Doggy Steps

Even though this is a site about Dog Ramps I feel it is equally important to include an article or two about Doggy Steps because of the role they can play in maintaining your pet’s health.

Pet Ramp Too Large?

Sometimes a large Dog Ramp is not practical like when you want your dog to climb into the back of your car or indoors when your animal wants to be able to climb up to their favorite spot on the couch without your help.

Doggy Steps To The Rescue

The solution is to get some Doggy Steps because they are lightweight, more compact and just plain easier to handle than a dog ramp. Plus, it can help protect you from back injuries from constantly bending over and picking up a large dog.

Click here to see the best selling Doggy Steps on Amazon.com

For small animals Doggy Steps are a must-have if you allow them to get up onto your bed, couch or chair.

Small Dogs Can Hurt Themselves

Sadly, most people don’t realize that each time a small dog like a Chihuahua jumps down from a high place they put stress on their delicate leg bones and over time this can lead to painful injuries like a bone fracture.

In fact, recently a friend of mine with a small Chihuahua told me that her dog hurt her leg when she jumped down from the couch and is now walking with a limp. She should get some Doggy Steps to prevent future injuries.

Older or overweight pets can also benefit from Doggy Steps because they make it so much easier for them to climb up and down.

How To Buy Doggy Steps

Before you buy your Doggy Steps you want to make sure that they will hold the weight of your pet and that they are the right height for the furniture you plan on using them with. You might need a small 2 step model or for higher places you may need to go with a 5 step model.

Also, make sure that the steps are wide enough for your pet to walk up and down comfortably because if they are too narrow or flimsy your dog will not feel confident and will not use them.

Doggy Steps are made of plastic, wood, metal or foam and some are carpeted which helps provide better footing for your canine friend. I would avoid any that do not provide adequate traction.

Most models come in several colors so you will be able to match your home décor and you might want to consider getting several to place around your home.

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Doggy Steps is a post from: Dog Ramp

The PetSTEP Pet Ramp is a premium product that can hold 500 lbs and is so sturdy it can hold a person so large dogs will not be a problem with this dog ramp. Plus, it can be accessorized to convert it into a wheeled cart, grooming table or water ramp.

Click here to order the PetStep Pet Ramp

PetSTEP Pet Ramp

PetStep Pet Ramp Features

Designed to be rust-free and float the ramp comes completely assembled and measures 70″ L x 17″ W x 2.5″ H inches unfolded and 36″ L x 17″ W x 5.75″ H folded and weighs a little over 18 lbs thanks to the advanced fiberglass and plastic material used which also makes cleanup with soap and water quick and easy as no water can get trapped like in inferior carpeted dog ramps.

The PetStep pet ramp uses a unique soft non-slip rubber surface instead of an abrasive sandpaper-like coating that is ridged for your pet’s comfort while providing superior traction in wet and dry weather and has built-in ergonomic carry handles with heavy-duty rubber grips at both ends to keep the ramp in place during use.

Set-up is easy, just unlatch the locking mechanism and unfold the ramp placing one end on the ground and the other on the truck bed, car step, etc providing a gentle slope for your dog to easily climb up thus reducing the risk of injuries.

A PetStep pet ramp can really help dogs with dysplasia or arthritis, older pets or pets that are injured because they no longer have to jump up and down putting stress on their legs and back. Additionally, the generous 17 inch width plus handy side rails gives plenty of room for large dogs and reduces anxiety caused by trying to walk up a narrow ramp.

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PetStep Pet Ramp is a post from: Dog Ramp

What makes a telescoping pet ramp more practical than a solid pet ramp is the fact that they are easy to use, carry and store.

WARNING – Not All Pet Ramps Are Created Equal!

Of the many brands of telescoping pet ramps on the market two stand out as being the most durable, economical and safe to use. The Solvit Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp Model 62337 and the Solvit Deluxe XL Telescoping Pet Ramp Model 62320.

These telescoping ramps have consistently received high ratings from actual buyers and are perfect for all pets needing assistance in reaching high places without the risk of injury from the stress placed on their bones.

The Solvit telescoping pet ramps are made from a unique plastic and aluminum design that makes them not only light weight but extremely durable and compact with the Solvit 62337 weighing in at just 13 lbs while supporting over 400 lbs with no bending of the ramp!

Both models of the Solvit dog ramps slide in and out easily and feature a high-traction walking surface so your pets will have a sure footing and feel comfortable climbing at a steep angle.

A built-in convenient carry handle and safety release latch to prevent accidental opening along with four rubber feet to help stabilize the ramp makes either model an excellent choice for you pet.

Telescoping Pet Ramp Best Buys

Solvit 62337 Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp

Solvit Dog Ramp Model 62337

This pet ramp extends from 39 – 72 inches and anywhere in between letting you use it for high places like pickup trucks or grooming tables while also letting you use it indoors with a bed or couch. This ramp provides excellent stability for heights up to 30 inches.

Closed it measures 39 X 17 X 4 inches with a 13 inch tread surface and there is a carrying case available to help protect it.

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Solvit 62320 Deluxe XL Telescoping Pet Ramp

Solvit Dog Ramp Model 62320

Constructed like the Model 62337 this telescoping pet ramp is 15 inches longer and 3 inches wider.

This extra length provides a flatter angle making it easier to climb on and the extra width helps larger dogs by providing more walking room and more confidence when using it.

If you have a high off the ground vehicle like a 4X4 this dog ramp is the perfect choice for your pets.

Weighing in at just 18 lbs the Solvit XL Pet Ramp will support over 300 lbs and is very compact extending from 47 – 87 inches and can be used for heights up to 36 inches.

If you have a large pet, a high off the ground vehicle or a dog that might need the extra width to feel safe in using the ramp you should buy the XL model otherwise the regular ramp will work just fine.

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Telescoping Pet Ramp is a post from: Dog Ramp

Arthritis doesn’t discriminate. It affects not only people of all ages — including children — but also strikes our furry friends, too. If you’re a dog-owner, you make sure your buddy takes his heartworm medicine, eats well, looks bright-eyed and playful, and greets you as only a doggy can when you come home. You notice changes in mood and activity, so if your pet isn’t feeling his best you may suspect a cold or stomach virus – but it could be arthritis. In fact, arthritis affects one in every five adult dogs in the U.S. and is one of the most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians treat.

Spot’s Pals Are Early Diagnosis and Treatment

How do you know if it’s arthritis? Your dog can’t explain what’s wrong with him, so it’s important to watch his non-verbal cues closely and take even subtle changes seriously.

Signs that your dog may have arthritis:

* Favoring a limb
* Difficulty sitting or standing
* Sleeping more
* Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
* Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs
* Weight gain
* Decreased activity or less interest in play
* Attitude or behavior changes
* Being less alert

If your dog seems to have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks take him to your veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation, which will involve a physical exam and possibly X-rays. The best thing to do for your dog in managing his arthritis is to get a diagnosis and start a treatment plan as soon as possible. Treating canine arthritis is similar to that of human osteoarthritis.

Arthritis is one of the oldest diseases in history. We know that the dinosaurs had it and there is evidence that early humans lived with the same chronic aches and pains. So it makes sense that Dogs Get Arthritis, Too. In fact, it is a common ailment of man’s best friend.

The Human-Hound Connection

Now you know that both you and your dog can get arthritis, but did you know that managing your dog’s arthritis can help you better manage yours? It’s true that having a pet can give you a positive spin on life, boost your attitude and lift your spirits. Pet-owners also tend to live longer and have fewer visits to the doctor’s office.

More good news is that the treatment strategy for osteoarthritis in humans and in canines is similar:

* Early diagnosis and treatment
* Maintaining a healthy weight
* Exercise
* Proper medication

Don’t Spare Yourself to Spoil the Dog

We can’t help it. We spoil our pets. If you focus more on your dog’s health than on yours, try these tips to keep both of you healthy and active.

* Visit the doctor. Your pet needs to see the veterinarian at least once a year for a check-up – maybe more. When you make his appointment, call your own doctor and schedule one for yourself. Make sure you both get some baseline X-rays to chart your bone deterioration.

* Shed excess pounds. Pay more attention to what your pet eats and when, and do the same for yourself. Read the food labels for each of you to make sure that every bite is giving you both good energy and nutrition. Limit your servings and don’t cheat by eating between meals or slipping Fido extra snacks.

* Coordinate your dog’s medication schedule with your own to make sure you both take your dosage every day. Arrange medicine with mealtime if it needs to be taken with food. Keep your meds together so you will see yours every time you reach for his. Use colorful stickers or permanent markers to help distinguish whose medication is whose, especially if you have trouble reading small print.

* Never let your dog take your medicine – and don’t take his – without discussing it with your doctor.

* Let Rover take you for walk. Instead of kicking your dog off the couch so you can stretch out, kick him off, grab the leash and stretch out together. Take a walk or run with your four-legged friend. You’ll both strengthen the muscles around your joints, which reduces stress on the joint itself. But don’t over do it. Both of you need to increase exercise levels slowly and stay hydrated. Monitor how you both feel after the walk to determine if you need to increase or decrease your level next time. Don’t only treat your own blisters and sore feet – be sure to check Fido’s paws and pads after exercising for lesions or lacerations.

Therapies may include:

* Healthy diet and exercise to help maintain proper weight.

* Working with your veterinarian to find a drug treatment that helps relieve the pain.

* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): the most common form of pharmaceutical treatment for arthritis in dogs.

* Over-the-counter pet treatments, such as pills or food containing either glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or Omega fatty acids. Both have shown to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

* A veterinarian-prescribed NSAID and an over-the-counter treatment that together may help decrease pain and disease progression.

Never give your dog human medication without checking first with your veterinarian. Certain medications can be toxic to dogs – particularly acetaminophen and ibuprofen – and a safe dose will differ between a greyhound and a dachshund.

Consider buying a Dog Ramp to help you dog get into and out of your vehicle when you take him to the vet or park. For indoor use Doggy Steps can help your pet up and down from couches, beds and chairs.

No matter how you decide to treat your dog’s arthritis, make sure you work with a veterinarian to ensure that you select a program that helps your best buddy.

Arthritis In Dogs is a post from: Dog Ramp