Dog stairs and dog ramps are two practical mobility products that can help senior dogs move more safely around the home, especially when beds, couches, stairs, or cars become harder to access.

Taking care of a senior dog can come with some challenges that go along with the normal aging process. Your dog may be moving more slowly, their coordination and senses aren’t as sharp as they used to be, and their joints may be feeling the impacts of arthritis. To help your best friend stay active and engaged in their golden years, you can make your home more accessible for a senior dog with some simple adjustments.

For many families, simple tools such as dog stairs and dog ramps can make daily movement easier without changing the dog’s normal routine.

Mobility Help for Senior Dogs

Helping your senior dog maintain their mobility is an important part of keeping them happy as they age. Daily, appropriate movement is important for maintaining joint health and overall fitness. A few tools you can employ around the house can keep them moving safely.

Dog stairs and dog ramps are often the first products owners consider when a senior dog has trouble jumping, climbing, or getting into a car.

Pet stairs: If your senior dog still has good balance and is relatively agile, but has trouble jumping on or off your bed or couch, a set of pet stairs can help. Choose a style with deep steps and an anti-skid surface, like carpet or textured rubber, and be sure it’s rated for your dog’s weight. Rounded edges on the treads are also helpful. They come in a range of sizes, from a single step for a low couch to several steps for bed height.

Dog stairs are especially useful for senior dogs that still manage steps well but need help reaching beds, sofas, or other raised furniture.

Dog ramps: For dogs that can no longer master stairs, or who need help getting into or out of the car, you can use a ramp. Look for a gentle slope and non-slip surface. Read the product specifications to make sure the ramp will support your dog’s weight. If you plan to use the dog ramp for travel, look for something lightweight enough to move easily. Some dog ramps for the house are made to look like furniture and will blend right into your decor.

Dog ramps are a good choice when your senior dog needs a smoother walking path instead of climbing steps. They are also helpful for cars, trucks, beds, couches, and indoor spaces where jumping may be difficult.

Footwear and Floor Coverings: Senior dogs can sometimes have a hard time walking on or getting up from hardwood floors. Dog boots or dog socks can give seniors extra traction that can help them navigate slippery surfaces with more ease. You can also lay down non-slip area rugs or inexpensive yoga mats in areas where your dog regularly walks, and add textured dog-friendly stair treads for indoors and outdoors.

These floor safety products can work together with dog stairs and dog ramps by giving your senior dog better traction before and after using them.

Dog gates: If your dog has mobility issues, it’s a good idea to use dog gates or baby gates restrict access to any stairs in your home to avoid any risk of them falling. In some cases, installing a ramp may be necessary. You can also help them navigate stairs more confidently with a dog mobility harness or dog mobility sling.

Dog gates can also guide your senior dog toward safer access points, such as dog ramps or dog stairs, instead of unsafe household stairs.

Dog strollers: Your older dog can still enjoy a brisk walk—with you doing the walking! Dog strollers come in both 3-wheel and 4-wheel styles. Three-wheel dog stroller models tend to sit higher and be easily maneuvered, and are a good choice if you like to run or jog with your dog. Because the dog sits so high in the stroller, this style is better for smaller dogs. Four-wheel dog strollers are more stable and are a good choice for everyday walks. They also have a lower profile and therefore, a lower center of gravity, making them suitable for larger dogs.

Dog wheelchairs: Dogs with hind-end weakness can benefit from a dog mobility wheelchair, especially if their front legs are still mobile and strong. A dog wheelchair offers support to their weaker rear legs and hips so they can still have the agency to go for a walk with you and enjoy the sights, sounds, and especially, smells. A well-made and well-fitted dog wheelchair lets a dog sniff the ground and eliminate on their own, too. A small dog may be able to navigate the house in a wheelchair, but large dogs usually benefit most from using a wheelchair outdoors. Some dog wheelchairs are constructed or can be modified to support all four legs for even more mobility assistance. Consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on how to best fit your dog for a dog wheelchair.

Dog stairs and dog ramps are simple but useful mobility aids for senior dogs. When used with non-slip floor coverings, dog gates, strollers, or mobility harnesses, they can help make the home safer and more comfortable for aging pets.