Dog ramps for beds let small, elderly, or (ahem) lazy dogs easily get onto your bed or other furniture. These ramps can make life easier for you both and protect your dog’s joints and connective tissue from high-impact activities. Dog ramps, especially lightweight models, can be moved to let your dog on the couch or to help him get in the car.
Our vet advisor, Dr. Chyrle Bonk, selected the products on our list. The PetSafe Cozy Up Bed Ramp made the top of the list for its durability, traction, and attractive finish. The other dog ramps on our list provide a few different options to fit varying pet owner needs. Read how she chose the top 5.
If there are days when you both need space of your own, an inviting dog bed for the corner of your bedroom can offer just as much enticement for your bed and lets you both get uninterrupted sleep.
Our Vet’s Top 5 Dog Ramps for Beds
Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating | Weight Capacity | Dimensions | Ramp Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | PetSafe Cozy Up Bed Ramp | 120 lbs | 70 x 16 x 25 inches | 22 pounds | |
| Best Budget | Ylovecl Solid Wooden Dog Ramp | 200 lbs | 40 x 16 x 24 inches | 8.8 pounds | |
| Best for Travel | Zerria Extra Wide Dog Stairs | 200 lbs | 39-51 x 28-36 x 15 inches | 8 pounds | |
| Best for Large Breeds | PetSafe Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp | 300 lbs | 48 x 20 x 4 inches | 18 pounds | |
| Best Adjustable Angles | Pawnotch Adjustable Pet Ramp |
200 lbs | 40 x 16 x 24 inches | 16.76 pounds |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Dog Ramp for Beds
- Owners of small dogs – Furniture is designed for people, not dogs, especially small dogs. Short dogs or teacup breeds may not be able to get onto the bed, couch, or into the car, even when they jump. A dog ramp gives them a fighting chance for independence as they go about their day.
- Owners of elderly dogs – Senior dogs face many of the same obstacles that human seniors face. Arthritis, loss of muscle tone, and lack of stability can all get in the way of getting into their favorite spot on their own.1 Ramps are easy on a dog’s joints and give them independence. They can also be a safety measure and prevent injury from an unsuccessful attempt to get on the bed.
- Owners of less-motivated (lazy) dogs – Some dogs just aren’t willing to try. If your pup wants to be on the bed with you, but the very thought of making the effort makes them feel like a nap, a dog ramp gets them where they want to be without you needing to lift them.
- Owners with tall vehicles or furniture – Beds aren’t the only place you can use a dog ramp. If you have a tall vehicle or sofa that’s difficult for your dog to get in and out of, a ramp can help them get inside without injuring himself.
Who Should Not Buy a Dog Ramp for Beds
- Owners who don’t want the dog on their bed – If you’d rather your dog stay on the floor, there’s no need for a dog ramp. The same goes for if you don’t want them on the couch or other furniture. You don’t need a ramp that lets your dog onto places they’re not supposed to be.
- Owners with low furniture – Low bed frames and short furniture don’t usually pose a challenge for most dogs. If you have a bed that sits low to the ground, your dog may be able to hop up easily.
Research Tips (From a Veterinarian)
In my veterinary practice, I often get asked about dog ramps. Dog ramps may seem like a luxury item, but for many dogs, they’re a must-have. Dog ramps help dogs of all sizes safely get onto a bed or furniture. They’re especially important for pups that are suffering from arthritis or other orthopedic issues. These and other medical conditions can make it painful for a dog to jump. A ramp can reduce pain and wear and tear on joints and connective tissue.2
Safety is the main concern when choosing a dog ramp. The ramp should be sturdy enough to support the dog but not so heavy that you can’t move it around. Let’s take a look at good ways to make sure a dog ramp is safe for your dog:
- Weight limit – If you have a small dog, the maximum weight limit isn’t a huge concern. However, if you’re trying to outfit a large or giant breed, the weight limit of a ramp will mean everything. Not only is the weight limit important for supporting your dog as they use the ramp, but it’s also a factor in the ramp’s overall stability. If you have multiple dogs using the ramp, always opt for the higher weight limit.
- Materials – Dog ramps may be made from wood, plastic, or metal. Generally speaking, metal and wood are more durable and have higher weight limits. However, they’re heavier too. If you don’t plan on traveling or moving your dog ramp around much, metal or wood offers good durability. If you need a travel ramp, a model made of heavy-duty plastic will be easier to move.
- Traction – Adequate traction is another feature that keeps dogs safe. Traction may come in the form of carpeting, small steps, or a textured surface. Either way, make sure your dog is comfortable with the traction type and that it’s sufficient to keep them from slipping.
- Extra features – Some dog ramps fold up for easier portability. Others have side rails to keep your pup from teetering off the side. Still some other ramps extend or adjust to different lengths to decrease the angle. If your dog has specific needs, look into these special features to find a ramp that works for your dog.
- Dog ramp type – Dog ramps are made in three general types—vehicle, home, and step. Vehicle dog ramps extend or fold so they can be stored inside a vehicle. Look for a model that’s lightweight so it’s easy to move. These models may also have rubber or carpet for footing in wet weather. Home ramps may be permanent or movable, depending on the design. Some models are adjustable, and they may be made of wood, metal, or heavy-duty plastic. Step models have steps instead of a ramp, but they function about the same as a dog ramp. Dogs with orthopedic issues or arthritis may struggle with step models.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $35 and $225
Most dog ramps for beds cost somewhere between $35 and $225. Small plastic models make up the lower price range. The larger the ramp and the more durable materials (wood or metal), the higher the price and the higher the weight. Adjustability features and the type of material used to make the traction also affect the price.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pets Digest
As a veterinarian, I’m well aware of the pros and cons of dog ramps. I’ve talked with many of my clients and discovered the materials and designs that work best. Safety is always the number one consideration. From there, it’s about how you want to use the ramp and the design that would be most helpful for your dog. – Dr. Chyrle Bonk
The Best Dog Ramps for Beds: Full Reviews
The PetSafe Cozy Up Bed Ramp is made of wood with an attractive cherry finish. The looks alone make it a worthy purchase. The 120-pound maximum weight limit works well for all but the largest of dog breeds. A sturdy build and high traction carpet surface help it hold up to daily use by your favorite four-legged friend.
It measures 70 x 16 x 25 inches. There is some assembly required, though all hardware is included with the ramp. There have been reports of slippery carpet, but the manufacturer has updated the design to eliminate that problem. This model weighs 22 pounds, which puts it on the heavier side, but it is still manageable if you want to move it.
- Attractive wood with a cherry finish
- Carpeted surface for good traction
- Sturdy build
- Includes all hardware needed for assembly
- Can be heavy to move around
The Ylovecl Solid Wooden Dog Ramp is a lightweight (only 8.8 pounds) ramp that’s easy to move around the house. It can fold flat to just 4.35 inches, and when standing, you can use the adjustable foot to adjust the height from 12 to 24 inches. It’s covered in a ribbed carpet for plenty of traction.
The Ylovecl comes in a neutral white, so it won’t clash with the rest of your home decor. With a maximum weight limit of 200 pounds, it can work for almost any breed except perhaps a giant breed. However, some users have noted that there’s a bit of a wobble if the dog gets rambunctious while on the ramp.
- Neutral white finish
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Folds down flat for storage
- Adjustable in height from 12 to 24 inches
- Can wobble if the dog gets rambunctious
The Zerria Extra Wide Dog Stairs have five steps within an adjustable frame. The frame can stand anywhere from 28 to 36 inches high and 39 to 51 inches in length, providing adjustability options. Each step has a textured surface for added attraction. However, when it comes to travel, it’s the fact that it folds down to a mere 5 x 13 x 15 inches and secures with a strap and carrying handle that makes it a fantastic travel ramp.
The fold-down size is small enough to stow in the trunk of the car or store in a closet. The Zerria also only weighs eight pounds. While the Zerria says it has a 200-pound weight limit, it’s been known to collapse under about 100 pounds. For safety, it’s best for dogs under about 75 pounds.
- Frame adjustable in height and width
- Lightweight
- Folds down to a portable, easily-carried size
- May collapse under dogs over 100 pounds
The PetSafe Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp can hold dogs up to 300 pounds, making it the ramp with the highest weight capacity on our list. The ramp weighs 18 pounds and extends from 47 to 87 inches. It’s also 20 inches wide, offering more space for larger dogs to maneuver.
Despite the ramp’s large size, it only weighs 18 pounds, making it somewhat mobile. This PetSafe model also includes a carrying handle to make transport easier. Finally, a textured surface prevents slipping, even in wet conditions. However, a few users have found the textured surface to be rough on their dogs’ paws.
- Extends from 47 to 87 inches long
- High 300-pound maximum weight limit
- Wide 20-inch deck adds stability for large dogs
- Includes a carrying handle for easier transport
- Rough texture of the ramp can be hard on sensitive paws
The Pawnotch Adjustable Pet Ramp’s wooden frame keeps this model from being an eyesore. However, it’s the six adjustability levels that set it apart. It can raise from 14 to 24 inches in height in 2-inch increments. It also has a notch to help secure it to whatever item your dog is trying to get onto. It has a Paw Traction Mat with a ribbed surface to prevent slips and falls, too.
A 200-pound maximum weight limit offers stability for most dog breeds except the very largest. Its overall dimensions are 40 x 16 x 24 inches. The 16-inch deck gives dogs a wider surface and greater stability. The Pawnotch can also fully collapse for easy storage. One thing to keep in mind is that at the highest setting, the ramp may be too steep for older or arthritic dogs.
- 6 height settings
- Ribbed traction mat
- Lays flat for storage
- Ramp can be too steep at the highest setting for some dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a ramp or are stairs better for dogs?
What size dog ramp do I need?
How do you train a dog to walk up the ramp?
How steep should a dog ramp be?
Article Sources
Pets Digest uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Senior pets. Avma.org. Accessed May 16, 2022.
- Leininger MB. Symptoms of arthritis in dogs. Aspcapetinsurance.com. Accessed May 16, 2022.
- Reisen J. Does your dog need dog stairs or a ramp? Akc.org. Published January 13, 2020. Accessed May 16, 2022.
