Car Ramps For Elderly Dogs

[Tilly2]

I had to take my GSD to the vets today and she had a lot of trouble jumping in the back of our car, a Zafira. She loves the car and it was so sad to see her having little run ups to get in and failing.

I think it's time to get her one of those ramps so that she can walk up, rather than jump.

Does anyone else have one of these for their elderly dog??

[CoffeeLounge]

I had one for my Labrador but I made it myself. I had a Volkswagen polo & he had to jump over the back of the boot. Made it out of an old packing case. Served its purpose. I used to help him walk up it. He didn't mind cos he knew he would be going somewhere nice.

[Tilly2]

Neither of us are good at DIY. We will have to buy one. I need to Google and find some examples.

[woofgang]

Yes we had one for our old girl. It was a bit heavy though and didn't fit n the car but where we took her to walk. I think they are better now, we bought this one around 6 years ago. There were natural banks around the carpark so she could wander out. Our vet is very sensible. part of the carpark is lower than the rest and they have put a grass bank along one side to the oldies and the poorlies can get in and out easily.

[Tilly2]

Our vet isn't as sensible as yours, woofgang. Mind you there was no problem getting her in coming home. She was glad to escape. It gave her a bit of momentum, I think.

[abstibus]

They are quite expensive on Amazon and some other sites, but have a look here
http://www.bargainbrands.co.uk/dog_ramp.html

[flump1]

Hi Tilly, can you borrow one of these ramps for a trial before you buy, as when I bought one for my two dogs...they would not walk up it !!Mind you there were daft.

[Buenchico]

For a large dog, I'd advise avoiding ramps which might be rather too 'springy'. For example, see these reviews on the Argos website:
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/8708335.htm#pdpProductReviews
(That ramp seems to be OK for smaller dogs but larger ones won't trust it).

A specialist company, like this one, might be the best place to seek advice:
http://www.easyanimal.co.uk/dogs/dog-ramps.html

[Tilly2]

Thank you all for the advice. I'll have a good look at everything tomorrow.

[lankeela]

I was lucky enough to be given one by another ABer jules for my old dog. Athough he was not big it would take a GSD size dog with no problem. You would have to steady her as she goes up though. It folds in half for storage/travel. You could easily get one made by someone who is a bit handy, just a couple of pieces of board covered in rubber and hinged to fold for storage.

[lankeela]

Maybe you could use something that is just like a step, if she is still able to jump up a small way, a sort of box that you can lift in and out?

[lankeela]

Whereabouts in the country do you live? If by some coincidence it was anywhere near where I am going you could try mine.

[paddywak]

I too was given one when my neighbours son lost his Rotty, Max wasn't too happy about it at first but he soon got use to it the only problem was it was a little heavy. I've passed it on to a friend who has a GSD that is getting on a bit.

[Tilly2]

Lankeela, I live in Bedfordshire.

[lankeela]

Not got any plans to go that way in the immediate future but if I do I'll let you know. Going to Stoneleigh tomorrow, then the next big trip will be Crufts at the NEC in March.

[Tilly2]

Thanks for the offer, lankeela. I will probably get her a ramp next payday!

[Tilly2]

Sorry, meant to say that was really nice of you. I had to type the answer three times before it actually submitted.
Thanks, again. Very kind.

[rsvp]

had the same problem but my woofie went on to the back seat (with her seat belt!!!!) what worked with her was a step next to the car (a simple step with a rubber, non slip covering) then I used a towel threaded in front of her hind legs and just gently supported her into the car. If the dog has any hip problems the support has to be spread out but it worked brilliantly for us.

[Tilly2]

Thanks rsvp but I don't think a step would work. She can get her front legs onto the back of the car, it's the rest of her body she finds hard to get in. I couldn't lift up a 28 Kg GSD. Far too heavy for me.

[daginge]

A wheelchair ramp for a taxi would be perfect! They're textured so non slip and a single one would probably be wide enough for a pooch as big as GSD!
Have a look at these guys, they stock all different types and sizes!
http://www.portaramp.co.uk/ramps/eazi-load-ramp.php

[Tilly2]

Thanks for that daginge. I'll have a look.