How to help a dog get onto a bed or in a car and manage heights

Whether it is when your dog is a puppy, or an elderly dog, at some point it is likely that you will need to know how to help a dog get onto a bed. If not a bed, then your pooch will likely need assistance getting onto another piece of furniture or into the car. At some point, all dogs need help getting to a high area that they cannot reach.

When puppies are young, they are like babies. They have not yet mastered how to use all their muscles. Lots of times, they will need help getting into a car, or on a bed or couch. As your dog ages, he may get injured, or may develop arthritis, and need help for those reasons.

You will then have to provide support to assist your dog in getting up to snuggle with you, or get in the car for vet trips. There are a lot of products available to help you, but how can you choose the right one?

It will depend largely on your pet’s needs and how the product will be used. Although a set of heavy pet stairs may be ideal for permanent placement at the end of a bed, they aren’t a good option for owners who will be traveling frequently in the car with their dog.

If you’d like more information on how to choose the best ramp or stairs for your dog, you can read our extensive article on the subject. It will help you decide which product is right for you and your canine companion.

NEED MORE HELP? How-To Videos for Dog Owners

How To Help A Dog Get Onto A Bed or In A Car: Managing Heights for Dogs

Picking Up Your Dog

The most direct way of helping your dog is simply by picking him up. This is easier with smaller, mature dogs, but there are methods that can be used so that it is a successful alternative for almost any pooch.

Large dogs are the most challenging to lift.

Their weight needs to be distributed evenly so that both you and your pet have the least risk of injury. You can use a lifting harness to make it much easier, especially to get your dog in and out of a vehicle where there may not be as much room to maneuver.

Lifting harnesses for dogs, like this one from Outward Hound, can be purchased in your local pet store or from online retailers. They offer padded support to keep your pet safe and comfortable while you life him.

Puppies need a firm foundation when lifted. They are active and wiggly, so it is very easy to lose your grip on them. Always make sure you lift a puppy with both hands.

Put one hand around his chest behind his front legs, while the other hands is cupping his back legs and bottom. You can also lift a puppy like his mother would do. Grab the scruff (loose skin) on the back of the puppy’s neck with one hand, and at the tail bone with the other hand.

REVIEW: ‘Help Your Pets’ Solid Side Dog Steps

You should only lift pregnant or injured dogs if it is absolutely necessary for a medical emergency. For a pregnant dog, do not lift with pressure on the belly. Place your arms under the front legs and under the back legs to lift.

If available, a pet carrier is best for pregnant dogs.

If a dog is injured, place one arm through his back legs and one through his front legs so that weight is supported all down the length of the spine. Like with a pregnant dog, a pet carrier is preferred for an injured dog.

You can entice him into the carrier by placing food or a favorite toy inside. Carriers range in price depending on size, but it’s always a smart idea to budget for one before you adopt a canine companion.

Reviews & Comments