How to Choose the Right Pet Ramp Or Stairs
First of all, veterinarians have seen increasing problems in older petsblog.org, such as back problems, arthritic joints and muscle degeneration. Most daily routines of normally active pets involve jumping or climbing to lay on a bed, get in or out of a car, sit in a favorite chair, and so on. All too often, pets can experience pain as a first sign, and can begin to shy away from normal routines. They can become afraid of new experiences and their personalities can begin to change based on fear of doing something that could hurt.
On the other side, the pet parent is now forced to constantly lift and carry their best friend, avoiding any further pain or discomfort by putting themselves at risk. Many larger breed dogs can weigh more than half as much as their pet parents, which really sets the stage for potentially harmful results.
For a reasonable amount of money, potential pain, harm and injury to both pet and person can be avoided! The simple use of a pet ramp and pet steps or stairs can significantly reduce the risk of injury, help your loved pet regain their sense of independence, and can enhance the happiness between pet and parent.
Pets steps or stairs are the perfect choice when a somewhat permanent need must be addressed, such as when your doggie sleeps at the foot of your bed each night, but is having a hard time getting up or down. Choose steps that are not too steep, with large enough footing to make stepping up or down easy for your pet. Choose pet steps or stairs that are approximately the right height for your bed, chair or other pet spot, and choose a model that fits into the design and color of the room it will be in.
Pet ramps are generally used where the need is more portable. Entering and exiting cars or trucks is a great time to use a pet ramp. Pet ramps can make it easier to get your pet on a grooming table, in or out of your boat, or maneuvering around while on vacation. Use a pet ramp to go to the vet, on a camping trip, or just about anywhere else that your pet might need a change in height to live as normally as possible.
Many pet parents are realizing that incorporating pet ramps and pet steps or stairs into their younger pet’s life is a great idea. Younger pets are less likely to develop muscle or joint problems from repetitive impact when they’re older, if they have to spend less time making awkward or difficult jumps as part of their everyday routine. This is a great way to help keep your pet healthy and safe around your home.
Smaller pets, such as toy breed dogs, can be especially vulnerable. The world is a much larger place for them, and even a small step off a couch can feel like we would if we jumped off the roof of our house – a little scary and wishing we had a ramp!
When choosing a pet ramp, make sure it is strong enough and long enough. Consider the weight of your pet, and make sure the pet ramp can safely hold the weight. Consider the distance of the most common uses for your ramp, such as getting in and out of your vehicle. Take a tape measure or something solid and measurable, such as a broom handle, and measure the distance between several inches inside your car door to the ground, at a safe and sloping angle that your pet could walk down. Make sure the ramp is long enough to work at this “safe length”.
Ramps need to go with you, so two other important features that most pet parents appreciate are lower weight and the ability to fold up. Lower weight makes carrying and setting the ramp up a much easier task. If your ramp folds, it takes up less room in vehicle or home, and will telescope out or unfold to fit your needs. Lastly, make sure it has a non-slip surface to make it easier for your pet.
So there you have it. Purchasing a pet ramp as well as pet steps or pet stairs can give an older pet more independence and will allow you to enjoy the things you always did when your pet was younger. You can go to places that you had given up on and most of all you’ve given your pet a much better quality of life. Younger pets can greatly benefit by avoiding hard jumps and falls. Perhaps best of all, you can avoid personal injury to yourself, without guilt, while you enhance the bond between you and your pet!
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