The 15 Best Dog Ramps For Dachshunds
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Dachshunds are active, loving dogs, but their short legs and proclivity for back problems limit their ability to leap onto a bed or couch.
Frequent leaping can put undue strain on this breed's joints and back, but you can give your pet easy access to your furniture by using a dog ramp.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) compared the best dog ramps for dachshunds on the market and compiled detailed reviews that highlight the products' strengths and weaknesses, whether you're looking for a portable ramp, model specifically for vehicle access, or stand-alone unit.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Best Dachshund Dog Ramps
Providing a ramp for your Dachshund may appear to be a simple task, but there are a few things to think about before making a purchase.
Dog’s Age, Weight, and Health
A Dachshund is unlikely to exceed a ramp’s weight capacity, but it’s still important to read the product specifications to ensure your dog’s safety. A ramp with raised side rails will provide more stability for an older dog with mobility issues than models without them. A dog that falls off a ramp may never use it again out of fear, so it’s critical to supervise your dog until it feels safe around the new object. Several ramp manufacturers recommend leaving the ramp on the floor before placing it near a bed or car door to allow the animal to sniff it and recognize that it is not a threat.
Ramp, Indoor or Outdoor
We looked at a few ramps that can be used indoors or outdoors, but those models require more frequent cleaning to avoid damage to the carpet and hardwood floors. If your dog rarely travels by car, it is preferable and less expensive to purchase an indoor ramp for access to beds and furniture.
Stability
Some of the ramps in our reviews were less stable than others, but the majority of customers who experienced sagging or breaking had larger dogs. However, if the ground is not level, even a small breed like a Dachshund may have difficulty using the ramp. Before allowing your dog to use the ramp, make sure it is stable and will not wobble under the dog’s weight. If the ramp shakes or the dog becomes stressed when using it, you may need to try a different brand. Because they are more stable than folding ramps, stationary ramps are better suited for larger dogs.
Weight
If you or other family members have difficulty lifting heavy objects, you can avoid injuries by purchasing a lightweight model. The majority of the ramps are lighter than a typical Dachshund, but some of the stationary models weigh more than 13 pounds. A ramp can save you from having to pick up your dog every time it wants to use the couch or bed, but a model that is heavier than your dog may not be practical in your home.
Reviews
Best Overall: Short Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp by Pet Gear
- Size: 42″ L x 16″ W x 4″ H
- Color: Tan
- Cost: Moderate
- Weight: ten pounds
The Pet Gear Short Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp is our best overall dog ramp because it can be used indoors or outdoors. We liked the lightweight design and sturdy construction, and the carrying handle makes transporting the ramp a breeze when folded. It can support dogs weighing up to 150 pounds and is ideal for your short-legged Dachshund pal. Several ramps are carpeted, but the Pet Gear ramp has supertraX tread for maximum grip when climbing or descending.
Although it is primarily used to enter vehicles, many Dachshund owners keep it near beds, couches, and chairs. The tread can be easily removed and thrown into the machine for cleaning. We received no complaints about the Pet Gear ramp, but some dog owners expressed concern that it would not fit in smaller vehicles. Owners of minivans and SUVs had no issues, but the ramp was too wide to fit in vehicles with narrow door openings.
Pros
- Design that is strong
- It only weighs ten pounds.
- SupertraX tread can be machine washed.
- The carrying handle makes transporting the ramp simple.
Cons
- Not all vehicles are compatible.
Best Value: Short Safety Cat & Dog Ramp TRIXIE
- 39.25″ L x 14.25″ W x 4″ H Dimensions
- Color: Black
- Cost: Low
- 8 pound weight
Most heavy-duty dog ramps are expensive, but the TRIXIE Short Safety Cat and Dog Ramp was named the best dog ramp for the money. It can support dogs weighing up to 110 pounds and is significantly less expensive than its competitors. The TRIXIE ramp can be used either outside to access a car or indoors to climb onto a couch or bed. It has non-slip rubber feet and a non-slip tread coating. The TRIXIE, unlike other ramps, has guard rails to prevent your dog from falling over the side. The ramp is simple to clean with a microfiber towel and weighs only 8 pounds.
It’s unlikely that you’ll find a stable ramp for such a low price, but it’s better suited to healthy Dachshunds than those with joint problems. The ramp is less difficult to descend for mature dogs, but the sharp angle is too steep for some dogs to climb.
Pros
- light in weight (8 pounds)
- Side rails improve safety.
- Use both inside and outside
- Affordable
Cons
- Too difficult for older dogs
Premium Choice: Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp by PetSafe.
- 72″ L x 17″ W x 4″ H Dimensions
- Color: Gray
- Cost: High
- 13 pound weight
If you frequently travel with your Dachshund and require a sturdy ramp to attach to your vehicle, the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp is a good option. The telescoping design allows you to adjust the ramp for different vehicles, and the ramp folds up for easy storage in the trunk. The strong aluminum frame can support 300 pounds, and the high traction surface keeps you from slipping and falling. Despite being larger than most of the ramps we tested, it’s easy to transport and only weighs 13 pounds.
Although your Dachshund will not exceed the ramp’s maximum pet weight, the PetSafe is ideal for pet parents who have multiple dogs. Although it is one of the best ramps on the market, it is only intended for entering and exiting vehicles. The size of the ramp makes it unsuitable for climbing onto a bed or chair.
Pros
- Aluminum construction is long-lasting.
- Slips are avoided thanks to the high traction surface.
- The telescoping design works with a variety of car sizes.
- Fits into a standard trunk
Cons
- Only intended for use outside
Best for Puppies: Half Pet Ramp II Solvit
- 39″ L x 17″ W x 5″ H Dimensions
- Color: Gray/black
- Cost: Low
- 7 pound weight
The majority of ramp manufacturers design their products for adult dogs, but puppies are less coordinated and may be intimidated by large ramps. You can help your Dachshund puppy in the house or vehicle with the Solvit Half Pet Ramp II. Although the ramp can support dogs weighing up to 150 pounds, the unit itself weighs only 7 pounds. It can be used to assist your dog into the couch or attached to your car for trips to the dog park.
The Solvit ramp works best on carpet indoors, but dog owners with hardwood floors reported that the ramp’s feet did not keep the ramp stable. The large surface is ideal for stumbling puppies, but it is too large to fit through narrow car door openings.
Pros
- Outdoor and indoor use
- It only weighs 7 pounds.
- The rough surface prevents slips.
Cons
- Rubber feet squeak across hardwood floors.
- Some vehicles find it too wide.
SupertraX Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp by Pet Gear
- Size: 66″ L x 16″ W x 4″ H
- Color: Green/black
- Cost: Moderate
- 13 pound weight
The Pet Gear Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp With SupertraX has a 66-inch walking platform that attaches to your car, truck, or SUV’s bumper. The folding ramp has a locking clasp that keeps the unit secure during storage and a carrying handle for ease of transport. The SupertraX surface is pressure sensitive, which increases traction as more weight is applied, and the tread attaches with Velcro, making it easy to clean.
Although the Pet Gear tread has more traction than many competing models, it is not as durable or stable. A Dachshund is unlikely to cause any issues, but larger dogs may cause the ramp to sink in the center. Also, on some vehicles, the top rubber grip slides around.
Pros
- The ideal angle is provided by a 66-inch platform.
- The ramp is secured for storage by a locking clasp.
- Tread has more traction than competitors.
Cons
- Only for use outside
- Not as stable as comparable models
Adjustable Pet Ramp: AlphaPaw PawRamp Full & Lite
- Size: 42″ L x 18″ W x 4″ H
- Natural dark brown color
- Cost: High
- 13.05 pound weight
The AlpaPaw PawRamp Lite and Full is one of the few adjustable units that allows you to select four different settings based on the height of the bed or couch. The frame is more appealing than plastic or metal ramps, and it can support both heavy puppies and lighter breeds such as Dachshunds. AlplaPaw weighs 13.05 pounds, which is less than most wooden ramps, and it folds down for easy storage under the bed or in the closet. Despite being one of the highest-rated ramps on the market, the AlphaPaw has a few design flaws. When the ramp is raised to 24 inches, the ridged “non-slip” carpet mat does not provide enough traction.
The AlphaPaw is ideal for shorter chairs and beds, but the dogs tend to slip when the angle is increased. To improve the traction of the ramp, some customers apply traction tape or bath matt material.
Pros
- Adjustable to four different positions
- Stainless steel fasteners on a sturdy wooden frame
- There are two colors available.
Cons
- The carpet is too slick.
- When attached to bed frames, the angle is too steep.
Stramp Stair and Ramp Combination for Pets
- Size: 28″ L x 16″ W x 16″ H
- Color: Chocolate
- Cost: Moderate
- 8.7 pound weight
The Pet Gear Stramp Stair and Ramp Combination is a lightweight ramp that is simple to assemble and move around the house. The ramp’s snap-together design eliminates the need for tools, and the supertraX tread can be removed and cleaned in the machine. It can support dogs weighing up to 150 pounds, but the ramp’s climbing angle may be too steep for older dogs or those with mobility issues. Healthy Dachshunds, on the other hand, should be able to scale it with ease.
The tread on several of the ramps we tested is made of supertraX material, but Pet Gear’s mat is too thin and does not last as long as its competitors.
Pros
- Assembly requires no tools.
- It is only 8.7 pounds.
Cons
- Some dogs find it too difficult.
- The SupertraX mat is not long-lasting.
Products for the Holidays Ramp for Cats and Dogs that Collapses
- Size: 31.15″ L x 15.98″ W x 20.24″ H
- Color: Brown/tan
- Cost: Low
- 13.6 pound weight
The Merry Products Collapsible Cat and Dog Ramp adjusts to three different heights, allowing it to be used in front of a 13.5-inch-high chair or a 20-inch-high couch. The ramp is delivered fully assembled and folds down for easy storage under a sofa or bed. Unlike competitors, Merry Products has wheels mounted on the support bars for easy transportation. The ramp is visually appealing, but it is not as long-lasting as other adjustable models. Several customers complained that the support beams broke after less than a year, and that the top height creates an angle that is too steep for aging dogs.
Pros
- Adjusts to three different positions
- Completely assembled
Cons
- Not long-lasting
- The carpet is slick.
- The angle is too steep.
Conclusion
Due to their short legs, Dachshunds require assistance in reaching tall furniture.
BestForPets‘s (bestforpets.org) reviews detailed the best dog ramps for dachshunds on the market, but the Pet Gear Short Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp was our overall favorite.
In comparison to its competitors, it has excellent traction, and it’s sturdy enough for large dogs to use without the ramp bending or shaking.
The TRIXIE Short Safety Cat & Dog Ramp was our best value pick. We liked the lightweight design and side rails that prevent your dog from falling.
Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary physiotherapist if your small dog is experiencing joint or back pain. Whichever ramp you choose, we’re confident your Dachshund will appreciate the help.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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