How to Choose a Furniture Ramp for Dogs

If you share your home with small or elderly dogs and they enjoy snoozing in your bed or on furniture, then you’ve probably researched dog ramps. Choosing a good furniture ramp for dogs is not hard. It’s flat overwhelming instead. With so many choices, which dog ramp is best for you and your dogs?

I know it’s hard to resist a chocolate wood stained dog ramp that would look glorious next to your bed. However, before pulling out your credit card, make sure a ramp will work for your dog’s and your home’s needs first.

Decide on Ramps or Stairs

Overall, ramps are easier for dogs to navigate on than stair-type ramps. Walking up and down stairs causes dogs to hop up from stair to stair, which can cause pain and injury, so stick with ramp-style options. Steep ramps are hard to climb up or down on, so find a longer ramp that slowly declines downward.

Ramps for Small Dogs

For little dogs, the sky is the limit on choosing a furniture dog ramp. Just make sure your chosen furniture ramp is wrapped in non-skid material and wide enough that your dog won’t fall off while navigating. If your little dog likes to jump off ramps, I highly recommend choosing one with side rails because little dogs can most certainly hurt themselves jumping off anything.

RELATED: 3 Reasons Why You Need Non Slip Socks for Dogs

Ramps for Large Dogs

Larger dogs need sturdier furniture ramps due to their heavier weight, wider body and longer body length. Stay away from stuffed wedge-type ramps. They’ll crumble and fall under the weight of larger dogs (50 pounds and over).

Measure Your Space First

If you’re like me, space is minimal when living in the city. While we all want a gorgeous wide, long dog ramp, the ramp we choose must fit into a small place first. Plus, if you’re looking for a ramp for large dogs, you really need to do your homework.

Dog Ramp for Beds

Usually, furniture dog ramps are positioned at the foot of the bed. This works best for smaller dog furniture ramps. For large dog ramps, sometimes positioning the ramp on the side of your bed–sandwiched between a wall and the bed–is a huge space saver. This way, you and your spouse have access to your bed from the foot of the bed or other side.

Now measure the space, and then start looking for furniture dog ramps at your local pet supply store or online!

Dog Ramp for Couches

For small living rooms, look for dog ramps that can easily fit in front of your sofa. If your coffee table takes up a lot of room, try replacing it with an ottoman instead. Place a furniture ramp next to the ottoman, so once your dog climbs onto the ottoman, he can easily step onto the sofa.

Yes, Furniture Dog Ramps Must Be Cute

Well, at this point, we’ve narrowed down some options for you. If you’re having a difficult time finding a sturdy furniture dog ramp that meets your specifications, I highly recommend creating your own version, especially if you’re crafty. Once you’ve found the perfect dog ramp, check out this article on teaching your dog how to use his new ramp.

For more safe and well-made ramps for dogs of different sizes, check out the links below.

• This is, by far, my favorite furniture dog ramp because it’s wide with a low slope, contains non-skid material, and lays flush onto the floor and bed. Plus, it’ll hold up to 200 pounds!
• For DIYers, take a peek at this site. There are many options to choose from, but honestly a creative person can easily make my favorite ramp (listed above) too.

Furniture dog ramps are expensive, so make sure you’ve chosen the perfect one for you and your dog.