Best Dog Ramp for Large Dogs (2023 Reviews)

Some pet parents believe they require a ramp for their pets. But if we want to give our pooch the best life, ramps are one of those investments that are always worth every penny.

Dog ramps are very useful, especially to short dogs and dogs with mobility issues.

Not all dogs can easily jump on the bed, get down from the couch, or reach the car seat safely. Too much jumping can also put our pooch at risk for falls and injuries.

Since we love our pooch too much, we would do anything just to make him comfortable and safe.

This usually means helping him reach hard to reach areas by lifting him. But then, this is not always possible nor safe.

If we have a large dog, we may not always be able to carry him where he wants to go. Even if he simply wants to sit beside us on the couch, lifting him proves to be challenging.

Even if we are strong enough to carry our pooch, we can’t always carry them. He needs to learn how to be independent. With a ramp, he can go as he pleases.

But then, not all dog ramps are of high-quality. These come in different types, sizes, function, etc. to make it easier for us to choose one for our pooch, we can check this list for the best dog ramps according to experts.

Best Dog Ramp for Large Dogs

Here are our top picks!

• Best Overall: PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp
• Best Runner-up: TOBBI 62” Bi-fold Portable Dog Ramp
• Best Budget: Pet Gear Full Length Ramp
• Best for SUVs: Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Pets
• Best Stair-Type Ramp: Heeyoo Upgraded Nonslip Car Dog Steps
• Runner-up Stair-Type Ramp: Snaggle Paw Upgraded Pet Dog Car Step Stairs
• Best Bed Ramp: PetSafe CozyUp Bed Ramp
• Best Free-Standing Ramp: Pet Gear Free-Standing Ramp
• Best Foldable: Pet Gear Travel Lite Ramp

Best Overall: PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp

Key Features:

• Sandpaper-like surface
• With side rails and safety latch
• Can support up to 150 lbs
• 62 x 16 x 4 inches
• Weighs 10 Pounds

We just love how affordable and dependable the PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp is.

It features a high-traction surface to help stabilize our pooch. It only weighs 10 lbs but can support dogs up to 150 lbs.

It works well in most vehicles, and the raised sides help keep our love safe. We just wish the ramp is not that narrow.

Best Runner-up: TOBBI 62” Bi-fold Portable Dog Ramp

Key features:

• High-traction surface
• Bottom rubber grippers
• Foldable design
• Can support up to 200 lbs
• Weighs 10 lbs

We want a ramp that we can easily store, bring with us during travels and can make our pooch’s life easier.

This can support large dogs that weigh less than 200 lbs. it is non-slip, foldable and works well with large dogs.

One con we found is that it requires us to hold it in place while our pooch is using the ramp. It can slip off the car when extra-large dogs go up and down it.

Best Budget: Pet Gear Full Length Ramp

Key Features:

• Rubber bottom grippers
• Tri-fold construction
• Can support up to 200 lbs
• Safety tether included
• Weighs 15 lbs
• 71 x 16 x 4-inches

Slip-resistant, stable, foldable and lightweight. These are the best ways to describe the Pet Gear Full Length Ramp.

It weighs a good 15 lbs, can be folded in three and can support our pooch, who is about 200 lbs.

It measures 16 inches wide, making it easy for our good boy to navigate the ramp.  We just wish the ramp is more compact. Also, the sandpaper-like surface can be a bit harsh to his sensitive paws.

Best for SUVs: Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Pets

Key Features:

• Poly-grass surface
• Durable construction
• Can accommodate 250 lbs
• 72 x 16 x 1.5 inches
• Weighs 17 Pounds

The Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Pets features a poly-grass surface to ensure our canine buddy’s comfort.

He won’t easily slip, even if he runs up and down the ramp. It is fairly lightweight and folds in two, making it portable.

It has a durable design that can accommodate dogs that weigh up to 250 lbs.

This can be a good choice if we require a non-slip ramp we can use for outdoor use. We just wish the ramp is a little shorter than it can be too long to fit in smaller cars.

Best Stair-Type Ramp: Heeyoo Upgraded Nonslip Car Dog Steps

Key Features:

• Anti-skid rubber coating surface
• Rubber bottom pads
• Can support up to 150 lbs
• Comes in 4 and 5 steps and in 2 colors

The Heeyoo Upgraded Nonslip Car Dog Steps is a pet parent’s favorite because of its non-slip surface and stable construction.

It is wide enough to accommodate large dogs that weigh up to 150 lbs. It folds easily, making it easy to carry.

We can choose between 4 steps or 5 steps dog steps. Despite its foldable design, some pet parents find it hard to slip the steps on the side door of their car. This is best stored on the trunk.

Runner-up Stair-Type Ramp: Snaggle Paw Upgraded Pet Dog Car Step Stairs

Key Features:

• Can support up to 150 lbs
• Rubber coated surface
• Rubber bottom pads
• Comes in 4 and 5 steps

The Snaggle Paws Upgraded Pet Dog Car Step Stairs comes in 4 or 5 steps and can support dogs for up to 150 lbs.

It has a rubber coated surface and anti-skid rubber feet, keeping our pooch safe and stable. Despite its lightweight construction, it is also fairly durable.

It can be folded and already comes with its own carrying bag, making it easy for storage and travel.

Now, our pooch can easily access our car stress-free. But this is not for cars with smaller door openings.

Best Bed Ramp: PetSafe CozyUp Bed Ramp

Key Features:

• Heavy-duty carpet
• Can support up to 120 lbs
• Weighs 28.25 lbs
• 70 in X 16 in X 25 in
• Comes in 2 colors

The PetSafe CozyUp Bed Ramp can be every pat parent’s ideal indoor ramp. It has a tough construction that can support dogs up to 120 lbs. it is designed to last and even has a stylish look/.

We can set this up to different heights, making it easier for us to find the right angle for our pooch.

It is fairly easy to assemble, and its high-traction surface is always a plus. But then, it can take a lot of space and is a bit on the heavy side.

Best Free-Standing Ramp: Pet Gear Free-Standing Ramp

Key Features:

• Soft supertraX tread
• Patented free-standing and foldable design
• Pressure activated grip
• 56″ x 16″ x23″
• Weighs 17 lbs
• Can support up to 300 lbs

The Pet Gear Free-Standing Ramp is one versatile pet ramp. It is intended for cars, but we can use for other applications and use it as a couch or bed ramp. It is fairly stable, slip-resistant and foldable.

If we are after a long-lasting ramp, then this can be a great choice. It stands on its own, and we only need to unfold it and push it closer to our vehicle, and our pooch can easily go up and down the ramp.

But since it is made from wood, it can be quite heavy and we need to avoid using it under the rain.

Best Foldable: Pet Gear Travel Lite Ramp

Ket Features:

• Soft supertraX mat
• Pressure activated grip
• Raised edges 
• Rubberized bottom
• Includes a carrying handle
• Can support up to 200 lbs
• 71 x 19.5 x 4 inches 
• Weighs 27 lbs

The Travel Lite Ramp from Pet Gear comes in several lengths. This means we can adjust the length to accommodate different heights.

It has a soft, high-traction surface, rubberized bottom and raised edges for better safety and stability.

Dogs up to 200 lbs won’t have trouble using this ramp. It already comes with a carrying handle, and its foldable design makes it travel-friendly.

One con we found is that it is a bit pricier compared to other ramps.

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What is a Dog Ramp?

Not all dogs can jump in higher places. Some dogs have shorter legs, while others have mobility issues that stop them from reaching our car, bed or couch.

Jumping up just to reach higher areas can also be painful and harmful to some dogs.

A dog ramp is always a good investment if our pooch can’t reach our bed, couch, or car. With a ramp, he no longer needs to jump. He can easily climb up and down with confidence.

A ramp will also save us time and energy. Since our pooch is big and heavy, we won’t need to carry him up our bed or down from the car.

This is especially helpful if our pooch is already in pain or we can no longer easily support his big body and heavy weight.

Ramps come in different types. Some are in forms of steps or stairs while others are the traditional ramps. We need to check which one will better suit our pooch’s needs.

Ramps can also be fixed, folding or telescopic.

Fixed ramps

These are ramps that serves to be a permanent fixture depending on the application. Most boat ramps, for instance, need to be installed on the boat. These are not meant for easy storage as they usually take much space.

But fixed ramps are usually the most durable and stable ramps out there thanks to their heavy construction.

Folding ramps

Those ramps with hinged in the center are folding ramps. These folds easily for ease of storage. These fit most cars and are perfect if we only have a limited space to store the ramp.

Telescopic ramps

These are ramps with panels that slide over the other during storage. These usually cost more than fixed and folding ramps.

But they can be a good choice since these are the ramps that we can adjust the incline to give our pooch a more convenient angle.

There are so many ramps available in the market. One can also have one custom-made if a pooch has very special requirements.

Either way, dog ramps are extremely useful for both us and our favorite canine buddy.

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Benefits of Buying a Dog Ramp for Large Dogs

Dog ramps have so many benefits to offer. This is not just for dogs that are aging or has mobility issues. Even perfectly healthy dogs can benefit from the right dog ramp.

Ease of access

The main reason dog ramps exist is to give dogs easy access to beds, couches, cars, and other hard to reach areas.

For puppies and small dogs, their short legs can’t jump high enough. There are also some dogs that already lost their confidence after falling when attempting to reach the bed.

Large dogs tend to be heavy. His aging joints, him having an underlying condition or merely his weight can stop him from reaching many places.

With a ramp, he will no longer need our help just to sit beside us on the couch.

Prevent injuries

Dogs who keep on jumping just to get on higher areas increase the likelihood for injuries. This is especially true among aging dogs and dogs with shorter legs but longer bodies.

If our dog is reaching his senior age or is now nursing an injury or illness, then it becomes a must that we provide him with a dog ramp to make his life easier.

Reduce joint pain

If our pooch has joint pain, it can be hard for him to move around, let alone jump up the bed.

Ramps will make his life easy by giving him a gentle slope where he can safely ascend or descend. Even if he is in pain, he can still keep his independence with the help of a dog ramp.

Longevity

The best thing about dog ramps is that these are painful for dogs no matter the age, size or shape. We can use it for aging dogs, dogs with mobility issues or even puppies.

Versatility

Some dog ramps may be built for cars. Some are meant for indoor use. But there are also ramps that are very versatile.

Some dog ramps we can use for both indoor and outdoor use.

This means we can use one to give our pooch a push when going up the bed or the car. We just need to consider the features of the ramp to check if we can use it in numerous applications.

It does take a bit of creativity to make a ramp safe for more than its intended application. But this is possible for many ramps available in the market.

Make our lives easier

We pet parents may do everything just to make our dog’s lives easier and more comfortable.

But we can’t constantly have to carry them just so they can get off the couch or up our car. His heavy eight and big body can make it hard to lift him safely and ensure he won’t get hurt.

We are also giving ourselves a favor for investing in the right dog ramp.

Even if we are strong enough, one wrong lift and we can hurt ourselves and our pooch in the process. The safest route is to buy him a ramp that can suit his needs instead.

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Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Ramp for a Large Dog

Our big buddy has special needs, which means there is a need to pay attention and do enough research before making a dog ramp purchase. Here are some of the things we should never take for granted when buying a ramp.

Stability

We want a dog ramp that is stable and has a durable structure.

Since we have a large dog, his heavy weight can be too much for ordinary dog ramps. We need to check the materials used to ensure it can withstand our pooch’s daily use.

Aside from the construction, we need to check the surface of the ramp and ensure it has rubberized bottom grippers.

We need to look for a ramp with a high-traction surface. If our pooch has sensitive or injured paws, it is best to invest in a ramp with a soft but slip-resistant surface.

Size

Many ramps may be able to support larger dogs. But not all can accommodate them in terms of width. The ramp has to be wide enough for them to cross with ease.

The ramp also needs to be long or short enough for our pooch to go up and down easily.

Not all dogs can use a ramp with a steep angle. The slope needs to be at a comfortable angle especially if our pooch has mobility issues or is in pain.

Purpose of the Ramp

What are we buying the ramp for? Sure, we want our pooch to easily access areas he finds hard to reach.

But not all ramps are created equal. Some ramps are made for indoor use only. This means we can only use them for the bed or couches.

Other ramps are for outdoor applications. This means we can use these and take them in our car. We need to consider the main places we intend to use the ramp before we even invest in one.

Storage and Portability

Not all ramps can be easily stored. Some can be folded, while others cannot. If we intend to buy a ramp that we can easily store or take in our car, then it has to be portable enough.

When it comes to indoor ramps and space is not an issue, then we can settle on fixed ramps.

This way, we don’t need to move the ramp around. But if we are after a ramp we can store every now and then, then we can go for a foldable or telescopic ramp instead.

Weight Limit

Larger dogs tend to be heavier. The last thing we need is for our pooch to get into an accident just because we bought the wrong ramp.

We need to consider our dog’s weight and the weigh capacity of the ramp to ensure their safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I train my dog to use a ramp?

How we can train our pooch to use the ramp will depend on numerous things. One of which is the type of ramp we are investing in.

If we have a stairs or steps-style ramp and he already has no problem going up and down our stairs, then we only need to coax him a bit to use the ramp.

If we choose the a traditional ramp, then we need to take it slow and try to make him comfortable with the ramp first.

We can start by laying the ramp straight and using verbal commands to make him cross the ramp. Using his favorite treats as a motivation is always a good idea.

Once he is comfortable with the ramp, we can slowly raise the angle. This may take a lot of patience especially do dogs who are afraid of heights. Be patient and don’t rush the process.

What angle should the dog ramp be?

The angle for small and large dogs should be different. For small dogs, it needs to be about 11-12 inches wide. The angle can be between 18-20 degrees.

For larger dogs, the width of the ramp needs to be 22-24 inches.

As for the angle, 22-25 degrees can be enough. If our pooch is having a hard time with the recommended angle, we can adjust it if possible to make it more convenient for them.

Is a ramp or stairs better for dogs?

Stairs can be a good choice if our pooch doesn’t mind going up and down a number of stairs.

If he is already comfortable with our stairs at home, then he can easily get used to the stair-type ramp. This is also a good choice if he has no mobility issues.

But in general, ramps are still a better choice. These provide a gentle slope for easy access to higher places. This makes it easy on his joints, especially if he is already in his senior years or has mobility issues.

Are ramps good for dogs?

The simple answer is yes, dog ramps are good for dogs. It does not matter what their age, size or preference is. There is a ramp out there that can match his special needs.

Ramps are good support, no matter how young or old our pooch is. We can find one that can support his size and weight.

We can even choose between a stair or ramp to make sure he stays comfortable when using the ramp.

Bed ramps for dogs are a good idea if our pooch often sleeps on our bed.

This will make it easier for him to get on our bed during night time. Even if we let him sleep a little longer in the morning, he won’t have a hard time getting down on his own.

There are ramps made specifically for cars. If we often take our pooch on a ride, then a car ramp is a good investment. He will no longer have a hard time getting in and out of the car for his daily walks or travels.

There are also ramps for pools. These are water-resistant dog ramps that enable our pooch to get and out of the pool without our help.

There also exist boat ramps we can use if we intend to go for a dip and we will be riding a boat with our pooch.

How wide should a dog ramp be?

How wide a ramp needs to be will depend on the size of our pooch. Larger and wider dogs need a wider ramp. This will help ensure his safety and comfort when using the ramp.

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Conclusion

Dog ramps can be a good investment only if we buy the right one for our pooch. We need to consider his size and his special needs when choosing a ramp.

It also pays to consider the quality of the ramp, the type of ramp that will best suit our pooch and where we intend to use the ramp.

There exist ramps meant for indoor applications only. This means these are best used in helping our pooch reach the couch or bed.

Although non-slip, these often have surfaces that are non-resistant, making them ideal for indoor use only.

There are also ramps that are only for outdoor use. This is since these are made with durability, stability and portability in mind. These are often made with materials that can ruin soft couches and beds.

There are also ramps that are versatile. This means we can use them for multiple applications. We need to think where we intend to place the ramp to ensure we get the right one.

If our pooch has special requirements, like his aging joints or injury, we are better off buying a ramp instead of stairs.

These offer a gentle slope, making climbing up and down the ramp easy. This puts less pressure on their achy bones and joints, thus increasing their comfort.

We can choose the many types, styles and brands of dog ramps in the market.

We know what our pooch needs and wants, making it easier to find one. With this list as our guide, we can simply choose one that would best fit the needs of the best dog in the world.