Doggie Stairs (shih tzu, training, cross, carpet)

[ssg II]

My little guy has back problems, so I bought some doggie stairs at a pet superstore (Plastic, 3 step, with carpet insets - $75!!!) to start training him to use them when his IVD acts up the next time.

I'm going to return them - they're too steep & he's having trouble negotiating them now, so they'll be useless if he's in pain.

Any suggestions on a different style of stairs? Thanks!

[ShelbyGirl1]

I bet a ramp would be easier for him.

[leorah]

Jeffers Pet and other retailers sell collapsible ramps that have carpet on them. These ramps are good because you can adjust the slope of the ramp by extending it, to make it easy for a pet to get up and down.

Telescoping Pet Ramp - Travel Accessories

I have a ramp for my dogs, and once they realized it was easier than the stairs, they started to use it all of the time.

[Calvitts]

Originally Posted by ShelbyGirl1

I bet a ramp would be easier for him.

Good suggestion, ShelbyGirl, I don't know that I would have thought of a ramp right off.

Originally Posted by leorah

Jeffers Pet and other retailers sell collapsible ramps that have carpet on them. These ramps are good because you can adjust the slope of the ramp by extending it, to make it easy for a pet to get up and down.

Telescoping Pet Ramp - Travel Accessories

I have a ramp for my dogs, and once they realized it was easier than the stairs, they started to use it all of the time.

This link will show you two different ramps. The less expensive ramp is less than you paid for the doggie stairs. The actual telescoping ramp is more expensive, but it definitely looks more versatile.

Good luck!

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by Calvitts

Good suggestion, ShelbyGirl, I don't know that I would have thought of a ramp right off.



This link will show you two different ramps. The less expensive ramp is less than you paid for the doggie stairs. The actual telescoping ramp is more expensive, but it definitely looks more versatile.

Good luck!

LOL...Thanks! We have a ramp for both of our Goldens to cross over from our dock to our boat. Makes life alot easier on them and me!

[barndog]

hi ssg - i'm with the others on the ramp...but i did want to tell you, if you're handy, you can build a ramp just as easily as purchase one. we built one for my shih tzu and he loves it! it just took four pieces of thick plywood and some carpet.

also, you can make temporary ramps if you're stuck somewhere...for instance, when we stay with family, they have sturdy plastic footstools on their front porch that are sort of ramp-shaped. we just take those inside and butt them up against the bed. then we cover them with a towel tucked under both ends so the fabric doesn't slide.

the only thing is, if you build a permanent ramp or construct a makeshift ramp out of items you have around the house, you need to double-check your materials to make sure they are solid and safe and can handle the weight of your little doggy. you also want to double-check the traction on the bottom. the last thing you want is for him to slip or fall.

good luck!

[eggalegga]

I also bought those plastic, carpeted pet stairs for my dog. She didn't want to have anything to do with them. The steps were too shallow and there wer too many of them. Ramps sound like a great idea.

[ssg II]

You guys are wonderful!!!! I never thought of a ramp, much less building one! I have leftover wood from other projects and can get a carpet remnant somewhere. It's the perfect solution.

Thanks so much, everybody!!!

[Sunnydee]

I got doggie steps at Walgreens for ten dollars.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by ssg II

You guys are wonderful!!!! I never thought of a ramp, much less building one! I have leftover wood from other projects and can get a carpet remnant somewhere. It's the perfect solution.

Thanks so much, everybody!!!

our ramp works very well...we have 1/2 acre pen for 3 sharpei, the older ones get tired in the heat, but the ramp is much easier than steps (the back yard is shady). They love it.