A blog article discussing how to build an outdoor dog ramp stairs. Suggestions are given for materials, tools, and steps involved in the construction process.
It’s time to make some adjustments if your dog finds the climb up the stairs from the yard to the home to be too taxing. A dog ramp is necessary to make daily tasks easier for dogs with impairments and those who are too old for a young adventure on the stairs.
The ramp is the ideal answer if you want to safeguard your dog from falls and accidents while also protecting its joints.
Since your dog probably exits the house every day, we think the deck steps see the most use. You may find information on how to construct a dog ramp over stairs on this page.
How Can a Dog Ramp Be Built Outside?
Your dog loves to play and spend time outside, but they also appreciate taking brief rests on the porch to unwind with you.
While most dog owners would want to spend some quiet time on their deck with their canine companion, you should be aware that such deck stairs provide a serious risk to your dog.
The deck stairs may occasionally be treacherous, particularly during rainy seasons. If your canine falls off from a higher deck, then the impulse of a landing might cause major complications for pets. They may suffer from ruptured spinal discs or damaged joints. Let’s stop this before it happens.
There are many different dog ramps available in stores, but you do not need to do so. Instead, you might construct one on your own since they are rather easy to put together using plywood and planks.
You can see our quick guide on building an outdoor dog ramp ten steps down below. Let’s first examine the supplies and equipment we will need to construct the ramp. Snug up!
Material for building an outdoor ramp:
The material you’ll choose to construct the dog ramp is the first thing you should think about. Typically, dog ramps are built of: Plastic, Metal, Staple Gun, Saw, drill and Wood.
Plastic ramps really aren’t heavy; however larger breed dogs cannot utilize them. A Teacup Dachshund and Chihuahua can use one, but a German shepherd or another large dog shouldn’t try their bodyweight on these ramps. Since they won’t rust, the plastics ramp is suitable for outdoor use. Our main problem with them is their instability, thus we don’t advise you to construct deck ramps out of plastic.
Plastic ramps are not as stable as metal ones. They will provide your dog more stability, but you shouldn’t use them outside because water makes them rusty.
We are now left with wooden ramps. These ramps are sturdy and attractive. Their weakness is that they can be quite hefty and have a tendency to be slick. Wooden stairs are the ideal option for a dog ramps for a deck if they are carpeted!
Steps of Building an Outdoor Ramp:
The steps of building an outdoor ramp over stairs are given below;
- The measures the stairs by using tape measure. Both the staircase’s width and the distance from the bottom level to the top step’s height are necessary.
- The top to bottom length should be increased by 4 inches.
- Using the saw, and cutting the plywood to measurements of the steps, be sure to leave a 4-inch overhang on the length to make a gradual incline your dog can navigate. Construct the ramps half as broad as the stairs if the dog is small so you can always leave it in place. That will eliminate the need to move the ramp repeatedly as you and also your dog climb up and down.
- Just on the back of a carpet remnant, use the marker to indicate the ramp’s proportions. There is no need to take further measurements because you only have to cover the entire top of the ramp.
- Use the knife to cut along the carpet’s markings.
- With the aid of the staple gun, spread the carpets over the ramp’s upper surface.
- Cut two rubber strip pieces so that they are the same width as your ramp.
- Using the staple gun, fasten a strip of the rubber to the bottom of each ramp end. When your dog utilizes the ramp, this will make it less likely for it to slide out of position.
What Justifies a Ramp for Dogs?
A dog ramp is necessary because of the dogs’ back issues, which can be brought on by:
- Aging
- Acute injury
- A disease of the Intervertebral Disc (IVDD)
Your dog’s lifestyle patterns change as it ages. Our dogs’ backs gradually degenerate with time. Their lifestyle or diet may contribute to bone fragility. You’ll notice as they age that they are unable to execute the same tasks with the same ease. The inability to climb stairs comfortably is one of the early indications of back problems.
Any dog can become dangerously injured. Canines who have just undergone surgery or had their bones fractured should not make any unexpected movements. These easily vulnerable areas still present some risk even after their wounds have healed. Utilizing the ramp will lessen their risk of injury. You need to lower the likelihood of any clumsy move.
The dog’s spinal disc ages more quickly than typically as a result of intervertebral disc disease. Dwarf breeds that are prone to back issues, like Dachshunds, are those that experience it the most frequently. This unpleasant condition may cause:
- Great agony
- Paralysis
- Limb function loss
FAQs:
Can you put a dog ramp over the stairs?
A ramp that goes over your steps might be a practical solution for your dog’s issue, allowing her to ascend and descend as she pleases. Ramps are also far better than stairs for puppies of any size who suffer from arthritis or even other joint issues, such as hip dysplasia.
Do dogs prefer stairs or ramps more?
For older dogs, dog ramps are usually preferable over stairs since they are simpler to utilize. Get a ramp if your dog is older and has trouble getting into the car, the bed, or the couch. You can choose one of those folds if space is a concern.
How can I make the steps for my dogs less steep?
Stick-on stair treads are one of the most effective ways to give your slick stairs some traction. If you add a tread to each step, your clumsy dog won’t ever again fall down the stairs. An alternative would be a stair runner.