Are there any alternatives to a ramp

[Lucys human]

We have 2 steps out of our back door into the back garden and Lucy tries to run out with the other 2. She hasn't fallen yet but as her condition is degenerative i can see the day she will fall coming. Just now she stumbles but catches herself before she falls.
My Lucy's front legs are her weakest and going downhill is hard for her, i think she is likely to slip or fall on a ramp.
I was thinking of trying to find a non slip,not rot (needs to stand up to the wet Scottish weather) cushioned mat like the ones they have in playgrounds.
I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas or seen any products.
Thank you for reading
Gail

[Bobbie]

A ramp down two steps should not be very steep, and then you can cover it with something non-skid like artificial grass or indoor outdoor carpet. I would make it eight feet long (get a piece of plywood ripped the long way) and wide enough for a cart if she ultimately needs one.

In the meantime indoor outdoor carpeting on the stairs might help but I would still be worried about her falling and hurting herself.

[Lucys human]

Thank you Bobbie

Yes her falling is my worry, she so wants to keep up with my other 2

I think your right a ramp could be the only answer for Lucy and yes a quad cart is something i can see her needing in the future.

Never thought of indoor/outdoor carpeting.

Can see a visit to the DIY store on the horizon

[critters]

Carpet of any sort is awfully difficult for a human wheelchair, and I'd think it'd be similar for a critter. I'd consider using these. http://handicappedpet.net/helppets/view ... =4&t=15848

[Bobbie]

I don't think the rubber mats have sufficient traction for a dog in a cart pulling up a slope. We have used both woven carpet runners (cheap at big box stores and no pile) and sanded painted surfaces, also fake grass runners but with those you have to be sure the direction is right for traction. It depends on your slope, of course, and the strength of the dog. Candy has much more trouble with traction when he is tired and moving more slowly. Oliver could probably run the wrong way up a watersilide.

[critters]

Oliver could probably run the wrong way up a watersilide.

Yeah, Koi was that way.

[CarolC]

Oliver could probably run the wrong way up a watersilide.

I'd like to see THAT video!

[Lucys human]

lol i'd like to see Oliver running up a waterslide too

Sorry for delay in replying

As i'm adopting a paralysed dog we will be getting a ramp after all

Lucy is not stumbling as much now as her back legs have weakened since i posted which has balanced her out and with them not providing as much momentum she is no longer being tipped forward onto her weak front legs, so even though she is still declining at the moment she is moving better and has more control over her movementsagain but i'm sure that wil change as she declines.

Just got to decide what type of ramp will suit both dogs

Thank you to all who replied it is very much appreciated.

Gail

[Shaz]

For the non slip part you could visit a Boat Chandler's or find one online, they sell very non slip fabric for boats which is used where anything is liable to slide in heavy seas?

[Lucys human]

Thank you Shaz

I would never have thought of using anything for boats

[Shaz]

Nor would I IF I hadn't had a Boat, lol. x