DIY: Dog Ramps

Large dogs with hip dydplasia may need a ramp to get into a vehicle.

Building a dog ramp can make life much easier for your dog. Small dogs that cannot jump very high, large dogs that cannot be picked up and older dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia are some reasons why a ramp may be helpful. The length and width of your dog ramp will depend on the size of your pet and where it will be used, such as stairs, a vehicle or bed. It is a simple and inexpensive project that will take about an hour to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Sheet of plywood
• Four 8-foot-long 2x2 boards
• Saw
• Pencil
• Tape ruler and yardstick
• Nails
• Screws
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Indoor-outdoor carpet or paint

Instructions

1. Measure the length needed for the ramp. For example, a vehicle ramp requires 6 to 8 feet in length and a stair ramp is the entire length of stairs plus a few additional inches for support. When measuring the length, make sure the ramp's incline is gradual and not too steep.

2. Cut two of the 2x2 boards to the length of the ramp. These will be attached to the bottom of the plywood for added support, especially for very large dogs. An alternative is to purchase thicker plywood. Small dogs may not require the added support.

3. Lay the cut 2x2 pieces on your plywood spacing approximately 12 to 16 inches apart, depending on the size of dog and space requirements. Take a pencil and mark the length and width of ramp, using the boards as your guide. Cut the plywood for use as the top of the ramp. Use a yardstick as a guide if skipping Step 1.

4. Attach the 2x2 boards to the plywood with nails, making sure the nails to not poke through to the other side. Turn the plywood over and attach indoor-outdoor carpet by using a staple gun or small nails. You can also paint the wood with non-skid, water-resistant paint. Both of these options protect the wood from rot and provide additional traction for your pet.

5. Cut the remaining two boards to the width of ramp. These are your mini steps, which provide a gripping surface for your pet. Attach the boards with screws crosswise on the ramp, spacing according to your pet's size. A medium-sized dog would require spacing at 10 inches.

6. Move the ramp to the area of its intended purpose and practice with your pet by using a leash. Screw a stair ramp to the stairs so it does not slip. Practicing will let you see if the boards are spaced correctly and get your pet used to using the ramp. If needed, unscrew the boards and respace them.

References

• The Daily Puppy: How to Build a Dog Ramp
• Make & Build Dog Stuff: Build a Dog Ramp to Cover Your Stairs