One of our dogs has arthritis and is on medication for it, and it’s under control, thanks to our wonderful vet. That is, it’s under control unless he goes in and out more often than normal.
We need to build a ramp for him, so he will be able to go outside to potty, and then come back in. The stairs at the porch are getting to be a bit too much for him. A ramp would do wonders, I think. I also think that covering it with some of that blue carpet/grassy stuff would give him some nice traction and make him less wary about using it.
At what angle and length would be best to make it, so it would put the least amount of stress on his hips when he goes up and down on it? The top of the porch is 40" off the ground. Any ideas?
Thanks for any ideas you might offer! If someone has a better idea, please don’t hesitate to educate me on other ways that this could be done!
I don’t know much about the angle thing, but we built a ramp for my arthritic dog and I do have an idea that worked well for us; maybe it is something that will work for you. We only had to build our ramp up one step (from the patio into our patio door; only about a 10’ step) but the wood surface was slick. We tried textured paint and those stick on gritty things (tread guards) but those were not exactly what we were looking for as far as making the ramp less slippery for canines and humans alike…until one day at a farm supply store we found a cow mat. It is made out of heavy-duty rubber with very grippy grooves…it has worked out perfect!
First thing to consider is: *will your dog **use *a ramp?
We had the same issue with my dog, and so my husband helpfully built her a ramp. She ignored it-- wouldn’t go near the thing. Some dogs just don’t like anything new, and she’s one of them.
Well, the standard for wheelchair ramps is (IIRC) 1" of height per foot of horizontal, but that would leave you with a 40’ ramp. I’m not sure of the maximum angle one cold get and still have a dog (arthtic dog, at that) still walk up it, even with nice tread stuff on it.
Bouv has given you a good standard to go by. I have used an additive made by Behr that is a non-skid, sand like additive. Works wonders on dog agility equipment, so I expect it would work okay on a ramp, too (considering).
