How to Build a Ramp for a Dog With a Broken Leg

Injured dogs frequently have a hard time getting around. Dogs with broken legs, especially, may find it nearly impossible to go up stairs. You can make it easier for them by constructing a ramp to help them up and down steps. Older dogs may also benefit from such a ramp and the process of building one is relatively easy if you follow the steps outlined in the following article.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Plywood
  • Screws or Nails
  • Screwdriver or Hammer
  • Sandpaper
  • Carpet sections, optional
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Instructions

  1. Preparation and Construction

    • 1

      Measure the steps from the top of the landing to the bottom and add a few inches. This is how long you'll want the plywood to be. You can either have a hardware store cut the plywood to your specifications or do it yourself with a saw. 3/4 inch plywood is recommended for heavier dogs or for humans, but if the ramp will only be used for a small dog, you can get by with a 1/4 inch. For easy transport of the ramp, 16 inches in width is a good size.

    • 2

      Sand the plywood to make it smooth for your dog's paws. Place the sanded and cut plywood over the steps and let your dog try it out. For traction, measure and cut narrow carpet strips to fit across the ramp laterally and attach these about every 6 inches using nails or carpet glue. The carpet will provide a softer surface for the dog as well. If the dog can easily maneuver up the ramp, nail it or screw it down to the top step to secure it in place.

    • 3

      This ramp can easily be used for a variety of purposes. If you want to help your dog get in the car or onto a bed, for instance, all you need to do is unscrew it, move it to the desired location and secure it to the new destination. If it's too large, simply follow the same steps for constructing a few ramps of different sizes for each of your particular needs.