Buyer's Guide Table of Contents (Click To Expand)
According to our tests, the best dog ramp for beds is the DachRamp. It is designed for smaller dogs like dachshunds, and is one of the safest, most reliable ramps for other dog breeds as well. It is lightweight and provides above average stability and grip.
We tested a handful of dog ramps, and here are the results of those tests.
Top Dog Ramps For Beds & Couches
Many dog owners share their beds with their beloved pets. This can be enjoyable for both parties, but problems can set in when your dog starts to age. As he or she gets older, he may struggle to climb onto the bed, ultimately finding themselves sleeping on the floor instead of with their beloved human.
If you’re a dog owner who has been struggling with this problem, or if you just want to be prepared for when your dog starts to need assistance, you may want to consider investing in a ramp to help your pet get onto the bed.But which ramp do you choose? The decision can be hard. To help you out, we’ve compiled a short list of a few of our favorite bed ramps.
Pros:
- Ramp height adjusts to accommodate beds of every height, size, and shape
- The base is secured with a rubber grip to keep it in one place
- When not being used the ramp can fold to nearly ¼ of its original size for easy storage
Cons:
- One color option only
More About The DachRamp
Although it’s marketed for dachshunds, the DachRamp is a versatile ramp that can be used for any breed or small-medium sized dog. The ramp is crafted by hand from smooth wood and a soft carpet material that covers the ramp portion of the item.
Its material is rigid, making it easy for your dog to grip the ramp without hurting his feet as he makes the journey in and out of bed each night. The ramp measures in at 40 inches long and 16 inches wide, and can adjust to three different heights.
The bottom of the ramp has been fitted with rubber stoppers to ensure that it does not slide, slip, or move on solid wood or tile floors, ensuring your pet’s safety. When not in use, the ramp folds to just over 3.5 inches in size.
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RElated Products | |
|---|---|
Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp  | Solvit PetSafe Deluxe Telescoping Ramp  |
Pet Gear Easy Steps  | Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp  |
Pros:
- Can support dogs of varying sizes and weights
- The ramp is carpeted with textured material for both grip and the ultimate comfort
- Easy assembly thanks to simple instructions and a basic design
Cons:
- Does not fold or flatten once set up for the first time
More About The PetSafe Solvit Bedside Ramp
Able to withstand the weight of dogs up to 120 pounds, this dog ramp is perfect for large dogs as well as their smaller companions. Thanks to its all-wood design, it’s durable and very sturdy. It’s also stylish and modern due to its sleek appearance and glossy cherry finish.
It is compatible with most king and queen size beds and takes only 15 minutes to assemble. It can adjust to various heights, giving even the smallest of dogs access to the bed.
Keeping safety in mind, the ramp is carpeted with a soft material that is neither slippery nor too thin. It provides your pet with grip and comfort as he navigates up and down. The carpet is textured and cozy.
RElated Products | |
|---|---|
Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp | Solvit PetSafe Deluxe Telescoping Ramp |
Pet Gear Easy Steps | Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp |
Pros:
- Snaps together easily and doesn’t require any cumbersome tools
- Carpet tread can be removed, washed, and dried without being ruined
- The ramp is lightweight, weighing less than 10 pounds and portable
Cons:
- The angle of the ramp can be too steep for some dogs
More About The Pet Gear Stramp
The ideal combination of fully-functional stairs and a ramp, the Pet Gear strap is a free-standing, carpet covered ramp that makes getting into bed easy for old, injured, and small pets.
The carpet tread detaches and can be machine washed and dried. The ramp snaps together in 3 pieces, with no tools necessary. It is lightweight and easy to move from room to room, making it portable and versatile.
RElated Products | |
|---|---|
Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp | Solvit PetSafe Deluxe Telescoping Ramp |
Pet Gear Easy Steps | Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp |
Pros:
- Features a gentle angle that makes ascension and descension easy and safe for your pet
- Made of solid, durable wood that can support large dogs
- Can be cleaned using gentle wood polish and/or cleaner to keep it looking brand new
Cons:
- Carpeting material can be slippery
More About The PetSafe Solvit Wood Ramp
This ramp by Pet Safe is a folding secondary option for dogs who can’t or won’t use stairs or jump up high enough to join their owners in bed. The ramp has a gentle, sloping angle and is suitable for pets of up to 100 pounds. It’s made of solid wood and features ribbed carpeting. It can be assembled in 15 minutes or less and, in total, has a platform that reaches 14 inches tall.
RElated Products | |
|---|---|
Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp | Solvit PetSafe Deluxe Telescoping Ramp |
Pet Gear Easy Steps | Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp |
Pros:
- Easy to set up, as there is no assembly required
- Can fold flat in order to be stored under a couch, bed, or in a closet
- Has a set of rubber grips to hold it steady when your pet uses it
Cons:
- Quality can be improved
More About The Merry Products Collapsible Pet Ramp
With folding capabilities that allow the device to fold to nearly flat, this pet ramp is great for small homes and crowded locations. No assembly is required before use and once placed, the ramp can hold a dog of up to 125 pounds. The ramp has rubber grips and a set of wheels for easy transport, as well as the ability to adjust to three different heights.
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RElated Products | |
|---|---|
Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp | Solvit PetSafe Deluxe Telescoping Ramp |
Pet Gear Easy Steps | Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp |
Pros:
- Built-in safety features such as guard rails and non-slip, rubber feet that keep your pet secure when using the stairs
- Two size options: large and extra large to accommodate a variety of dogs
- Folds in a matter of seconds for easy storage
Cons:
- Stairs are small; too small for large dogs’ paws
More About The Pet Safe Solvit Pup Step
This version of Pet Safe's iconic pet ramp is available in two size options. It is best suited for small pets as its stairs have small treads and space between them, as well as thin steps. These pet stairs have built-in guard rails and are equipped with non-skid feet. Pet owners love that it can be folded and stored away with ease.
RElated Products | |
|---|---|
Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp | Solvit PetSafe Deluxe Telescoping Ramp |
Pet Gear Easy Steps | Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp |
Pros:
- Machine washable outer cover that gives the stairs a hint of modern style
- A quick assembly that eliminates the need for special tools
- Made of soft, sturdy material that can withstand years of use
Cons:
- Can be chewed easily
More About The Zinus Cozy Pet Stairs
These incredibly cozy, material covered pet stairs are made both sturdy and comfortable, thanks to their foam interior. The stairs are geared for smaller dogs and feature a stylish plaid cover that can come off and be washed whenever necessary. Assembly is simple and quick.
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RElated Products | |
|---|---|
Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp | Solvit PetSafe Deluxe Telescoping Ramp |
Pet Gear Easy Steps | Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp |
About Dog Ramps
Most dog owners tend to overlook the importance of having a dog ramp, seeing their dogs as agile pets who have no problem jumping up onto the bed beside them. While this may be true for young dogs, this repetitive jumping up and down can be detrimental to their health as their joints age.
Yes, you can lift them up and down yourself. But you then risk damaging your own back, especially if you have a large dog.
Even if your dog is young and spritely, getting a dog ramp sooner rather than later can save them from any injuries in the long run.
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How to choose the best dog ramp
Folding, Fixed or Telescopic?
If space is an issue in your home, you will probably want to opt for a folding or telescopic ramp that can be stored away easily when needed. Folding and telescopic ramps are more suited to outdoor use.
Purpose?
Dog ramps come in a range of different styles that are not all suitable for every purpose. Most ramps are actually designed for a very specific purpose. There are many dog ramps available for the specific purpose of helping your dog onto the bed with ease.
Most of the ramps designed for this specific purpose are made to blend well into your bed and look like a beautiful addition piece of furniture.
Durability
Dog ramps come in a variety of materials, some more durable than others. Fixed ramps tend to be made by more durable materials by default, given that it’s intended to become a permanent fixture in your home.
Wood is a popular material for ramps intended to be used for a bed, given that it blends in nicely with most beds and also happens to be very durable. Don’t forget to take note of the weight limit when looking at ramps, especially if you have a larger dog.
Safety
The safety features are paramount when considering which ramp to buy. You need to ensure whatever ramp you buy is stable and suitable for your dog's weight. If your dog is prone to getting up and down off the bed in the dark, you may want to consider a ramp that has reflective strips on the walking surface so your dog can see it clearly at night.
Side railings are another safety feature you might want to consider. Dogs often don’t think to take care when using a ramp and will try to get up and down as quick as possible so you will want to ensure it is non slip to avoid them injuring themselves.
Length of ramp
The length of the ramp is very important, people can often be tempted into getting a short ramp with the idea of it taking up less space.
However, bear in mind that the shorter the ramp is, the steeper the incline is. A short ramp may not actually be much less pressure on your dog's joints, compared to them jumping up on the bed.
A shorter ramp may not be a problem for younger agile dogs, but it will definitely become a problem as they age.
If you are getting a fixed ramp, it is advisable that you take into consideration that your dog's abilities will change over time. In this case, it’s better to get a longer ramp that will suit your dog throughout its entire life as its abilities change over time.
Don’t forget the width - make sure the ramp is enough inches wide to safely accommodate your pooch.
The Benefits of Providing Your Dog with a Ramp
There are so many benefits that come from providing your dog with a ramp for easier access to its nightly cuddles. Dogs that suffer from arthritis will find immediate relief from no longer having to jump. It will also slow down the advancement of the disease and give your dog a much better quality of life. You’ll definitely notice a lift in their mood.
Jumping puts unnecessary pressure on your dog's joints. A ramp will reduce this and slow down the natural wear and tear of your dog’s joints, keeping them fit and healthy for as long as possible.
If you have a very small dog or a young puppy, they may not be able to get up onto the bed themselves. A ramp gives them access without you having to constantly lift them up and down yourself, saving your back and giving them the independence they need to develop.
Your dog can easily pick up an injury, which could limit their access to their favorite spots without a ramp. By having a ramp, you are prepared for these situations and will save yourself unnecessary stress should an unexpected injury arise.
The ramp will give your dog independence and save them from injury if they try to jump up onto the bed when you’re not at home to help them. This is also a benefit for you as you don’t have to worry about monitoring your dog’s every move.
Safety Tips and Training your Dog to use a Ramp
Your dog may not automatically know to use the ramp and may still jump up onto the bed anyway. It can take some time and patience to teach your dog to use the ramp safely but you are definitely going to want to take the time to do this!
Some dogs will pick it up straight away. If your dog is struggling to understand, you may want to lure them up with some treats until they pick it up and use the ramp automatically every time.
Until you are confident that your dog can use the ramp safely, we would advise you not to leave them unsupervised with it if possible. Curiosity will get the better of them and they might injure themselves if they’re not using it correctly.
It can be a pain to have to watch them constantly. But remember that it’s only for a limited time until you feel confident that they are using the ramp correctly. Independence is one of the key benefits of having a ramp after all.
Make sure you only use a ramp on a completely flat and stable surface to avoid any unwanted sudden movements which could cause your dog to slip and fall.
If you have a rug in your bedroom, make sure it’s far enough away from the ramp that it won’t get caught under it and destabilize it. By nature, fixed ramps tend to be a lot more stable than other mobile types of ramps.
Conclusion
So many dog owners really treasure the moments they get to cuddle up with their furry friend in bed, and most dogs equally love getting up for their bedtime cuddles. Installing a ramp to assist your dog in getting up and down off the bed ensures that this special time remains pleasant and result in injury or discomfort for your dog.
There are so many different styles and types of dog ramp out there. Make sure you don’t buy on impulse and do the necessary research to find the perfect ramp to suit your dog and also your décor.
It is definitely a worthwhile investment. Even if your dog seems completely agile now, injuries could happen and the ageing process is naturally inevitable. Having a ramp means you can avoid unnecessary stress as your dog ages, or in the event that they manage to injure themselves on a walk.
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