Dog ramps or dog stairs are a great option for larger dogs or older dogs that need a little more assistance getting in and out of vehicles.
One of the best dog purchases that I’ve made is our dog ramp.
The only issue I have with it is that I didn’t buy it sooner.
It’s been a blessing safely getting Sherman and Leroy in and out of the car over the last few years, especially with their mobility issues.
It’s a lot easier on their joints and it puts less strain on my aging back and knees.
While we are perfectly content with our ramp, they don’t work for every dog.
Dog steps are sometimes a better option for large breed dogs that are nervous using a ramp so, based off the feedback from the big dog community, we created a list of the most popular dog steps and dog ramps that dog owners with dogs of all sizes can use to safely get their dogs in and out of the car.
My Brown Newfies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
What To Look Before Purchasing Dog Steps Or Dog Ramps
Before you purchase a dog ramp or dog steps for your vehicle you should look at these few things:
How much does the ramp or steps weigh?
If you take your dog on a lot of outings you don’t want to be lifting a heavy and bulky object in and out of the car several times a week.
pet owners should check to make sure that the product you’re buying is within your lifting capabilities.
Size.
Make sure you get a portable dog ramp that is compatible with the size of your dog and also a size that you can store easily.
You need somewhere to the store the ramps or steps in your car and when you’re not using them.
Most dog ramps will slide smaller but they can still take up a lot of room.
Dog stairs will often be more compact making storage easier.
Ease of use
If you’re having trouble deciding which type of dog loader would be best for your dog, think about their traits.
Does your dog use stairs with ease?
Are they hesitant to use your steps at home?
Here’s a list of the best dog ramps for large dogs that we’ve found:
- Pet Loader
- Twiststep
- Solvit PupSTEP
- Solvit XL Telescoping Dog Ramp
- Pet Loader H2O
- Niubya Portable Nonslip Dog Step
Pet Loader
Pet Loader makes a variety of best seller dog steps that fold down.
The multiple pet steps make for a low angle of entry which may help skittish dogs feel more comfortable.
They have 3 steps, 4 steps, and 5 steps.
They also come in many different sizes that perfect for small dogs, medium dogs and large dogs
The Pet Loader website recommends and XL for “Great Breeds” (150-250 pounds) such as Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards.
The XL Pet Loader is 18″ wide.
The 3 step, which is good for which is good for smaller dogs that need to get up on couches, back seats and beds and it weighs 20 pounds.
The 4 step, which rises 20″-30″ inches high weighs 29 pounds and the 5 step, which 29′-40″ inches weigh 39 pounds.
The weight is definitely something to consider if you will be loading and unloading it often but the Pet Loader also comes in a version that has wheels.
The Pet Loader Light is for dogs that are 20-150 pounds and it is 16 inches wide.
Twistep®
The Heninger PortablePET Twistep® attaches to the hitch on your truck or SUV.
This product allows easy access for canines or humans as it twists out for use and twists under the vehicle during transport, making it an excellent option for truck and SUV owners
The platform measures 22” wide by 19” deep. Twistep® has a full-size platform and a special non-skid surface designed especially with dogs in mind.
Twistep holds up to 400 pounds when using a Class III hitch – 2″ receiver and comes with a corrosion-resistant coating and a 2-year warranty. What’s nice about this product is you don’t have to worry about storing it or moving it around because it simply slides under your vehicle.
There’s a Twistep for trucks and a Twistep for SUV’s
Photo courtesy of PetSafe
Solvit PupSTEP HitchSTEP
The HitchSTEP attaches to the hitch on your truck or SUV and has a patent- pending two-step design.
The HitchSTEP installs in any 2” vehicle hitch receiver and can be adjusted to fit the heights of different vehicles, including pickup.
An adapter for 1.25” hitch receiver is also sold separately.
The dog steps are 18 inches wide and 10 inches deep and the vertical space between steps is 8 inches.
The vehicle’s liftgate can still be opened with the steps in the stowed position, and steps can be easily removed for storage.
The HitchSTEP’s steel construction, weighing in at 20 pounds, is strong enough to hold 200 pounds.
Solvit XL Telescoping Ramp.
The Solvit XL Telescoping Ramp is the ramp that we’ve had for almost 3 years now.
The ramp is 20 inches wide and extends from 48 inches to 87 inches long.
This product weighs 18 pounds and has a weight capacity of over 300 pounds making it one of our top picks for giant breed dogs that are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint issues.
High traction surface gives pets a sure footing and the ultra-stiff design utilizes four rubber grips to keep the ramp stable while in use.
It includes a convenient carry handle for easy transport and a safety release latch to prevent accidental opening.
The XL Deluxe model is 3 inches wider than the standard Deluxe model.
You can check out the full review that we did on this here.
I use this ramp for rear entry into our SUV and for side entry into our truck.
Pet Loader H2O
Pet Loader also makes a step for boats and swimming pools.
The majority of swim platforms rest 4 inches above the water surface.
The Pet Loader H2O is designed for this height.
The bottom platform has 15 inches of tread depth.
The step height from the base to the middle step is 7 inches which the pet will use to step onto your boat.
From the middle step to the swim platform, top step is approximately 13 inches.
The middle step will rest at the water’s edge and this positions the bottom platform right where the dog’s paws are below the water for boarding boats safely and without panic.
Portable Nonslip Dog Step
This is a product that I’ve been watching on Amazon and have no personal use with.
There’s some positive reviews but other reviews made me think it wouldn’t hold up to big dogs but they recently made the steps more durable for dogs up to 150 pounds by adding plastic reinforcement to the steps to keep it from sagging.
Support 150Lbs Large Dogs: The dog ramp is made of high-quality metal.
There’s a heavy-duty plastic board added inside of the steps to prevent steps sagged when climbing, can withstand the weight of small, medium and large dogs
Non-slip surface: The pet ladder is upgraded to a rubber coating surface to prevent pets from slipping during climbing. a quick-connect carabiner for securing the stairs to the back of your vehicle, providing double protection for your dog
Anti-skid rubber feet: Rubber pads on the bottom for added traction and improved contact with surfaces, no easier come off like similar models
It’s portable and foldable.
Are dog steps or a ramp really necessary for your big dog?
That’s up for you to decide but keep in mind that for large breed puppies, having an easy way for them to get in and out of the car puts less stress on their fast-growing joints and you risk fewer injuries.
For a elderly dogs, it will take a lot of pressure off of their old bones and joints.
Jumping down on a hard surfaces can be painful and we’ve heard of many big dogs that have suffered injuries from doing that.
Things to consider before purchasing dog car ramps or steps:
Some dogs will not take to a ramp as easily as steps which is why it’s always a good idea to get them used to a ramp when they’re puppies.
Senior dogs with health issues or dogs with joint problems may not be able to do steps easily so a ramp may be better and easier for them.
This is why we use a ramp for Sherman and Leroy.
The best dog stairs and best pet ramps are the ones that are safe for your dog and easy to take on road trips!
I only endorse and recommend products that I personally use or products that come highly recommended by my peers. Please don’t spend money on any of these products unless you believe they are best for you and your Newfoundland. Read our full privacy policy here.
Jodi Stone
Wednesday 27th of September 2017
We also have the telescoping ramp, and it's amazing for the SUV. I also have a pair of steps that are supposed to be used for climbing up on the couch, but someone is stubborn and won't use them.
I think, especially having larger dogs, that it's so important to start them using either steps or ramps (whatever works best for your dog) while they are young. We always had the dogs jump into the vehicle, so when the time came that Sampson HAD to have ramps or steps, it was a struggle to get him to use them. In retrospect, I wish I'd had him using a ramp sooner, I think it may have helped put less stress on his joints.
Thanks for all of these options!
Jen
Friday 6th of October 2017
I couldn;t more Jodi! I wish I would of had our ramp when the boys were puppies! It took some time for them to get use to it! Now it's so much easier for all of us!
tylersat99
Wednesday 27th of September 2017
I have had a solvit telescoping ramp since my first Newf. Lexie was my first and a landseer (landseer's in my experience love to jump). Mica my black (now10) has never jumped. Newf puppies get very heavy very fast so i quickly got my ramp.We went to a lot of dog shows so my ramp got a lot of use. Lexie jumped in, Mica used the ramp but neither were ever allowed to jump out to protect joints. *Lexie passed away May 2014* I now have Aspen a large Male Landseer. He also jumps in immediately but is required to walk down the ramp. With 3 dogs over 150lbs. My solvit ramp is almost 13 yrs. Old and still working great:)
Jen
Friday 6th of October 2017
That's awesome that it's held up so long! I wish I would of gotten ours when they boys were younger!