Does your dog need help to climb steps or get up and down from high places? A DIY dog ramp might be the best solution. Keep reading to learn how to build a dog ramp that can aid your dog in a variety of situations.
Why Build a Dog Ramp?
A sturdy do-it-yourself dog ramp can prove useful in a number of scenarios. Small dogs, as well as older dogs with joint health problems, injuries or other mobility issues, can all benefit from having a ramp to assist them getting up and down from human beds and furniture, climbing steps and getting in and out of vehicles. Although steps are a popular choice for helping small dog breeds gauge the distance from the floor to any furniture, the gentle incline provided by a ramp is easier on dogs with joint problems or who may otherwise have difficulty climbing stairs. And while commercial options are available, a DIY dog ramp can be assembled quickly and cheaply. They don't need to be elaborate — in some cases, something as simple as a sheet of plywood supported by cement blocks might do — just make sure to secure them so the ramp doesn't shift when your dog is on it.
How to Build a DIY Dog Ramp
When it comes to building your own dog ramp, your dog's safety is the top priority. Choose a design that meets both you and your dog's needs, and is large enough and sturdy enough to support your dog's weight. A nonskid surface, such as carpeting, is also important to ensure that your dog doesn't slip and fall. The option below is easy to adapt to your own dog's size and weight, and it keeps their safety in mind. The following DIY dog ramp design from Instructables is inexpensive, lightweight and portable. It can serve a number of indoor and outdoor uses.
What You'll Need
Two 6-foot-long wire closet shelves with hanger rails.
Rubber end covers for the exposed wire ends.
A 2-by-6-foot length of outdoor carpet.
Zip ties.
An awl, or something capable of poking holes in carpet.
Scissors or a box knife.
Tasty Tips
Assembling the Ramp
Lay the two shelves side by side on the floor. The back edges of each shelf should be touching each other, and the part of the shelf designed for clothes hangers should be on the outside, sticking up. These will serve as small safety rails to keep your pup's paws from slipping sideways off of the ramp.Place rubber covers on the exposed ends of the shelves, and use zip ties to secure the shelves together in the middle.
Center the carpet face up on top of the shelves. Use an awl or another sharp tool to poke holes large enough to fit the zip ties at various intervals along the major support rods. Use zip ties to fasten the carpet in place.
Fold the outer flaps of the carpet over the outer rails and continue step three until the carpet is completely tied down.
Use scissors or a box knife to cut off the ends of the zip ties, and position any sharp edges away from where doggie paw pads will be stepping or human fingers will be holding.
This ramp design will accommodate a small to medium-large dog up to about 60 pounds (27.22 kg). You can adapt it for a larger dog by simply placing the shelves a few inches apart and using a wider width of carpet. You can also attach a third shelf — one without a hanger rail — underneath the first two, centered and overlapping both, to provide additional support for heavier breeds.
Building a ramp for your dog doesn't have to be difficult or expensive, and your pup will be sure to appreciate the ease of mobility that even a simple ramp can provide.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & Barley recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs, who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetables & Salmon Stew Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken & Rice Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Related articles
Can Dogs See Ghosts?
Learn possible explanations for your dog's mystifying behaviors. If you've ever wondered if your dog can see things you can't, this article is for you.
Is Hand Sanitizer Bad for Dogs? (& What to Do if They Eat it)
Learn whether hand sanitizer can be toxic for your dog, including potentially harmful ingredients that can be bad, and what to do if they've eaten it.
Great Ways to Pamper & Spoil Your Dog
Learn how to spoil your dog without compromising his health. Discover how to reward him for good behavior and not overdue it.
Why Dogs Throw Up After Eating
Discover some of the common reasons why your dog might be throwing up after eating, and what you can do to help them overcome this issue.
Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Puppy
Learn how much to feed your new puppy, how to handle a pup that's a picky eater, and whether wet or dry dog food is best for his needs.
What to Look For in Food for a Mature Dog
Learn about choosing the right food for your mature or older dog, ensuring he receives the correct balance of nutrition.
Helping Your Puppy Behave While Eating
Learn how to help your puppy learn good behaviors by starting with proper table manners. Follow these helpful feeding tips.
Healthy Dog Treats You Can Make at Home
If you're looking for an easy way to create healthy, homemade dog treats for your dog, try one of these 2 recipes from Hill's Pet Nutrition.
Aggression in Dogs: How to Train It Out of Them
Learn tips for identifying an aggressive dog, causes of aggression, and training methods to alleviate aggression toward an owner, other people & other dogs
Clinical Signs of a Dog Ear Yeast Infection
Learn more about the clinical signs of ear yeast infections in dogs, including physical and behavioral symptoms, as well as which breeds are most at risk.
How to Prevent and Treat Fleas on Dogs
Learn how to protect your dog from fleas, as well as how to provide your dog with the proper treatment if you notice they have been infested.
Outside Games & Activities for Your Puppy
Get ready to discover fun activities you can have with your new puppy outdoors while learning how to keep him safe and happy.
Liver Disease in Dogs: Facts That Dog Parents Should Know
Learn the facts about liver disease in dogs, such as how to spot symptoms, what causes it, treatment options & how nutrition impacts liver health.
Can Dogs Catch a Cold or Get the Flu?
Discover if your dog can catch the common cold or flu virus, either from humans or other dogs, and what to do to help him feel better when he is sick.
Why Do Sirens Make a Dog Howl?
Dogs howling at sirens is common behavior, but why do they do it? Also, learn if sirens actually hurt dogs' ears and which dog breeds like to howl most.
Important Information About Spaying & Neutering Your Puppy
Learn about the benefits to spaying or neutering your puppy, including questions about the surgery and what to expect after he's done.
Shelter Adoption or Dog Breeders: What's the Best Place to Get a Puppy?
There are several places to get a puppy, learn more about finding a puppy at a shelter, breeder, rescue organisations or local newspaper.
The Importance of Exercise for Your Puppy
Find out why exercising is so important to your puppy's overall healthy by reading through these 4 helpful facts.
Why Is My Dog Sitting on Me? Five Possible Reasons
Caring for Your Deaf Dog: Communication and Safety Tips
A deaf dog may now live a quieter life, but he's still the active, loving pup you once knew! Discover how to care for and communicate with your dog.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.