How to Make an Outside Ramp for a Dog

A ramp will help a dog if he is unable to jump or climb.

Building an outdoor ramp for a dog will help it once it is no longer able to jump or climb stairs. You can buy dog ramps, they can very easily be homemade, which will save money, and you can tailor them to your specific needs. Without a great deal of technical knowledge, and without special tools, you can build a ramp for your dog. Depending on your needs, your ramp can be temporary or permanent. Your dog will soon be able to explore areas he may have given up on.

Things You'll Need

• Planks
• Posts (optional)
• Hammer
• Nails
• Plywood board

Instructions

1. Design and calculate measurements for your ramp. For a dog that requires a ramp, the ideal gradient is 1:12 ratio, meaning for every inch rise in the ramp, you will need a foot of length. A 6-inch climb will therefore require a 6-foot-long ramp. Adding posts will help support a longer ramp, and can add to the overall aesthetics of the ramp. Inserting posts is optional. Portable ramps, such as those for vehicle access will not require posts. The steps below are primarily a guideline for outdoor access to homes, patios or other raised surfaces.

2. Decide where you are building the ramp. If the ramp is to be permanent, clear shrubs and flowers from underneath. As long as the ramp is not obstructed or unstable, you can leave items underneath.

3. Cut posts to length. You will only need four posts for a dog ramp. Lay the plywood board out to find a suitable gradient, and measure the height at a given point near the lower end. Hammer in your posts and cut to this length. Repeat the process at the higher end of the ramp.

4. Nail two sturdy planks to the edge of a plywood board. These planks will strengthen the plywood, and will serve as runners. If the ramp is a permanent one, nail the runners and the plywood onto the posts which you have secured into the ground. If it is a temporary ramp, you can simply place the runners onto the posts. The motion of a dog climbing up a ramp is unlikely to move the ramp a great deal. If it does, a wooden peg at the base of the ramp will hold it still.

5. Sand down the plywood to prevent your dog from getting splinters. If you decide to varnish your plywood for aesthetics or practical reasons, check that the varnish is animal friendly. If your ramp is temporary, keep it inside so it will last longer.

References

• Drs Foster Smith: Dog Arthritis Care