My Akita and I found the best ramp for large dogs based on her needs. My 9-year-old Akita has had stiff joints recently and had trouble getting into and out of the car. Since we go to parks often and she’s too big to lift in and out of the car, a dog ramp was the best solution. This is my honest review and recommendation based on our experience. Since my dog is very judgmental and picky, she is also a great natural judge. After some research, we found a folding ramp with good traction that she actually approves and even enjoys! She loves to stand on the ramp and look down at everyone before leaving the car.
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Why a Pet Ramp?
Pet ramps are really helpful for older dogs and dogs with arthritis and mobility issues. When you have a large dog, unfortunately, they are more likely to get arthritis and joint pain than smaller dogs. And not being able to lift a large dog also makes a ramp especially useful. Whether you have German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, or Bernese Mountain Dogs, a ramp can help your pups get into and out of a truck, SUV, car, couches, or beds.
A dog ramp gives big dogs a gentle incline that is easier to navigate than stepping into a high bed or automobile. Big dogs like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and other large breed dogs can easily access your car, truck, or furniture with a pet ramp. For my dog, we needed a ramp so she could get into and out of the SUV to go to the park, the vet, and other places.
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Best Pet Ramp for Large Dogs
Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp
I searched for a dog ramp for my Akita due to her health issues and aging so she could be more mobile when traveling with me. I chose the Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Vehicles because it offers good traction with an Astroturf carpet (which my dog loves – she is enamored with fake grass for some reason) and the folding design that offers easy portability. There are different options for traction and color, but I highly recommend the green one as it has great traction with the fake grass.
Incline
The ramp also has a low-incline design. You can unfold it for a longer, gentler slope, or keep it folded for a shorter slope for shorter steps. I usually unfold the ramp unless we are unloading onto an elevated grassy surface or a very high curb.
Since my dog is picky and not the easiest to train (hello, Northern breeds!), I thought training her to use the ramp would take a while. But it was pretty easy to get her to walk up and down it, and she seemed to enjoy the fake grass and good traction. I didn’t even have to bribe her with treats (which isn’t a bad idea if your dog needs extra encouragement to use the ramp).
Even though she has some arthritis, my dog seems to enjoy climbing the ramp even. When we get to places she likes (such as the park), she tries to hurl herself out of the car, so I have to hold onto her harness to slow her down. On the other hand, when we get home, and she doesn’t want to get out of the car, she likes to pause and stand on the ramp, looking around at her minions.
Storage and Size
There is a handle on one side of the ramp for easy storage. I can easily slide it into the car under my dog’s car hammock against the back of the front seats.
If you’re looking for a sturdy dog ramp that is functional and foldable, I definitely recommend this ramp. The regular-sized ramp extends to 72 inches, or if you keep it folded, it’s 36 inches. This is the best dog ramp for large dogs that we’ve tried, and it feels very stable. I always hold the ramp and my dog’s harness just in case the ground is uneven or she loses her balance, but she has had no issues with the ramp.
Weight Limits
If you have a giant dog breed, the ramp can hold up to 250 pounds, according to the weight limits. This durable ramp should be able to support any large dog. The artificial turf offers a non-slip surface to help your dog grip and walk. Even though my dog has some joint problems, she’s able to walk up and down the ramp easily, especially when it’s fully extended.
At times when I’m in a hurry, I have tried the ramp when it’s folded and the steeper incline is more challenging for my dog to climb and she has shown strain sometimes when climbing the short ramp. Unless I park by a steep curb, I always extend the full ramp now and unfold it.
Considerations
One caveat I’ll say is that even though this is the best ramp for large dogs, in my experience, it is not lightweight. I am able to fold and unfold it, but if you are a really small person or elderly, I could see how it may be a challenge due to the weight of the full ramp. However, the weight also helps keep the ramp stable and able to support large dogs.
Another consideration is that this ramp does not have side rails, so if you’re looking for that, it is not your best option. Also, a few Amazon reviews say that the ramp is not wide enough for their dogs, so measure your dog to make sure a 16-inch width is sufficient before investing in this ramp.
Many people praise this ramp’s durability, traction, and sturdiness for large dogs. They particularly love the ramp option with the grassy surface, which allows for easy loading and unloading and great traction for dogs.
Small Dogs
Pet owners with small dogs, especially those with short legs like Dachshunds, Corgis, and Basset Hounds, may also need dog ramps, and there is a Gen7 Mini Pet Ramp for small dogs. With the same foldable design and incredible traction as the original large dog ramp, this is a great option for smaller breeds. The small ramp extends to 42 inches when it’s fully unfolded.
My Dog’s Choice for Best Ramp for Large Dogs
I think my dog would agree with me on the best ramp for large dogs. She enjoys the Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Vehicles and even stands on it happily to relax sometimes (or to protest going home). This ramp is very helpful if your dog has joint conditions, jumping-related injuries, or hip dysplasia.
In my opinion, the ramp is a better option than pet stairs. My dog struggles with stairs and has had no problems going up and down this ramp when it’s fully extended. I only wish I’d gotten this ramp sooner to have possibly prevented some of her joint issues from years of jumping in and out of the SUV.
If you have a large dog, I highly recommend the Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Vehicles to help your dog get into and out of your vehicle. I think the ramp could even be used for furniture inside, but it is quite large, so you would need to measure your space first and decide if it’s the best option for your setup.
The folded dimensions of the ramp are 36 inches long and 16 inches wide with a width of 3 inches. There is a soft rubber grip handle to help with storage, carrying the ramp, and unfolding it. The pet ramp also had durable rubber grippers on both ends of the ramp so it will not slide on the ground or when propped up into your car.
Final Thoughts on Dog Ramps for Large Dogs
Ultimately, fold ramps like the Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp offer peace of mind for you and your dog. When you use the ramp, you can rest assured that you’re not causing extra strain and wear on their joints and you’re helping your pup stay comfortable into their golden years. I only wish I’d gotten this sooner to save my dog’s joints from extra wear and tear of getting into and out of a high seat (in an SUV) over the years.
If you get the Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp, I recommend the green grassy version for the best traction. Also, measure your dog, the ramp, and the elevation of the space they will be getting into before ordering to ensure you have a good fit. This foldable pet ramp has been a lifesaver for my senior large dog. It has allowed her to go to the park every day and enjoy traveling with ease.
If you have any questions or want to see more of what my dog likes and doesn’t like (she has strong opinions!), you can follow her on Instagram at @kiyoshi.nyc.
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