Dachshunds are energetic, loving canines, but their tiny legs and tendency to back problems limit their ability to leap onto a bed or couch. Frequent leaping can put unnecessary stress on this breed’s joints and back, but you can use a dog ramp to give your pet easy access to your furniture. Whether you are looking for a portable ramp, a model specifically for vehicle access, or a stand-alone unit, we compared the best ramps on the market and compiled detailed reviews highlighting the products’ strengths and weaknesses.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

The 10 Best Dog Ramps for Dachshunds

1. Pet Gear Short Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp – Best Overall

The Pet Gear Short Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp can be used indoors or outdoors, and it’s our winner for the best overall dog ramp. We loved the lightweight design and sturdy construction, and when folded, the carrying handle makes transporting the ramp trouble-fee. It can support canines up to 150 pounds and is ideal for your short-legged Dachshund friend. Several ramps are covered with slick carpeting, but the Pet Gear ramp uses supertraX tread for maximum grip while climbing or descending.

Although its primary use is for entering vehicles, several Dachshund owners place it near beds, couches, and chairs. The tread can be removed and tossed into the machine for easy cleaning. We did not have any complaints about the Pet Gear ramp, but some dog owners mentioned it would not fit in smaller cars. Minivans and SUV owners did not have problems, but the ramp was too wide to fit in vehicles with narrow door openings.

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2. TRIXIE Short Safety Cat & Dog Ramp – Best Value

Most heavy-duty dog ramps cost a bundle, but the TRIXIE Short Safety Cat & Dog Ramp won our award for the best dog ramp for the money. It can support dogs weighing 110 pounds and costs much less than its competitors. You can use the TRIXIE ramp outdoors for accessing a car, or it can be placed indoors for climbing onto a couch or bed. It has non-skid rubber feet and a non-slip coating on the tread. Unlike other ramps, the TRIXIE has guard rails that prevent your dog from falling over the side. The ramp is easy to clean with a microfiber towel and weighs only 8 pounds.

You are unlikely to find a stable ramp for such a low price, but it’s more suitable for healthy Dachshunds than those with joint issues. Descending the ramp is less problematic for mature dogs, but the sharp angle is too steep for some dogs to climb.

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3. PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp – Premium Choice

If you frequently travel with your Dachshund and need a sturdy ramp to attach to your vehicle, you can use the PetSafe Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Car Ramp. The telescoping design allows you to adjust the ramp for different cars, which folds up so you can easily store it in the trunk. The sturdy aluminum frame can support 300 pounds, and the high traction surface prevents slips and falls. Although larger than most of the ramps we reviewed, it is simple to carry and only weighs 13 pounds.

Your Dachshund won’t exceed the ramp’s maximum pet weight, but the PetSafe is perfect for pet parents with multiple dogs. It’s one of the best ramps on the market, but it’s only designed for entering or exiting vehicles. The ramp’s size makes it unsuitable for climbing onto a bed or chair.

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4. Solvit Half Pet Ramp II – Best for Puppies

Most ramp manufacturers design their products for adult dogs, but puppies are not as coordinated and may be intimidated by massive ramps. With the Solvit Half Pet Ramp II, you can assist your Dachshund puppy in the home or vehicle. The ramp can support dogs weighing up to 150 pounds, but the unit weighs just 7 pounds. You can use it to help your pup onto the couch or attach it to your car for trips to the dog park.

The Solvit ramp works best indoors on carpet, but dog owners with hardwood floors mentioned the ramp’s feet did not keep the ramp stable. The wide surface is ideal for stumbly pups but too large to fit in narrow car door openings.

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5. Pet Gear Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp with SupertraX

The Pet Gear Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp With SupertraX features a 66-inch walking platform that attaches to the bumper of your car, truck, or SUV. The folding ramp features a locking clasp that keeps the unit secure during storage and a carrying handle to make transport easier. The SupertraX surface is pressure sensitive, so traction increases when more weight is applied, and the tread attaches with Velcro, so it’s simple to clean.

Although Pet Gear’s tread provides more traction than many competing models, it’s not as durable or stable. You’re unlikely to have problems with a Dachshund, but heavier dogs can cause the ramp to sink in the center. Also, the rubber grip at the top tends to slide around on some vehicles.

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6. AlphaPaw PawRamp Lite & Full — Adjustable Pet Ramp

The AlpaPaw PawRamp Lite and Full is one of the few adjustable units that lets you choose four settings depending on the height of the bed or couch. The frame is more attractive than the plastic and metal ramps, and it can support heavy pups and lighter breeds like Dachshunds. At 13.05 pounds, AlplaPaw is lighter than most wooden ramps and folds down for easy storage under the bed or in the closet. Although it’s one of the highest-rated ramps available, the AlphaPaw has a few design issues. The ridged “non-slip” carpet mat does not provide enough traction when the ramp is raised to 24 inches.

For shorter chairs and beds, the AlphaPaw is perfect for Dachshunds, but the dogs tend to slip when the angle is increased. Some customers add traction tape or bath matt material to the ramp to improve its traction.

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7. Frisco Deluxe Wooden Carpeted Cat & Dog Ramp

Longer platforms like the Frisco Deluxe Wooden Carpeted Cat and Dog Ramp are less stressful for older pups to climb. The Frisco ramp provides a gentle climbing area that is easier for aging joints than shorter, steeper models. It’s covered with a non-slip carpet and rubber feet to prevent skidding. Unlike many dog ramps, the Deluxe blends well with the indoor décor and is available in white and brown colors.

Although it’s well-designed and durable, several pet parents had problems assembling the ramp. It helps to have a partner for the assembly, but it may take an hour or more to construct. Other customers mentioned that the ramp was delivered without nuts or bolts.

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8. Pet Gear Stramp Stair and Ramp Combination

If you’re looking for a lightweight ramp that is easy to assemble and move around the house, you can try the Pet Gear Stramp Stair and Ramp Combination. The ramp’s snap-together construction does not require tools, and the supertraX tread can be removed and washed in the machine. It supports dogs weighing up to 150 pounds, but aging pups and those with mobility issues may find the ramp’s climbing angle too steep. However, healthy Dachshunds should be able to climb it without any problems.

Several ramps we reviewed use supertraX material for the tread, but Pet Gear’s mat is too thin and does not last as long as its competitors.

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9. Merry Products Collapsible Cat & Dog Ramp

The Merry Products Collapsible Cat and Dog ramp adjusts to three positions so you can place it in front of a 13.5-inch-high chair or 20-inch-high couch. The ramp comes fully assembled and folds down for convenient storage under a sofa or bed. Unlike the competitors, Merry Products has wheels mounted on the support bars for trouble-free transportation. The ramp is aesthetically pleasing but not as durable as other adjustable models. Several customers complained that the support beams broke in less than a year, and some mentioned the top height creates an angle that’s too steep for aging dogs.

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10. PETMAKER Dog Ramp – Foldable Wooden Ramp

The PETMAKER Dog Ramp looks more like a furniture piece for humans than a dog ramp. The mahogany frame and chocolate walking surface blend nicely with other furnishings, and it comes fully assembled. It provides access to chairs or beds as high as 18 inches and folds down for easy storage.

Although it’s a handsome ramp, the PETMAKER’s walking cushions are too slick to climb, and the wood frame is not very durable. Multiple customers complained about the slick tread; some suggested covering the ramp with new material for better traction. Dachshunds will not have issues with the ramp’s structure, but heavier breeds may find the unit too unstable.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Ramps for Dachshunds

Providing a ramp for your Dachshund seems like a simple task, but there are a few factors to consider before making a purchase.

Age, Weight, Health of Dog

A Dachshund is unlikely to exceed the weight capacity of a ramp, but it’s still important to check each product’s specifications to ensure your dog will be safe. If you have an older dog with mobility issues, a ramp with raised side rails will offer more stability than models without them. A dog that falls off a ramp may not use it again out of fear, and it’s vital to supervise your dog until it feels comfortable around the new object. Several ramp manufacturers suggest leaving the ramp on the floor before positioning it near a bed or car door to allow the animal to sniff it and understand that it’s not a threat.

Indoor or Outdoor Ramp

We reviewed a few ramps that can be used indoors or outdoors, but those models need to be cleaned more frequently to prevent damage to the carpet and hardwood floors. If your dog rarely takes car trips, it’s better and more affordable to purchase an indoor ramp to access beds and furniture.

Stability

Some of the ramps in our reviews were not as stable as others, but most of the customers who had issues with sagging or breaking had heavier dogs. However, even a small breed like a Dachshund can have problems with the ramp if the ground is not level. Before allowing your dog on the ramp, test it for stability to ensure it will not wobble under the dog’s weight. If it shakes or the dog feels stressed when it uses the ramp, you may need to try another brand. The stationary ramps are more suited for heavier dogs because they’re usually more stable than the folding types.

Weight

If you or other family members have problems lifting heavy objects, you can purchase a lightweight model to prevent injuries. Most of the ramps are not heavier than the typical Dachshund, but some of the stationary models weigh over 13 pounds. A ramp can keep you from picking up your dog every time it wants to go on the couch or bed, but a model that’s heavier than your pup may not be practical in your home.

Conclusion

Dachshunds need a little help accessing tall furniture due to their tiny legs. Our reviews detailed the best ramps on the market, but our overall favorite was the Pet Gear Short Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp. It has excellent traction compared to its competitors, and it’s sturdy enough for hefty pups to use without the ramp bending or shaking. Our best value selection was the TRIXIE Short Safety Cat & Dog Ramp. We loved the lightweight design and side rails that protect your pup from accidental falls. If your little dog has joint or back problems then consult with your veterinarian or veterinary physiotherapist to discuss their needs. Whichever ramp you select, we’re sure your Dachshund will appreciate the assistance.

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Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock