Dog ramp

[Alex]

Does anyone use a dog ramp to help the dogs jump up to the bed. Is it necessary to get one?

I read that all this jumping back and forth from the high bed can cause hyp displasia and other joint diseases in smaller dogs.

[lvoss]

Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder. It can not be caused by jumping up and down. Jumping up and down from a high place can aggravate bad joints.

If your dog is healthy, I don't think a ramp is necessary. My oldest is 10 1/2 and still jumping on and off the bed. He has done so as long as he has lived with me and his vet says he has the joints and ligaments of a much younger dog.

[tanza]

@Alex:

Does anyone use a dog ramp to help the dogs jump up to the bed. Is it necessary to get one?

I read that all this jumping back and forth from the high bed can cause hyp displasia and other joint diseases in smaller dogs.

Hip displasia is NOT caused by jumping… it is genetic period... If they have bad hips to begin with then yes, jumping can make it worse .... and IMO even a rating of "Fair" bears watching as they age.

Now, I do have a set of doggy stairs, but they are for my 16+ yr old... and he just only in the last week started to use them....

[Alex]

Thanks for the advice, I guess the ramp is not needed.