What are dogs famous for? Many would say that they are best known for their loyalty and obedience. They are considered man’s best friend for a reason after all.
Others will say that dogs are famous for being fun-loving animals. They like to play around and just be generally goofy. No one’s complaining though because happy dogs bring so much joy into our lives.
What doesn’t get mentioned enough though is just how agile and skilled many dogs tend to be. You’ve seen those agility competitions, right? It’s amazing to see how talented our four-legged friends truly are.
Of course, not all dogs possess that innate agility. Some of them struggle with mobility. They need our help in order to move around better.
One of the ways we can help our pet dogs is by purchasing a ramp or a set of stairs designed specifically for them. In this article, we’ll help you figure out if your pet dog can benefit from using stairs or a ramp.
Stay tuned to learn more about this important topic.
Which Dogs Need to Use Ramps or Stairs?
Is it time for you to get a ramp or a set of stairs for your pet dog? Sometimes, the answer to that question may not always be obvious.
In this section, we will identify the dogs who need ramps or stairs the most. See if your pet falls into one of the categories below.
Senior Dogs
Let’s start with probably the most obvious candidate for ramps or stairs and they are the older dogs. Senior dogs simply lack the agility and strength to move around like they used to. Their weaker muscles, creakier bones, and lower energy levels have placed limitations on their physical capabilities.
Make it easier for your older dogs to move by getting some additional furniture. Place the ramp or stairs near areas they typically stay in so they can access them with greater ease.
Large Dogs
Consider getting a ramp or pet stairs if your dog belongs to a larger breed.
Larger dogs are more likely to develop joint problems as they age. All that weight pushing down on their joints will take its toll eventually. You can slow down the progression of their joint problems by purchasing ramps or stairs early on.
Dogs with Physical Conditions
Ramps and stairs are necessary if your dog has a physical condition. Maybe it is joint pain like we mentioned earlier, but it could be something else too.
A prior injury may have led to one of your dog’s legs being compromised. You don’t want them putting too much pressure on their other legs to compensate for their injured limb. Give them a ramp or some stairs so they can navigate your home better.
Dogs with Neurological Conditions
Physical conditions are not all you have to watch out for in dogs. Some neurological conditions can also impact the mobility of your pet.
To be more specific, symptoms of neurological conditions such as peripheral neuropathy can significantly hamper your dog’s movement.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a neurological condition, you should get them a ramp or a set of stairs regardless of how young they are. Providing those mobility aids can help them handle their condition better as they grow older.
Dogs Who Struggle with Jumping
Your dog may have an issue when it comes to jumping. That could be because of a traumatic event that occurred when they were younger. After getting injured from jumping, they may have no interest in trying that again.
Don’t give your dog a hard time by forcing them to jump on to your bed or into your car all the time. Purchase a ramp or some stairs so they can avoid doing something they do not like.
Having four legs doesn’t mean dogs are immune from suffering mobility issues. Once it becomes clear that they have problems in that regard, get the ramps and stairs that they will need.
In a later article (insert link to second article here), we will highlight the things you need to look for in pet ramps and stairs. Please keep an eye out for that informative piece in the future!
Leaving your dog who cannot move around too well on their own is never ideal. When you use TAILored Pet Services for boarding, rest assured that we have a ramp to keep your dog safe. Contact us at 425-923-7791 or browse our website to learn more about our services.
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