,
At this stage, we don’t have a pool ramp for dogs however, we continue to expand our range and work with our manufacturers to develop a design suitable for our furry friends. We can save your details for now and contact you when we have one. Thank you for your interest.
Dog ramp for ingrown pool.
Where can I see the full range. I have an elderly 40kg golden retriever & need something for the bed.