Community Forums

WulfHaslett · 04-19-2018, 07:42 AM

We just got our 2018 Ventana last week. Of course, we have our two dogs with us when we travel. Our oldest dog has arthritis real bad and she is having a hard time going up and down those steep steps. I bought a ramp, but she is scared of it and it's too steep also. Has anyone had this problem and found a solution ? She is a big dog, weighs 130. Has to be something that can hold her weight. My husband says we are going to have to leave her at home, that would just break my heart. She loves being with us, it's just getting in and out.

hohenwald48 · 04-19-2018, 07:53 AM

I don't have a suggestion but there is an "RV'ing With Pets" section on IRV2. You might find something in that area.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f97/

Flyerone · 04-19-2018, 08:22 AM

I got one of these: Help 'Em Upâ„¢ Dog Harness | Hip Dysplasia | Dog Carrier You don't actually use it to lift the dog but help them up and down the stairs. With a 130lb dog it may be a difficult.

monkey · 04-19-2018, 08:54 AM

We had a Dane, our baby, that in older age (150 lbs) had trouble getting up and down the steps to our 5vr. I built simple portable steps from wood and with carpet so non slip. It made them wider and no spaces in between steps. It worked pretty good. We also have a extendable pet ramp, that we used / use for 'kids' getting in and out of the 4x4 truck... It also works good,,, aluminum, not too heavy, I just lay it in the bed of the truck. You need more info just ask.
Monkey

caninecop · 04-19-2018, 09:06 AM

We have used this and it works well for the our 4 legged kids, the only con is it little heavy. What we like most it starts low the kids can climb the step to the RV.

https://dogsrecommend.com/stairs-ste...s-suvs-trucks/

monkey · 04-19-2018, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caninecop

We have used this and it works well for the our 4 legged kids, the only con is it little heavy. What we like most it starts low the kids can climb the step to the RV.

https://dogsrecommend.com/stairs-ste...s-suvs-trucks/

Ours looks like this on that site,,,
Domestic Pet Dog Ramps Deluxe Telescoping Dog Ramp

I can get you the brand name if interested... Don't Give Up !!!! Many ways to take your older kids !!! Our Oliver Loved to travel with us !!!!

Stripe34 · 04-19-2018, 09:28 AM

Great site recommended, thanks CanineCop!

Mr_D · 04-19-2018, 09:37 AM

I say an article where someone added a handicapped lift to the door, then removed the seat and added a platform.

mobilemike · 04-19-2018, 09:41 AM

Get that dog on glucosamine chondroitin and he will be much happier. Dont leave him at home .

Salish_Hiker · 04-19-2018, 12:36 PM

I went the ramp route to get our Rottweiler into our vehicles. He can manage the trailer stairs so far, but eventually the ramp may need to be used there too.

It takes leash training to get a dog accustomed to a ramp. My wife and I would be on either side of him when he first started the training. He hated it and was very reluctant.
Now that he is used to it, he just trots on up/down.

Lots of patience, guidance and praise are all I can recommend.

fcbbob15 · 04-19-2018, 12:57 PM

#2 the Glucosamine. Get it from Chewy.com. Lots of coaching and a few treats and our two labs and Janet Russell Terrier go up and down three steps with no issues.

terryl · 04-19-2018, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salish_Hiker

I went the ramp route to get our Rottweiler into our vehicles. He can manage the trailer stairs so far, but eventually the ramp may need to be used there too.

It takes leash training to get a dog accustomed to a ramp. My wife and I would be on either side of him when he first started the training. He hated it and was very reluctant.
Now that he is used to it, he just trots on up/down.

Lots of patience, guidance and praise are all I can recommend.

This method is close to my experience with my late black lab. I bought one of those telescoping plastic ramps, and she was scared of it and always tried to walk around either side of it.

I found that by putting my arms over her lower back and around her belly, and helping with the lift, I could slowly "coach" her up the ramp. It didn't happen over night, but each attempt was marginally easier, until she finally just needed guidance more so than actual assistance.

brucev · 04-19-2018, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyerone

I got one of these: Help 'Em Upâ„¢ Dog Harness | Hip Dysplasia | Dog Carrier You don't actually use it to lift the dog but help them up and down the stairs. With a 130lb dog it may be a difficult.

Thank you for posting. I need to get one of these.

blueglide · 04-19-2018, 01:19 PM

Dog Steps, Dog Stairs and Dog Ramps from Pet Loader

We use this for our older chocolate lab. It gets her in and out of the fifth wheel and the back seat of our F450 which is quite tall.