Dog Ramp / steps

[Belladog1]

I have a new car and although it is more roomy inside for the dogs once they are in, my 10yr old dog is struggling to get inside. I end up having to scoop him up the bum and he faceplants himself inside.

I was wondering whether to get him a ramp / steps to get into the back seat. I have had a look online and they are very expensive and I'm not entirely sure if he would use them!! He is scared of his own shadow. Maybe steps would be better than a ramp?

But - does anyone have any recommendations? I don't need anything long, just from the floor to the back door.

My arthritic and stupidly stubborn beagle refused to use the ramp I’d (thankfully!) borrowed, so we gave up and lift her into the car. Before committing I’d definitely see if you could borrow or at the very least get one secondhand on FB marketplace for example.

Thank you. This is my fear that he'll not use it. He is a very anxious boy and scared of everything. I'm worried he'll be scared of a ramp. Luckily he loves the car .... phew.

I hadn't thought about 2nd hand on marketplace. Good call. I'll start looking.

I'd get a ramp with a rough surface. The plastic ones can be quite slippy.

You might need to train a dog to use a ramp. Start with laying it flat on the floor and getting them to walk along it. Gradually increase the gradient to get them used to walking up and down a slope.

We have used both in the past, no real preference dogs used them easily enough. Would say it’s a good idea to use a harness as well for extra support in guiding them up steps/ramp.