Choosing the Right Size: How to Pick the Perfect Dog Ramp for Your Bed

Getting the properly sized dog ramp is crucial for providing safe and easy access to beds and furniture. Ramps that are too steep or too unstable can make dogs hesitant to use them.

Follow this comprehensive guide to find the ideal dog ramp dimensions for your pet and setup.

Carefully Measure Bed Height

The very first step is accurately measuring how high your dog’s bed sits off the floor:

Place Bed Against Wall

First, position the bed firmly against a wall or into a corner to prevent wobbling when measuring vertical height. Pushing the bed flush will ensure you get an accurate stationary reading.

Use Measuring Tape

Make sure to use steel retractable measuring tape rather than cloth tape to get the most precise measurement possible. Avoid cloth tapes that can stretch or sag.

Factor in Mattress Thickness

When taking the measurement, remember to include the total compressed mattress thickness, not just the bed frame height. This gives true total vertical height dogs will have to traverse to get in and out of bed.

Consider Bed Legs

If bed legs sit directly on the floor, simply measure from the ground floor to the top surface where your dog steps onto the mattress. But if the bed frame legs elevate the base significantly, make sure to factor in this added bed leg height as well.

Repeat for Multiple Surfaces

Be sure to repeat the height measurement process with the bed positioned on all surfaces dogs will need to access, such as bare floors, carpets, rugs and hardwood. Bed heights may vary slightly based on factors like flooring material compressions.

Account for Sinking In

Weight depressions will cause beds and mattresses to sink lower when dogs lay on them. Measure the height from the floor to the mattress surface both with and without your dog’s weight on it to quantify sinking. Add a few extra inches to the ramp size to compensate.

Calculate the Recommended Ramp Length

Once you have firmly established your exact bed height, the optimal recommended ramp length to reach that bed can be estimated:

The 1:4 Rule

For gradually sloped ergonomic ramps, veterinarians often recommend following the general rule of thumb that ramps should have a horizontal length of approximately 4 times the vertical rise of the bed height. This results in a gentle incline angle of around 15-20 degrees.

Example Conversion

As an example, if your bed measures 24 inches tall off the ground, the recommended ramp length would be roughly 24 inches (bed height) * 4 = 96 inches total ramp length. Converted to feet, that equals an 8-foot ramp.

Consider Dog Size and Ability

For very large breed dogs like Mastiffs or Great Danes, use a more gradual ratio of 1:5 instead for a shallower and easier-to-climb slope. On the other hand, smaller dogs can potentially handle slightly steeper angles of 1:3 ratios. Also factor in your dog’s age, joint health and mobility to find lengths they can handle.

Verify With Manufacturer Guidance

Reputable ramp brands often provide sizing guidance charts and calculators recommending which specific ramp sizes and capacities pair best with certain bed heights. Cross-reference their ramp selection tools as well.

Precisely Measure Ramp Angles

Beyond just the overall ramp length, the incline angle of the slope also matters significantly for ease of use:

Ideal Angle Range

Most veterinarians recommend ramp angles between 15-30 degrees to avoid excess stress on dog joints during climbing. Limit angles to 20 degrees or shallower for dogs with orthopedic conditions or who tire easily.

Use Digital Angle Finder

There are a variety of digital angle finder tools and smartphone apps that can precisely measure the true slope of ramps down to decimal points. For cheaper DIY ramps, a simple protractor works too.

Adjust to Comfort Level

Test out sample ramps with your dog and adjust inclines to find angles they can readily ascend and descend without hesitation, stress or obvious straining. Let their comfort be the deciding factor.

Verify Consistent Angles

Try to keep ramp angles symmetrical on both the top and bottom ends of the ramp. Having identical inclines on each end helps dogs grasp and become accustomed to the ramp slope more quickly.

Special Handling for Extra Tall Beds

For dog beds that sit especially far off the ground over 30 inches tall, some extra ramp considerations come into play:

Extend Ramp Runs

Beds elevated over 30 inches or higher generally require extended-length ramps exceeding 10 feet to maintain the recommended slope ratios and angle thresholds. Take measurements to confirm you have sufficient linear run space available where you plan to set up the ramp.

Introduce Landing Platforms

Consider introducing intermediate 25-50% stair landings or platforms along the ramp length to break up very long uninterrupted runs. This helps avoid making slopes overly steep. Just be sure landings are also large enough for your dog.

Incorporate Switchbacks

Multi-directional switchback ramps with slight turns can help save space when working with cramped floors and vertical limitations. But verify your dog is agile enough to handle cornering on the turns comfortably.

Integrate Initial Steps

For very tall beds, integrating just a few initial steps at the base before transitioning to the main ramp run helps further reduce inclines. But ensure step heights are low enough for your dog to traverse.

Evaluate Dog Mobility

Take an honest assessment of your dog’s current mobility, leg and joint health before committing to significant ramp length and slope requirements. Consult your veterinarian on what they can reasonably handle.

Verify Adequate Stability and Traction

In addition to ramp dimensions, the weight-bearing cargo capacity must also be factored in when selecting ramps:

Confirm Weight Ratings

Carefully verify that ramps are rated and tested to safely support your dog’s full adult weight. This is especially critical for giant breeds exceeding 100 lbs. Avoid ramps with low weight limits that cannot handle repeat use by heavy dogs.

Prioritize Rigidity

Try to avoid flimsy thin folding ramps that tend to flex and bow downward when walked on. Seek out ramp platforms made of solid dense materials that feel very rigid and stable underfoot when tested.

Add Anchors if Needed

For extra security, anchor down ramps in place using included hardware if available. Anchors help prevent shifting on slippery hard floors and keep ramps firmly in position during repeated use.

Evaluate Traction

Closely inspect ramp treading and ensure there is an adequate non-slip texture for paws, whether it’s cross-hatched grip tape, carpeted treads or high-grip rubberized surfaces. Traction is key.

Consider Extra Add-Ons

To further supplement traction, it can be helpful to add your own anti-slip elements like grip tape, yoga mats or artificial turf coverings on the ramp tread area for extra security.

Closely Evaluate Folding and Portable Ramps

Folding and multi-panel ramps offer conveniences like easier storage and transportation, but also have some caveats to be aware of:

Real-World Weight Testing

Since assembled multi-piece ramps are inherently weaker than solid one-piece ramps, carefully test the true maximum weight capacity when segments are fully joined together. Avoid trusting packaging claims alone.

Check Integrity

When assembled, walk on folding ramp sections to check for any flexing, instability, looseness or wobbling at the connecting joints which could indicate compromised structural integrity.

Mind Potential Gaps

Examine to ensure gaps between folded ramp segments are not large enough for nails or paws to partially catch when dogs walk across transition areas. Gaps can trip dogs.

Evaluate Portability

Make sure folding ramps are realistically light and compact enough when collapsed to actually provide portability benefits. If ramps are heavy or bulky when folded, it negates the advantage of their takedown design.

Assess Storage Footprint

Consider where ramps will be stored when not in use. Measure folded dimensions to ensure they will fit the intended storage space without excess clutter or trip hazards from unwieldy folded ramps.

Special Considerations for Small Dog Ramps

Little dogs generally need ramps designed with smaller toy breeds in mind:

Focus on Paw Traction

Smaller paw pad contact areas mean less natural traction on ramps. So grippy treads and side rails are especially important for preventing slips.

Reduce Slopes

Typically, small dog legs tire more quickly on inclines. Opt for shallower angles around 15 degrees to reduce strain on their joints.

Control Descents

Consider ramps with paw-braking flaps that can more gently slow descent speeds for light dogs. Some ramps have slat designs that require deliberate paw placement.

Curb Tip Hazards

On open-tread ramps, look for very tight spacing between slats or nubs that prevent small paw extremities from poking through and getting caught.

Weigh Down Ramps

The low profile of some small ramps makes them prone to catching gusts of wind if used outdoors. Weigh down with sandbags or secure with tent stakes when needed.

Top 5 Dog Ramp Picks

Based on pet owner reviews, durability, value and designs, here are 5 of the top recommended dog ramps for safely accessing beds and furniture:

PawClimb Ramp Lightweight, ergonomic design with anti-slip features, ensuring pet safety and elegance up to 200 lbs.

Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp Ultra lightweight 3-panel folding ramp rated for 200 lbs. Features plush carpet tread and convenient carry handle perfect for small spaces.

PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Budget-friendly wooden ramp supporting up to 500 lbs. Side rails prevent slips off the edge. Has cross-hatched grip tape for added traction.

PetSTEP Original Polyfold Durable polypropylene plastic ramp in two folding sections. Affordable at under $100. The textured grooved surface gives traction.

Gunner Grip Steps Ramp Heavy duty single piece ramp that supports 350 lbs. The deep-treaded stepping grid pattern accommodates mobility-impaired dogs well.

Using these guidelines helps determine the ideal ramp specifications for your dog based on health, bed setup, and home environment. With the properly sized ramp, dogs can comfortably and safely access their favorite lounging spots.