Dachshund Ramp Landing Page
5 Signs Your Dachshund Needs A Ramp
Dachshunds are incredible, feisty dogs that have basically just one weakness - their backs. Between their short little legs and extra long torsos, it's easy to see why they are prone to back problems.
In fact, back injuries are one of the most common problems dachshunds face which makes it extra important to take preventative measures. To help with this, most vets recommend dachshunds use ramps - but how do you know it's time?
There are 5 signs your dachshund needs a ramp.
1. Getting On The Furniture
Jumping is one of the biggest causes of back injuries in dachshunds and a lot of doxies get injured jumping down from the couch or bed. Of course, they like to be on the furniture with their humans, but when it's time to get down, that's when things get dangerous.
When you think about it, most couches are 3-4 times a dachshund's height which makes it a pretty big distance to jump (can you imagine jumping down from something 3 times your height?) and as much as our daredevil dachshunds may seem ready to take on the challenge, it's our job as their guardians to teach them this is a no-no.
2. Overweight
With some of the most soulful puppy dog eyes you will ever see, it's easy to spoil dachshunds with lots of treats and a little extra food but what may just add up to a few extra pounds for us humans makes things a lot tougher on the doxie body - particularly, the back.
Extra weight can put more of a strain on a dachshund's back and make them more likely to be injured by regular activity. Combine this with jumping down from the furniture (or even going down steps) and this can lead to a major back injury.
3. Old Age
If your doxie is getting up there in years, it may be time to get a ramp. As our fur kids age, their bodies just can't handle doing the same things they could when they were puppies. It happens to all of us. The key is taking care of their backs and setting them up for success.
Most vets actually recommend you start using a ramp for your dachshund before old age starts to "set in." In fact, starting with ramp training when then are a pup will help them develop good habits early on and can even help prevent injuries (since you're not waiting for a "sign" that it's time).
Some dachshunds are sadly genetically predisposed to develop back problems. It can be difficult if not impossible to know ahead of time if your dachshund is one of the ones who is predisposed to developing back issues, but you can take action that will benefit them either way.
Teaching them to use a ramp early on in life will make it second nature to them. It may help prevent injury or worst case scenario, even if they do develop back problems, it will make it easier for them to get around and cause less strain on their back than jumping or using steps - which brings us to our final sign.
Human-sized steps can be really hard on a dachshund's back since they are basically still jumping from step to step - it causes the same sort of motion that can lead to injury when jumping from furniture.
However, many people are surprised to hear even doggie steps can cause injury for dachshunds. Even though these steps are sized-down and definitely better than jumping up and down from the furniture, steps of any kind can still cause strain on the dachshund spine and as a result, cause injury.
Most vets recommend starting early on (you really can't start too early) so you aren't waiting for them to get injured before you start. Plus, when dogs develop the habit early in life, it makes it that much easier for them to learn and stick with it as they age.
However, even if your dachshund isn't a young pup anymore, it isn't too late.
How do you teach them to use it?
The key is to start with the ramp flat on the ground and reward them with treats for walking on it (try carrots for a low-calorie treat). Take things slow and let them get really comfortable with it. Then, once they have mastered walking the length of the ramp while it’s flat (without hesitation), increase the incline (think curb height) and keep the treats coming. Repeat the process to keep increasing the incline until they are completely comfortable with it and will use the ramp wherever you need it.
What is the best kind of ramp to get?
- Sturdy
- Free-Standing
- Folds For Easy Transport/Storage
- Soft & Washable Carpet Tread
- Feeds Shelter Dogs For 2 Weeks!
Let me expand on that a little more. First things first, a ramp should be sturdy. This ramp is made to hold up to 200 lbs, so it is plenty sturdy for a dachshund. It also has rubberized grippers on the bottom to keep it in place. This is really important because the sturdier it feels for your dachshund, the more comfortable they will be with using it.
I also love that it's free-standing so you can use it anywhere. The ramp measures 56"L x 16"W x 23"H which makes it the perfect height for most beds and because it stands entirely on its own, you can literally use it anywhere you like.
Plus, it folds. This makes it really easy to put in the back of the car or slide it under the bed if need be.
The carpet tread is also washable which is a big plus in my book. Pretty much everything gets covered in dog hair sooner or later, so it's really handy to have a carpet tread that is soft to the touch, but also washable so it's easy to keep clean.
To top it all off, when you order the ramp here, it provides 14 days of food for shelter dogs! That's a win in my book.
Remember: the earlier you start, the better. Don't wait until they are showing signs of pain.
Get a ramp now!
Get your dachshund's favorite treats and begin training as soon as you can. Their back will thank you!
ORDER NOW TO HELP YOUR DOXIE'S BACK
- Sturdy (Holds up to 200 lbs)
- Folds For Easy Transport/Storage
- Washable Carpet Tread
- FREE US Shipping
- Purchase Feeds A Shelter Dog For 14 Days!
I was so excited to receive this ramp in the hopes that my dogs would be better able to get up and down off of the bed. It is very sturdy though it is tough getting into and out of the bed with it by the side of the bed. One of my daschunds uses it religiously while the other is a little nervous about it, but I am sure I can get her to use it some with training. Overall, it was worth it!
Stephanie M.
I have 3 Dachshunds. I have one that has learned how to go up and down well, the other 2 haven't showed much interest yet, but I think they will eventually learn how to go up and down the ramp. I love it. The ramp was already assembled and is made very well. I'm very pleased with my purchase.
Mary J.
Martha L.
Sarah M.
Exactly what was advertised. The best part is how sturdy it is. Our three mini doxies use it and they just took a few tries to get used to it. Now we don't worry s about back problems .
Diana P.
Very satisfying, arrived quickly, very well made and very easy to set up and very sturdy. My dog had no problems using it from the first time and I think that he enjoys using it. I know that it will be easier on his hips than jumping off the bed.
Howard B.
Patrick e.
Claire
Excellent purchase. Ramp carpet is securely Velcro-ed and easily removeable to wash. Ramp is very sturdy and folds up and down easily. No assembly required!
Nancy H.
I have an older doxie and he can't do stairs he's to long with short legs so this ramp is the best answer. Helps prevent back injuries from jumping on and off my bed.
