How long should a dog ramp be? Tips and Tricks

Dog Ramp Width

When choosing the right pet ramp for your dog, it’s important to consider the ramp’s width as well. A ramp that is too narrow may make it difficult for a dog to maneuver their body – especially if they’re required to turn in order to get off or on their ramp.

Overall, the platform on a dog ramp should be at least a few inches wider than the widest part of your dog (typically the shoulders or hips):

  • Small breeds, such as Miniature Dachshunds, Yorkies, and Chihuahuas, usually need a ramp that is a minimum of 11” wide.
  • Should a smaller ramp, such as the DoggoRamps Couch Ramp, be required to reach a lower hangout spot, larger breeds can do well with platforms that are 14”-17” wide as they will only need to take a couple of steps on their ramp to get to where they want to go.
  • On the other hand, if a larger dog will be using a ramp to reach a higher surface and will be required to turn their body when getting off or on, a wider platform will be a better fit.
  • Special consideration should also be given to smaller dogs with sturdy or long bodies, such as French Bulldogs and Corgis. Both breeds tend to need extra room to move or turn their bodies and will benefit from extra width on a dog ramp.

    Last but not least, should you have two or more smaller dogs that prefer doing things together, a wider platform will make it possible for more than one pup to use the ramp at the same time.

    The Weens (yunabugs) are all experts when it comes to sharing their DoggoRamps Large Bed Ramp.

    Determining the Height and Length For Your Custom Built Ramp

    Get a pen, paper and measuring tape.

    Write down the following as you figure them out:

    HEIGHT

  • Measure from the floor to the top of the bed or couch your dog is trying to reach.
  • If your dog is agile enough to handle a step up and you want a shorter ramp, make this height 2-3 inches (50-75 mm) lower.
  • LENGTH

    There are two lengths to consider: the ramp by itself, OR both the ramp and an added platform.

    The Ramp

  • The slope or steepness of the ramp is the length along the base of the triangle divided by the height of the triangle (slope = base length/height).
  • The base length therefore = slope x height
  • The slope should be 2 to 1 or less, meaning base length = 2 x height.
  • For example, if your bed is 24 inches (610 mm) high, the base part of the ramp should be at least 48 inches (1220 mm) long.
  • The longer your base length and the lower your height, the more gradual will be your slope.
  • For instance, if the bed or couch height is 24 inches (610 mm) and the base length is 72 inches or 6 feet (1830 mm) long, you will have a 3 to 1 slope.
  • A dog that has difficulty walking will require the most gentleslope possible.
  • The Platform

  • This is a level area that the dog steps onto when coming off the bed.
  • We suggest a platform that is square, with a length and width that match the width of the ramp.
  • Choosing a Sturdy Dog Ramp

    Similar to ramp surfaces, dog ramps themselves can be made from a variety of materials. Nowadays, you can find ramps made out of plastic, aluminum, softwood/pine, solid hardwood, and more.

    However, its important to keep in mind that even if a dog is below a ramp’s weight limit, depending on the material and the design, a ramp can still shift and wobble while being used. This type of situation is not ideal, as dogs are less likely to use devices that feel unstable or insecure.

    Out of all the various options, solid hardwood dog ramps provide the best sturdiness and stability for all dogs. Ramps made from this durable and strong material not only tend to feel like a proper piece of furniture, but can also be reliably used by dogs whether they’re walking on their ramp or applying a bit of extra force from a quicker step.

    After introducing her senior dog to the DoggoRamps Large Bed Ramp (crafted from solid hardwood), this pups owner reported: “It is well built, sturdy, high quality and beautiful. My dog is 13 and I decided to buy this ramp to keep him from jumping from the bed. Now he likes to run up the ramp to go on the bed.”

    Do Pet Ramps Really Work? Know Before You Buy ** Part 1 **

    For humans, ramps should be at least 12 inches long for every 1 inch in height; however, because dogs are quadrupeds they have a lower center of gravity and are naturally better climbers, so they can handle a slightly steeper incline if you don’t have a lot of space for a pet ramp.