Ramps for Canine Rehabilitation and Strengthening

Dog Ramps for Rehabilitation and Strengthening

Slope work is an essential element of rehabilitation. The use of ramps as part of a rehabilitation programme not only promotes strengthening and proprioception, but as research has shown, it enhances the active range of movement. 

Carr, J & Millis, Darryl & Weng, Hsin-Yi. (2013) demonstrated that ramp and stair ascent consistently had greater range of motion compared to trotting on a flat surface, and ramp ascent had significantly greater range of motion compared to stair ascent (P<0·05). Shoulder flexion and extension, elbow extension and carpal flexion were all significantly greater while ascending the ramp compared to stairs. 

Ideal for a Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programme

Ramp work is an essential part of a comprehensive programme of rehabilitation, but creating the right slope conditions can be difficult to achieve for different sizes of dog with a single piece of equipment. This is where the Ramp Set comes in.  Comprising four stable, but lightweight units it can be configured readily in a wide range of ways and slope steepness.

The Ramp Set can be used:

• As part of rehabilitation for neurologically compromised dogs.
• For dogs recovering from orthopaedic conditions.
• As an introduction to ‘ramp’ training for anxious dogs.
• As part of a strengthening/conditioning programme for agility and gun dogs.

Conditions for which the Ramp Set can be used include:

• Intervertebral disc disease
• Lumbosacral Disease
• Medial shoulder instability
• Biceps tendinopathy
• Supraspinatus tendinopathy
• Cranial cruciate ligament disease (conservatively/surgically managed)
• Patella Luxation (conservatively/surgically managed)
• Osteoarthritis
• Body conditioning in sports dogs

Ramps are 50 x 50 cm with an individual slope angle of 9 degrees.  The step height is 7.2 cm. They have a high density EVA foam core with non-slip fine ribbed rubber matting on both sides. This ribbed matting locks together so they can be safely stacked.

The Ramp Set combines well with the Step System and SafeRocker+using the same secure, non-slip surface. A complete set comprises four stackable ramps, but they can also be purchased individually.