Make Water Adventures Fun for Everyone With the Best Dog Boat Ramps

Buyer’s Guide to Finding a Dog Boat Ramp

While playing in the water at the beach may not be an issue for your dog, leaping into deep water from a boat is a different story. There’s no denying that most dogs love a quick dip in the ocean, but this doesn’t mean that they can deal with the sea’s relentless waves.

Dog boat ramps are inclined platforms that offer your dog convenient access to and from the water. Since they help keep your beloved pet safe from injuries, you can spend more time enjoying the setting sun and the sound of the waves and less time worrying about your pup. Pet ramps come in various types and styles, with some better suited for senior dogs suffering from lethargy. It’s up to you to figure out whether your dog needs stairs or a ramp, but this guying guide can help you learn more about dog boat ramps in 2024.

Why You and Your Pet Need a Dog Boat Ramp

Investing in a reliable dog boat ramp is important to make your boating trips safer and more fun for your four-legged friend. Your dog may not need dedicated ladders or boat ramps if they can tackle rough waves, and as for getting them onboard, you can always lend a helping hand.

If you want to make your experience truly stress-free, though, you’ll need something that helps your dog climb onto the steep, slippery boat deck after a quick dip in the water. Even though dog boat ramps are a must-have while out on the ocean, teaching your dog how to swim is even more important. Here are some additional reasons why a dog boat ramp needs to be on your shopping list before the next time you hit the water:

Haul large dogs from the water

Large dog breeds (like Saint Bernards or Irish Wolfhounds) can be pretty heavy. While they’re often surprisingly good swimmers, larger dogs lack the agility required to get back on deck after they’ve had their fun.

This means that you’ll probably have a hard time getting your bulky canine friend out of the water, which is where dog boat ramps come in. Some ramps have a high weight capacity that allows them to support large dog breeds without any issue.

Offer back protection

Climbing back onto a boat after swimming can be difficult, even for spry, healthy dogs. Whether they try to climb up or you help by lifting them out, doing so puts extreme pressure on their back and can lead to sore muscles and injuries. A reliable dog boat ramp can help your dog avoid trouble and pain, and a happy dog makes for a happy owner.

Help senior dogs avoid joint pain

Senior dogs suffering from weak joints or arthritis will have to endure extreme pain if the pressure on their joints exceeds a certain limit. Dog boat ramps and ladders can help them out a lot when it comes to swimming and climbing onto platforms.

Train dogs to become better swimmers

A dog boat ramp can be a morale booster if your pet is hesitant to jump in and start swimming. Instead of struggling to get in and out of the water, with one of these ramps your furry friend can focus on the fun and playful side of swimming, letting them concentrate their energies on improving their skills.

Prevent exhaustion and injuries

During the early stages of swim training, dogs often easily get tired, making it difficult for them to hop back onto the boat. To help make sure they don’t tire themselves out and develop bruises and injuries trying to climb up, a dog boat ramp offers them a convenient, comfortable way to board the boat.

Factors To Consider When Buying a Dog Boat Ramp

With so many boat ramps and ladders on the market, you may have difficulty finding one that truly helps with deep-water swimming, rather than simply providing easy access to the car or bed. We’ve lined up the necessary features you should look for when buying a dog boat ramp below:

Waterproof exterior

A dog boat ramp must be waterproof — in other words, it should be resistant to water damage. Since it will be in constant contact with it, a boat ramp should be able to stand up to water.

While most versions built from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic or aluminum have embedded water resistance, other dog boat ramps feature a layered powder coating that prevents them from developing waterborne damages like rust and corrosion.

Slip-resistant surface

You won’t want your dog to slip into the water or get hurt while getting back onto your boat. Since they’ll be soaking wet when they climb a dog boat ramp, the ramp should have sufficient slip resistance and strong grip and traction to prevent your pooch from falling off or getting hurt.

Some dog boat ramps are layered with grippy sandpaper for traction, while other high-end versions have engraved ridges and surface gaps that prevent slipping.

Hassle-free installation

What good would a dog boat ramp be if you spent most of your valuable time mounting it on your boat’s deck, only to find that it scratched up the paint job? Dog ramps and ladders should be easy to install, and they should boast a firm grip that won’t wobble or scratch your boat’s paint.

Some dog boat ramps are lightweight and easy to set up and remove, but if you want to skip the hassle of frequent installation entirely, invest your money in a permanently mountable ramp that stays fixed to the deck and offers long-term usage.

Portability and transportation

Unless you intend to mount it beside your backyard pool, you’ll often need to bring a dog boat ramp with you to various locations. It’s important to find a lightweight ramp that folds into a compact unit, as these can easily be placed in your car’s trunk. Some ramps even come with handy straps for carrying if you want some additional portability.

How To Train Your Dog To Use a Boat Ramp

Before you and your pup embark on a boating adventure, it’s essential to make sure they’re properly trained. Even if you’re confident in your dog’s swimming skills, you need to be completely prepared given it’s their first time jumping into deep water. The following tips may come in handy for getting your dog ready:

• Familiarize them with the boat – Dogs need to develop a sense of familiarity and attachment whenever they interact with something new. Allow your dog to tour the boat and sniff around so they can count it as their territory
• Have them wear a lifejacket – Like any beginner swimmer, your dog needs a lifejacket, regardless of how skilled they may be
• Teach them to use the boat ramp when docked – Start your initial training with the dog boat ramp when it’s tied up to the docking station. Don’t end the training until they’ve figured out how the ramp works
• Train them with the ramp while floating – Repeat the same training, but this time bring the boat out onto the water. Make sure they apply what they learned in the previous exercise
• Always keep a first-aid kit on board – Things don’t always go according to plan, so make sure you have a first-aid kit ready in case of accidents