5 Best Ramps and Stairs for Dachshunds – 2023 Reviews & Top Picks

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Dr. Nia Perkins

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Dachshunds are adorable, but sometimes they struggle to get around. If your Dachshund loves to snuggle on the couch, hop in and out of the car, or climb into your bed, you’ll probably want to invest in a ramp or set of pet stairs that will meet your needs. In fact, Dachshunds need adaptive tools to avoid spinal injuries that come from jumping or climbing too high! The products on this list will help your dog get up and down safely and easily.

A Quick Glance at Our Favorites (2023)

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Best Pet Supplies Foam Stairs	Space efficient Three heights available Lightweight stairs with removable cover	Check Price
Best Value		Pet Gear Bi-Fold Car Ramp	Adjustable height Easy to transport for active dogs Fold and carry for home or car use	Check Price
Premium Choice		PetSafe CozyUp Wooden Ramp	Smooth, gentle incline Foldable for easy storage Attractive wood construction	Check Price
		Best Pet Supplies Linen Covered Foam Steps	Easy to clean Attractive linen cover Folds into compact cube	Check Price
		Merry Products Collapsible Ramp	Adjustable height Sturdy design	Check Price

The 5 Best Ramps and Stairs for Dachshunds

1. Best Pet Supplies Foam Stairs — Best Overall

If you’re looking for a basic set of stairs to let your Dachshund get onto the couch or your bed, the Best Pet Supplies Foam Stairs is a great place to start. We found these stairs to be the best overall for Dachshunds. The stairs are made of a soft and lightweight but firm foam that helps support your pet’s weight while being gentle on their feet and easy to move if necessary. There are three heights available so that you can choose the perfect set for your needs. The stairs are compact and space-efficient, making them a great choice for small apartments and tight bedrooms. A removable cover lets you wash fur or dirt off the stairs easily, although if a stain seeps through the cover, the foam is more difficult to clean. These stairs are also too steep for some pets, so older or less agile Dachshunds may struggle with them.

2. Pet Gear Bi-Fold Car Ramp — Best Value

If you’ve got an excited puppy or a dog who loves to travel, the Pet Gear Bi-Fold Car Ramp might be best for you. This ramp is designed to be placed on the bumper of a car or the tailgate of a truck, but it can also be used on a sturdy couch or other surface. The lightweight, folding design makes it perfect for on-the-go use, and because it hooks on to whatever the climbing destination is, it works for a wide range of heights. The surface of the ramp is covered in removable treads that can be washed and cleaned separately, making it easy to clean up mud, dirt, and other messes. The only downside of this kind of ramp is that it doesn’t work well on all surfaces. For a car or a stiff couch or mattress, it will be fine, but on a softer surface or a less stable area, you’ll want a ramp that can stand on its own.

3. PetSafe CozyUp Wooden Ramp — Premium Choice

If you want a ramp that looks more like a permanent piece of furniture, you may want to consider our premium choice, the PetSafe CozyUp Wooden Ramp. This ramp has a solid wood construction that makes it sturdy and attractive. Its smooth, gentle incline makes it ideal for even the oldest and least mobile Dachshunds. This ramp is topped with a carpet that is soft on your dog’s feet and is foldable for easy transport and storage. It’s safe for dogs up to 120 lbs., making it a great choice if you have multiple dogs and want to make sure it’s safe for all.

One drawback of this style of ramp is that it has a rather large footprint, with a 70-inch length that takes up considerable space. Some reviewers also noted that the carpet is rather slippery, making it less ideal for their dogs.

4. Best Pet Supplies Linen Covered Foam Steps

If you want a set of stairs that will look stylish and attractive, consider the Best Pet Supplies Linen Covered Foam Steps. These steps are covered in a linen-look fleece and come in two colors, gray and tan. They come in two different sizes so that they look like they’re made for your home. The foam steps are lightweight and easy to store, with the top step folding down to make a compact cube. The cover is easy to clean as well. However, some reviews are less than thrilled with these steps, saying that the flip-top design and light foam aren’t ideal for dogs moving faster than a sedate walk. They also are best when used on carpet, as they tend to slip on hard floors—although rubber grips can be added to the bottom of the steps to mitigate that.

5. Merry Products Collapsible Ramp

If adjustability is important to you, the Merry Products Collapsible Ramp might be a good bet. This ramp collapses for storage and can be set to three different heights. It has a sturdy design that is long-lasting and rubber wheels that let it transport easily. However, there are some drawbacks to this design. The ramp isn’t very tall, especially because some reviewers complained about the steepness at the tallest setting. The carpet is also slick enough to give some dogs trouble. The wheels are only on one side of the ramp, so that the ramp is stable when it isn’t being used.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Ramps and Stairs for Dachshunds

What Should I Look for In Ramps or Stairs?

When you’re shopping for a ramp or stairs for your Dachshund, look for a gentle incline, small steps, and other features that will make them more useful. The height of your ramp should be equal to or slightly shorter than the surface it leads to. Also consider footprint—a set of stairs that takes up a lot of space might get in the way, especially if you live in a small home.

Another important thing to consider is the importance of good traction and stability. Non-slip fabric or treads can make your stairs safer and more likely to be used. A stable ramp or stairs will make your Dachshund more likely to use it regularly and feel safe.

Are Ramps Better Than Stairs?

You’ll see lots of ramps and stairs on the market, and it can be hard to know what to pick. Ramps are usually a gentler incline, making them ideal for older or less agile dogs. But most Dachshunds are happy with stairs as long as the steps are small enough and not too steep. Stairs are usually more portable, cheaper, and take up a smaller amount of floor space, making them more convenient for owners.

Do Dachshunds Need Ramps?

If your Dachshund can jump on the couch already, you might wonder if you really need stairs. But because Dachshunds have such long bodies, which aren’t suited for jumping and climbing, ramps and stairs are a great option. Jumping onto a couch or bed can damage your Dachshund’s spine over time, leading to health complications, pain, and a shortened lifespan. The purchase of a ramp will help your dog be safe and happy.

How Do I Get My Dog to Use His Ramp?

If your dog ignores the ramp, you can usually train him to use it. Start by purchasing a sturdy ramp. A wobbly or narrow ramp or stairs is likely to scare your dog away. Then use treats and encouragement to help them use the stairs. You might put a treat on every step at first. Praise your dog for showing interest. If you have a collapsible ramp, consider encouraging your dog to walk on it flat first before setting it up against a couch.

Conclusion

Whatever ramp you choose, having some way to help your Dachshund climb to a comfortable surface will help him stay healthy longer and live better. Overall, we loved the Best Pet Supplies Foam Stairs because of their stability, great price, and various options for size. If you want an option that will make your dollar last longer, we thought the Pet Gear Bi-Fold Car Ramp were a great choice that performed well and had a great price to boot. For something a little more luxurious, we recommend the PetSafe CozyUp Wooden Ramp.

Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock