Dog Ramps For Water Buyer’s Guide
Still, need help with selecting the right dog ramp for your pooch? Keep reading, and we’ll give you some tips on how to make the shopping process easier.
Why You Need To Use A Dog Ramp For Water?
Some dogs are skilled in shimmying on the deck after a dip, and smaller dogs can easily lift out of the water manually. However, stairs and ramps are always a wise addition to your boat or pool.
Some of the good most important reasons are:
- While dogs are good at climbing back at boats and entering pools, they can still get injured without the right equipment. By buying a dog ramp, you’ll give them a safe way to access the water.
- Stairs, platforms, and ramps give your dog a simple way to enter and exit the water, which will help them enjoy swimming over time.
- By giving your dog an easy way to get in the water, you'll reduce the number of bruises and injuries. You don't have to wrestle with your dog to get them out of the water. Also, always remember to let your canine companion wear a lifejacket for additional safety.
- Ramps provide a lifeline for dogs that fall in the pool. This ensures that your dog can exit the pool when you’re not around. This is important for dogs like pugs and bulldogs, who have difficulty swimming.
Benefits of Using Dog Boat Ramps
Easier For the Owner
With dog ramps, you don’t have to lift your dog. Lifting your dogs can be dangerous for both you and your pooch. Once they are installed, you don’t have to waste time getting your canine companion out of the water.
Minimizes Injuries
Ramps help prevent injuries and joint problems. Therefore, they promote your puppy’s health and increases their life span.
Versatility
A dog ramp can be used for more than just on pools. They are lightweight and portable, meaning that they can be used in rivers, lakes and boats. Although do take note that these ramps are made for water and are not suitable for cars. For walking your pooch up a car, you will need a dog ramp made specially for SUVs.
Additional Factors To Things to Consider
There are over hundreds of dog stairs and ramps on the market, but most of them are designed to let your dog access a sofa or bed. While some of these products might be useful, most aren't appropriate for this type of use.
There are some important things you should consider when getting a ramp to help your pet doggy. Keep these factors in mind:
Does It Have a Waterproof Finish?
Anything you use around the lake or pool must resist water damage so it can last for a reasonable length of time. But each ramp has varying degrees of resistance.
For instance, you can have a dog rap made from aluminum or ABS plastic in the water for a month without noticeable harm. However, pressboard ramps are coated in a waterproof coating or paint. While this will protect the ramp for some time, a breach in the layer will cause the pressboard to rot and absorb a lot of water.
Smooth Edges
Your dog will flail around when first learning how to use a set of stairs or ramps. So you have to make sure that the edges are unlikely to cause injuries and feels smooth on their feet. Most dog ramps are designed to be safe, but have sharp edges.
While you can sand down tough surfaces, it's better to avoid this issue in the first place.
Ease Of Installation
Some systems are easy to set up. But others are designed to be permanent. Some dog pool stairs require elaborate efforts to install because they are for long-term use. You might need to place holes in cement, to install some of the ramps on in-ground pools.
Non-Slip Surface
Your dog will be dripping wet when exiting the water, so you have to ensure that the ramp has a good grip to prevent them from injuring themselves. Some dog pool stairs use a textured surface, while others use ridges or gaps to help your dog stay balanced.
Easily Transported
You won't have to move boat ramps often, but you'll want a ramp that's portable for a myriad of reasons. You might even want to use it in different locations. In most scenarios, it's best to get a ramp that's lightweight and folds up.
