The older we get, the more our joints hurt. Climbing and descending stairs, and jumping down from raised heights can slowly take their toll. What’s more, if we suffer from illness, arthritis, or a weight issue, these activities can have an even worse impact on our bodies. To be sure, the things we used to do as children without giving them a second thought now seem to have a punishing effect on us.

Dogs feel the same way and cope with many of the same issues. The problem for them is that they are often expected to continue jumping onto beds, furniture, or into cars long after their joints protest. As a result, it’s not uncommon for our canine companions to pull muscles or suffer lasting discomfort.

Fortunately, we can provide our pooches with relief by investing in a high-quality dog ramp. Below, we’ll describe how they’re used and explain what you should look for when shopping for one.

How They’re Used

During each day, your canine will likely jump onto your couch, bed, and other furniture several times. Plus, if you regularly take him with you on the road, he’ll be expected to jump into your vehicle. Over time, that constant jumping can have a severe impact on his joints.

Also, consider that many breeds are smaller; making those jumps is much harder on their bones and can eventually lead to painful arthritis. And for dogs that are older or suffer from a variety of health issues, making the jumps is nearly impossible without injuring themselves in the process.

A ramp removes the need to jump. They can transform painful climbs into a gentle slope that your pooch can navigate at his own pace. Plus, there’s no need to leave your canine’s joints and bones vulnerable to constant pounding when he jumps off your furniture. A ramp lets him descend easily protecting his joints from harm.

Factors To Consider When Shopping

The three main considerations when buying a dog ramp are strength, portability, and safety. First, it must have the strength to support your pooch’s weight. Some models are designed for small breeds while others are built for larger breeds. The packaging will provide the ramp’s weight capacity, so be sure to look for it.

Second, choose a model that is portable. Chances are, you’ll want to enjoy the flexibility of transporting it easily from one room to another, or to your vehicle. It should have a handle and fold easily for storage.

Third, look for features that help ensure the safety of your canine. For example, a lot of models come with side rails, an anti-skidding feature, and stabilizing latches. Some even have an extra traction feature that prevents a nasty slip from happening during wet weather.

A dog ramp can make life far more comfortable for your pooch. Not only will it protect his joints from discomfort and pain, but it can also help prevent unexpected injuries from poorly-planned jumps.