Dog Ramps: 4 Best Picks For 2025 And Training Tips

Gentle support reduces joint stress, letting older or small pets reach elevated spots.

By Shinta

Created on Aug 28, 2025

Gentle support reduces joint stress, letting older or small pets reach elevated spots.

The Best Dog Ramps of 2025

Helping your dog access elevated spacesâfrom vehicles to sofasâisn’t merely about convenience, but also about their long-term health and safety. Dog ramps have become essential tools for pet owners, especially for small breeds, seniors, and dogs with joint issues. This article reviews the leading dog ramps of 2025, provides a buying guide, explains how to train your dog to use a ramp, and answers all the frequently asked questions about pet ramps.

Why Do Dogs Need Ramps?

For many dogs, especially those with mobility challenges or prone to joint and spine problems, jumping on and off furniture or into cars can lead to injuries. Ramps offer a safer, impact-free way to access elevated surfaces, which is crucial for breeds predisposed to conditions like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), as well as for elderly pets or those recovering from surgeries.

Benefits of dog ramps include:

Reduces risk of injury from jumping
Protects joint health, especially in seniors and small breeds
Promotes independence for pets with physical limitations
Ensures safety when accessing vehicles or furniture

Top Dog Ramps Reviewed

We examined the most popular ramps available in 2025, focusing on build quality, weight capacity, portability, ease of use, and surface grip.

1. WeatherTech Lightweight Folding Dog Ramp

Weight Limit: 300 pounds
Surface: Skid-resistant with traction pads
Portability: Folds for storage and transport
Best For: Large breeds, older dogs, and multipet households

WeatherTech’s ramp is renowned for its durability and stability. Traction pads molded into the ramp ensure that dogs of all sizes can safely ascend or descend without slipping. Its lightweight, folding design makes it ideal for both home and travel use.

Pros:

Very high weight capacityâsuitable for large breeds
Non-slip surface adds safety in wet or muddy conditions
Easy to clean and store

Cons:

May be bulky for smaller vehicles

2. DoggoRamps Large Bed Ramp

Weight Capacity: Suitable for most breeds up to large sizes
Height Adjustable: Designed for use with beds or sofas
Special Features: Covered in a soft, grippy carpet
Best For: Indoor use, dogs reluctant to jump onto beds or sofas

DoggoRamps’ bed ramp is designed for home furniture, with a gentle incline tailored for easy navigation. The ramp supports independence for pets with joint or mobility challenges and protects against injuries from falls or awkward landings.

Pros:

Sturdy, stable design for everyday indoor use
Customizable height and gentle slope
Relieves pressure on dog’s joints

Cons:

Not intended for outdoor or vehicle access

3. PETMAKER Foldable Pet Pal Ramp

Material: Plastic
Foldable: Yes, ideal for travel
Surface: Non-slip
Best For: Medium-sized breeds, vehicle access

This ramp from PETMAKER offers a budget-friendly solution with durable, non-slip plastic. It can be folded for storage and is lightweight enough for regular transportation.

Pros:

Affordable, practical design
Easy to clean plastic construction
Good for cars, SUVs, and camping

Cons:

Not the best fit for extra-large breeds

4. PETMAKER Pet Pal Foam Steps

Material: High-density foam
Best For: Small breeds, senior pets

While technically steps rather than a ramp, PETMAKER’s foam steps offer a gentle alternative with a soft, easy-grip surface, making them popular for tiny dogs or elderly cats. These are especially useful for beds or sofas where space is limited.

Pros:

Ultra-lightweight
Comfortable for pets to walk on

Cons:

Not suitable for vehicle access
Limited weight bearing

Dog Stairs versus Dog Ramps: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Dog Stairs	Dog Ramps
Main use	For dogs that can handle steps, used mainly indoors	For dogs with joint, mobility, confidence issues; indoor & outdoor
Surface	Could be hard or padded, step-like	Smooth, sloped, generally non-slip
Weight capacity	Varies, often lower than ramps	Higher, suited for large breeds
Portability	Less portable, bulkier	Many foldable and lightweight models

Who Needs a Dog Ramp?

Senior dogsâRisk of arthritis and joint pain increases with age; ramps help them navigate daily life with less discomfort.
Small breed dogsâSome breeds struggle or risk injury when jumping up/down from beds and cars.
Dogs diagnosed with IVDD or joint problemsâConditions like IVDD can be aggravated by jumping; ramps eliminate this painful risk.
Pets recovering from surgery or injuryâRamps ensure safer movement during recovery phases.

Even healthy, confident dogs benefit from ramps, especially to reduce cumulative joint stress, making ramps a preventative care investment for all households.

Dog Ramp Buying Guide

Choosing the right dog ramp means considering your breed, purpose, and lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know before buying:

Weight Capacity: Ensure the ramp safely supports your dog’s maximum weight. Large breeds require reinforced ramps with higher limits.
Ramp Length and Incline: Longer ramps offer a gentler incline, better for dogs with severe mobility issues. Measure the elevation your dog needs to traverse.
Surface Grip: Look for textured, non-slip materialsâcarpet, rubber, or molded traction padsâto prevent slipping.
Portability and Storage: Foldable ramps simplify transport and storage, essential for frequent travelers.
Durability and Cleaning: Materials should be sturdy and easy to clean, especially after outdoor adventures.

Additional Considerations: Match the ramp’s height to the furniture or vehicle your dog needs to access, consider adjustable or telescoping models for versatility, and always check product reviews for real-world performance.

Training Your Dog to Use a Ramp

Introducing a ramp to your dog’s daily routine is straightforward but requires patience, positive reinforcement, and gradual acclimatization. Follow this proven step-by-step method:

Lay the ramp flat on the ground so your dog can walk across without fear. Reward them for crossing.
Practice with low elevationâSet the ramp against a couch and encourage your dog to walk up using treats. Repeat until they’re comfortable.
Transition to the final locationâMove the ramp to your intended site (car, bed, etc.), encourage, and reward your dog as they ascend. Consistent praise builds confidence and establishes positive associations.

Dogs with different temperaments may progress at variable ratesâbrave dogs may adapt immediately, while shy pets need more encouragement and repetition.

Expert Tips for Ramp Safety and Maintenance

Regularly inspect the ramp for signs of wear, loose screws, or shifting surfaces.
Always supervise initial ramp use to prevent accidents.
Keep ramp surfaces clean to preserve traction and prevent your dog from slipping.
Store foldable ramps properly to avoid damage when not in use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are dog ramps necessary for healthy dogs?

A: While healthy dogs may not require ramps, regular use can help prevent future joint issues and injuries, especially for breeds prone to spinal or leg conditions.

Q: Which ramp is best for large dogs?

A: The WeatherTech Lightweight Folding Dog Ramp is highly recommended thanks to its 300-pound weight capacity and robust safety features.

Q: How can I teach my dog to use a ramp?

A: Start with the ramp flat on the ground, use treats to encourage walking, graduate to gentle inclines, and always offer praise and rewards for successful use.

Q: What’s the difference between ramps and steps?

A: Ramps offer a continuous slope, ideal for dogs with joint issues, while steps require climbing, better suited to dogs that can handle more impact.

Q: Is it safe to use a ramp outdoors?

A: Yes, provided the ramp is stable and offers non-slip surfaces, it’s safe for outdoor use, including vehicles. Always supervise your dog during initial attempts.

Conclusion

Dog ramps are invaluable tools for safeguarding your pet’s health, providing comfort, and promoting independence for all breeds and conditions. With the right ramp, proper training, and care, you can ensure that your dog enjoys safe access to every part of your home and your adventures together. Choose wisely using our buying guide, and trust the top-rated ramps for lasting results.

References

Author

Shinta

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

Read full bio of Shinta