Telescopic dog ramp with a grey traction surface extended from a car's side door.
Car ramp featuring colourful foam puzzle mats added to improve grip for senior paws.
Close-up of the side door adapter strap securing the ramp to the vehicle's interior.
View of the ramp adapter hooked over the car door frame for maximum stability
Telescopic ramp extended from the rear trunk with multi-coloured traction mats.

Ramp

A telescopic dog ramp provides a portable, adjustable solution for accessing vehicles and elevated surfaces. By replacing jumping with a gradual incline, it protects canine joints, eliminates the need for owners to lift heavy pets, and fosters independence for dogs with mobility challenges.

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Portable telescopic ramp and accessories

Why this product is in the Depot

I included this telescopic ramp because jumping into a car is one of the highest-impact activities for a senior dog’s joints. A ramp replaces that sudden jar with a controlled, gradual incline. It eliminates the risk of “missed jumps” and knee injuries, while also protecting the owner’s back from the strain of lifting a larger pet.

How I use it

I bought this for Maya when she was 13 after she hit her knee jumping into the car for the third time—that was the “third strike” for me. It mostly lives in my car, but it’s portable enough that I take it into hotels or Airbnbs to help her navigate stairs. To help Maya (who is a “weirdo” about new surfaces) feel comfortable, I customized the sandpaper-like surface with foam tiles. This provides better traction and makes the ramp much more comfortable on her paws, especially when the metal gets cold in the winter.

Why I recommend it

I recommend this telescopic model because it is adjustable and incredibly versatile. While I can lift Maya, she is a very independent girl and prefers to do things herself whenever possible. This ramp fosters that independence. With the side-door adapter, it’s stable and secure, giving me peace of mind that she can navigate whatever environment we find ourselves in during our travels.

Considerations

  • Surface Customization: Many ramps come with a “sandpaper” grip that can be off-putting or abrasive for senior paws. Adding foam mats or tiles is a great way to improve traction and temperature comfort.

  • Side-Door Adapters: If your dog enters through the side door rather than the trunk, a side-door adapter is essential to ensure the ramp is stable and doesn’t slip off the seat.

  • Training with Treats: Don’t wait for an injury to start. Introduce the ramp early using high-value treats while it’s flat on the ground to build confidence before you ever add an incline.

Where to get it

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Important note

This product is presented for informational purposes only and is based on personal experience. It does not constitute medical advice or a universal recommendation. Every dog ​​is different, so what works for one may not work for another.