A dog ramp is a must-have item for pet owners. Ramp help dogs easily access the higher surface without giving much strain on their joints. If a dog is suffering from any joint issue or getting old, a ramp is the best option for them.
In this blog, we have highlighted a few do-it-yourself (DIY) dog ramp ideas for you. So as you scroll down, you will get the basic idea of how to build a ramp for a dog. Apart from that, we have also given easy DIY hacks to build a dog ramp for your furry pal.
Keep calm and craft on!
Steps to Build a Dog Ramp
We have highlighted the steps to build a ramp for a dog. As Per Better Humane ” Wooden rungs will aid your dog’s traction as he climbs the A-frame.” An easy assembling method is used, which will require a few tools, and you can customize the ramp as per your dog’s size and requirements.
Tools Required:
- Driller
- Jigsaw
- Measuring tape
- Putty knife
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Paintbrush
- Scissor
- Staple/Zip ties/Adhesive glue
1. Measuring
Firstly, decide the place where you will want to keep your dog’s ramp, and in which area of the house. Accordingly, take the measurement from the top of the area, till you wish to have it for your pooch.
For instance, you can place a ramp near a bed, sofa, staircase, etc. Make sure the length of the ramp should not too long, it will be difficult for you to carry, move or store it.
2. Cutting the Parts
Before you start cutting pine boards, it’s mandatory to wear eyeglasses and a mask to protect your face. These pine boards are a kind of frame for the ramp, and they should be equal in length to the ramp. With the help of a jigsaw, and meter saw you can cut down the pine boards.
The next step is to take a piece of plywood and place the cutting parts as per the requirement of your width. Broader width is comfortable for your furry pal to climb and maintain their balance on the ramp.
3. Building the Box Sides
After cutting down the pine boards, and getting the surface of the ramp. Now, focus on the box side, i.e., cut down the beam shape sides of an equal ratio. These supports will connect the sideboards, and they should not be wide as compared to the sideboards.
You can also leave the supporters/beam, and decide at the end after getting the estimation of the length of the ramp. If you are not sure how long it’s going to be.
4. Drilling
To attach the boards, and the supporters, you need to first dig holes, which can be easily done with the help of a driller. So take a pencil and mark the areas, where you’re going to use the drill. And each hole should be at a proper distance from the other to give a proper look at the ramp.
If we take a proper estimation, you will be required to dig 4 holes on each longboard. It will not only give a proper look but also keep the ramp surface on point. And your furry pal won’t fall off the ramp due to the imbalance of the supporters.
5. Bolt the Legs to the Box
After all the drilling and cutting parts now let’s just assemble it and give a proper look of a ramp. For that, you first need to place the legs/beam/supporter of a ramp and fix it with the lower surface of the ramp. After that, place the upper surface of the ramp and fix the top leg part with the bolt.
6. Final Touch
After connecting all the parts, it’s time to give a final touch. For that, choose a good quality carpet, which has a better grip holding. Plus, won’t hurt your furry pal’s paws, while climbing or descending the stairs.
The carpet should be the length of the ramp surface, it should be wrapped properly. If you are using zip ties, then make sure the edges are cut down because if that is left unattained, then there are chances your puppy’s paw will get hurt while using the ramp.
Easy DIY Dog Ramp Ideas
You must have purchased a ramp for your dog. Keeping an extra one is not a bad idea. Here we have highlighted a DIY dog ramp idea, which is easy to set up.
1. Bedside DIY Dog Ramp
Do you know you can use old cabinets to build a dog ramp? Well, yes, you can repurpose your old cabinets and transform them into a ramp for your furry pal. The best part, this DIY project is not tricky and easy to build.
So, let’s get started with the procedure of building a dog ramp
Steps:
- Firstly, choose a cabinet door, and place it next to your bed area. Make sure it is wide enough for your furry pal to access it.
- Now, look for a cabinet that is smaller than the previous one.
- Before attaching the door connector, you need to dig holes with the help of the driller.
- Now, use the door connector to attach both the cabinet door, and keep the smaller one on top.
- It’s time to cover the ramp surface with the carpet. Make sure it is of good quality and provides proper grip to your pup’s paws.
- Staple the carpet, or stick it with adhesive glue, and you are good to go.
Place this collapsible dog ramp beside your bed.
2. Dog Ramp for Indoor Stairs
Here’s another easy DIY indoor dog ramp for stairs It’s a good option for those with less creative skills.
So, let’s get started with the procedure of a dog ramp for stairs.
Steps:
- Measure the length from the top of the stairs, till you want to keep the ramp.
- Look for a wooden ply, that is in good condition, and is slightly inclined.
- Now, place the wood casing in equal intervals. It will work as a bumper, which is good for your pooch’s balance.
- You can paint your ramp surface with waterproof primer. It can also be used for a staircase in the backyard or entrance.
- You can also use fun colors to give a different look to your dog’s ramp.
- Now, cut the good-quality carpet material into equal pieces for the wood casing space.
- Take adhesive glue and spread on the bottom of the carpet and placed it on the wood casing space.
- Let it dry completely, and then you can use it for your furry pal.
It’s easy to make a ramp for stairs for dogs, and won’t take much time.
3. Inexpensive DIY Dog Ramp
This inexpensive DIY ramp can be used as an alternative option to the market-bought ramp. It’s easy to build, and won’t cost you much.
So, let’s get started with the procedure.
Steps:
- Look for unused/good-condition closet shelves or wood ply that are sturdy and average in width.
- Purchase a good quality carpet, which offers you an anti-slip surface.
- Plus, the length and width of the carpet should be determined by the closet shelve or wood ply you are going to use for the ramp.
- Now, wrap the wood ply or closet shelves with the carpet, with the help of glue, staples, zip ties, etc.
- Make sure you cover the full surface. If you are using the zip ties, then cut down the edges as it will hurt your pup’s paws.
This ramp doesn’t require sewing or drilling skills. Just follow the above steps, and you are good to go.
FAQs
What makes a good dog ramp?
The ramp is made up of sturdy material and has an anti-skid surface, which is considered a good one. According to veterinarians, “The most stable ramp made with furniture-grade wood ensures durability and thus can reduce anxiety in your pet when they use it.” As it helps your dog to maintain his balance on the ramp and provides a strong grip, which decreases the chances of falling down.
How do you calculate the length of a dog ramp?
It’s easy to calculate the length of a dog ramp. All you need to do is measure the total rise, i.e., inches from the lower and upper level, and divide it by the slope to get the proper value.
Can you put a ramp over the stairs for dogs?
You can put a solid ramp over the stairs for your dog. It’s a good investment as it gives less strain on your puppy’s joint, no matter his size or age. Plus, it helps your dog for easy climbing and descend.
References:
- Do You Need a Dog Ramp? (2022, August 30) – PetMD.
- Reisen, J. (2020, May 14). Does Your Dog Need Dog Stairs or a Ramp? American Kennel Club
Dave is our best team member when it comes to taking care of pets on daily basis. This is because he used to be a full-time pet sitter before joining DogLikesBest. Besides contributing his precious knowledge on dog care tips and everyday-use pet products, he still does pet sitting as part of his hobby in his free time.
