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?

Black and tan dachshund sits on a DIY dog ramp next to bed.

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.

  •  

Assembling the Ramp

  1. Large brown dog sitting on dog ramp placed flat on the ground.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.

  2. Place rubber covers on the exposed ends of the shelves, and use zip ties to secure the shelves together in the middle.

  3. 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.

  4. Fold the outer flaps of the carpet over the outer rails and continue step three until the carpet is completely tied down.

  5. 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.

Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.

Related articles

Options for Boarding Your Dog When You Go Out of Town

Explore your options for boarding or kenneling your puppy when you travel. Learn what you should and should not do here.

Indoor Activities for Herding Dogs

Apartment living with a herding dog can be a challenge. Discover these indoor activities for herding dog breeds that can make sharing a small space easier.

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.

Are Tomatoes Bad for Dogs? What You Need to Know

Learn whether dogs can safely eat tomatoes, including what to do if a dog eats different types of foods with tomatoes and if there is a medical concern.

Help! My Dog Won't Go Outside When It's Raining

Discover reasons why dogs might be afraid to go outside in the rain, including issues with relieving themselves while it's raining, and how you can help.

Dog Eye Boogers, Goop & Gunk: When Should You Be Concerned?

Learn about dog eye boogers, goop, gunk & crustiness: when it's normal vs. when it could be a health concern and which breeds & sizes are most susceptible.

Tips for the First Few Weeks with Your New Puppy

Ensure that you're meeting all of your new puppy's needs by learning typical puppy behaviors in the home.

What is the Best Time of Year to Adopt a Dog?

Wondering what's the best time of year to adopt a dog? Learn how to choose the right season to welcome a new furry friend into your home.

Canine Influenza Vaccine: What You Need to Know

While canine influenza is a newer condition, it can be troublesome for your pup. Learn about dog flu symptoms & which types of dogs should get vaccinated.

Adopting Two Dogs at Once: Key Considerations

You've always wanted a pet, and you're wondering if you should adopt one or two dogs. Learn more about what you need to consider before deciding.

Is Your Dog Ready for Obedience School?

Learn what kind of training to expect from an obedience school and whether or not it is a good idea for your dog, no matter his age.

The Ins and Outs of Dog Whistles: What You Need to Know

Thinking of using a dog whistle with your furry friend? Learn the different types of whistles, if they are safe for your dog, and training considerations.

How Can I Stop My Dog From Chewing?

Learn the real reasons why your dog likes to chew on your stuff and some effective ways you can control his crazy chewing habits.

Do Dogs Have Best Friends?

Learn whether or not dogs truly have best friends, including information on their loyalty to humans and behavioral tendencies to support the idea.

Teaching Your Dog to Fetch

Discover easy and effective methods for teaching your dog to play fetch, including commands to use and how rewards can help him learn the game.

Your Puppy's First 3 Months At Home: What to Expect

Learn how to provide your puppy the care he needs in his first 3 months to grow up stong, healthy, and social.

Dominant Paws: Is Your Dog a Righty or Lefty?

Learn if dogs have dominant paws like humans have dominant hands, and discover how you can determine if your dog has a paw preference.

Picking Up After Your Dog: Why It's Important

Picking up dog poop can be unpleasant, but there are lots of reasons it's important: local laws, bad smells, diseases and impact on grass are all factors.

Why Is My Dog's Muzzle Hair Turning Gray?

Learn why your dog's muzzle might be going gray earlier than expected, including whether it's just a sign of aging, stress, or an underlying health issue.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Testing, Treatment & Prevention

Learn important information about lyme disease in dogs, including symptoms, testing procedures, treatment options and how to prevent this disease.