Anyone got any ideas/suggestions for..........
We just got back from the farm and I have to take Kelsey now through the back of the house as she cannot manage the steep steps to the front to come inside. Out the back is 3 steps going from a small deck onto the ground. She has now lost all her confidence there trying to go down or up them. Had to carry her over the steps each time she needed to go outside. Then pick her up and lift her again to bring her back inside. So was thinking a doggie ramp for her and to gain some confidence back to be able to take herself in and out when she wants too. Something I can attach to the stairs and take off when we don't need it. I was thinking of a thick plank/board with some sort of rubber matting glued to the top of it for traction for her. It would not be a steep slope for her to walk down or up, but any ideas to how I can attach this to the top of the decking to completely cover the stairs to the ground without it moving, that I can remove when not needed rather then having it there premantley? Open to ideas here for this project for my golden oldie.  |
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| Hi Lisa,
I remembered reading about this member that built a ramp for their new puppies. Maybe they might have some additional advice for you since it says the hubby's a carpenter. http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=15724 I think the board with some non skid surface is a great idea, I wouldn't know how to attach it either. So sorry you are having to deal with this with Kelsey. I'm glad though that she is still around for you to treasure. We are thinking of you guys! |
| Hi Lisa,
Wish my digital was working as it would be easier to show you the hardware I'll be talking about but any home reno store can help. A thick slab of wood would do the trick, you just need to secure it to the porch via a peice of thick wood called a header. The wood is then attached to the header via stair brackets which would quarantee the wood would not slip or move. Remember uprights would use the ramp from time to time so it needs to be strong enough to support some weight. Better if you have some kind of frame underneath .Stair brackets are made of metal and secured with screws. It's not a difficult job. Here's a site that can help you out. Good luck! http://www.bobvila.com/wwwboard/messages/201279.html PS To prevent sliding you can purchase non skid stuff at the Home Reno store or visit a place that caters to horses as they have rubber matting that would help (not sure of the cost however). Ole Blue is sending Kelsey kisses and lots of love.  |
| Poor sweet Kels! I have lots of sympathy.
Are you planning on building this yourself? Pet stores here sell ramps designed to help dogs in and out of the car. These pictures might give you some ideas: http://www.handiramp.com/dog-ramps/pet-ramps.htm |
| I was also going to suggest a ramp intended for a car if you didn't want to build it. good luck with it! |
| My friend has a disabled basset, and they built a ramp off their deck so he can get out into the fenced back yard. Perry used heavy plywood for the base, and covered it with outdoor carpet. Then about every foot he but a small strip of wood across in case he slipped. As theirs comes off their deck and is high, he put a wooden railing on the outside edge. I've seen him use it - it is really cool! |
| Lisa,
I made a ramp for myself prior to my knee replacement, using wood framing and plywood deck with side rails. 8'X 30". However a wood structure like this is too heavy to just slide out of the way. If you want something sturdy and easily mobile, I would suggest the car ramps also. If you do use wood, get wolmanized plywood and 2x4's and put outdoor carpeting over the deck. Good luck. |
| I want to build it, to leave it up there when needed, we don't need it at home just for up there and something to detach to put away so it does not get weathered just sitting on the steps out the back.
Got some good ideas just need to work out how to attach it so it does not move or slip when she is using it. It's not a big job and I think I can put this together OK for her. Be nice for her to have the confidence again when she is up there and not be scared of tackling 3 little steps. At the moment the paw brakes grip and she refuses to even attempt it, I don't blame her either as the back legs are now unsteady. Sometimes just outside at home she trips over so I can understand her reluctance with these steps. So hopefully something like this will work for her when we are there so she can still enjoy being there & take herself in & out when she wants too.  |
| Lisa, do you already use a ramp for her in the car for getting in and out? Do you think she might be scared? |
No hubby is the car dog ramp (Well lifter)  We have a wagon so low enough even for me to lift her in and out of the car, she is not hesitant there, always excited to get in the car with the help in and out, so not a problem there.
Yes she is scared of attempting the steps down to the ground from the back now, quite hesitant last time we were there, but we took it slowly on the 3 steps with the lead on and me supporting her back end with the towel sling so she did not trip or topple off. This time no way, so mom had to carry her down and up over those scary stairs, she was shaking when I tried to just walk her down slowly with support. So lift and carry over those stairs for the time being when we are up there till I can get this ramp idea up and going I want the ramp to cover the entire width & length of the stairs, from top of the deck to the ground, to cover them completely so I don't think a car ramp will be wide enough. Any gaps there at either side will make her hesitant to try and if she wants to attempt it herself well I would be worried if she steps off to the side slightly her legs would drop or wedge into the gap. So total cover up of the stairs |
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