Customer Reviews

Solvit 62337 Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I ordered and received it in time to use for our 70 lb. dog just after her ACL knee surgery. It has worked well and helped with the extra care needed for dogs during the post-op rehab stages of this type of operation. I needed the ramp just days after it arrived so I did not have time to consider any returns or exchanges, however, there are some major complaints I would like to register now that I have some more time.

#1 - Poor packaging and safety strap design - The packaging of the ramp is probably OK for retail store use, however, the shipper simply slapped a lable on the box and sent it out. During shipment the box tore in several places and the end actually was already opened. Due to the excessive motion and bouncing around the safety strap and catch was already broken upon receipt - the metal snap part was ripped out of the plastic strap.

#2 - Inadequate design of the two plastic slide stops - After only two normal uses, one of the plastic slide stops broke completely off. The other one is loose and also about to fall off. In my opinion a heavy, hard rubber material would work much better than plastic.

#3 - Very sharp aluminum edges - At the top of the side rails, the aluminum is very sharp - right where a dog is likely to step a bit to the side as it nears the top of the ramp. In my opinion, these rails could easily cut a dog's foot pads and cause serious injury. I have avoided this by covering the ramp top with a heavy towel whenever it is being used. This extra step in protection is not indicated anywhere in the instructions and should net even be necessary with a better design.

We bought this ramp for our 10 year old arthritic dog. It is very light and sturdy, but it has sharp edges that should have been covered with plastic. The ramp is covered with an anti-slip tape, like the kind on the edge of steps outdoors. The first time my dog used it the tape tore in several spots because she was grabbing the ramp with her claws as she walked up the new ramp. About a year later she missed her footing on the ramp and cut her paw badly and needed stitches. Vet bill - $500. (and she had to wear a cone on her head for several weeks.)

This is the best ramp I have used. Currently I have 4 that I use for a Pot Belly Pig.
This ramp is extremely light weight, easy to extend or close. It has a wavy surface with a non slip tread that is much better then carpet.
This ramp far exceeds the others i have used and the price is extremely reasonable

Very convenient and lightweight ...only problem I had was that when I was extending the ramp (this was the first time using it) I got my fingers stuck in b/w the two pieces - I scraped up my fingers pretty badly! Just have to be a little careful when adjusting it to its proper length

It's wonderful that this is so light to carry around and really is a great help for my dog. He easily learned how to go up and down the ramp too!

But, my husband cut his arm several times the first day we used it. It has these sharp edges that you'll have to tape up or do something to dull.

And part of the sand paper-like cover is already coming loose (at the first day).

Good price compared to the others though...

This dog ramp is working out fine but just one thing that could be improved. My dog has torn the sandpaper like covering on the ramp in his third assisted trip up into the truck, it should be a painted on anti-slip or a heavyer beltlike stuff, a dog of 60 pounds using the front legs to dig can tear it easly. Also, the two rubber end bumpers on the inside ramp, keep coming off--they need glued or something, other than that this is a great product and sure beats lifting an old pupy into the pickup.

Ramp arrived in good shape and timely manner. Reason for four stars is that we have not been able to use the ramp for the several years required for five stars.

Rusty is (we think) a golden retriever some city dweller dropped off on us on the timber farm here in East Texas, about eight months old now and takes both my wife and I to pick up and load into the higher bed of my modern '05 Toyota Tundra pickup. We're in our 60's. Problem will become worse as Rusty grows.

Ramp was easy to use. Friction surface is very effective, side rails lend both strength and a sense of security. Good strength, probably as advertised. Works fine in dirt and on a hard surface. When we bought, Amazon had the best price. There ain't many of these ramps out there.

Suggest storage out of direct sunlight, as UV breaks plastic down (retaining strap, etc.)In our case fits fine inside the truck behind the seat while traveling with the dog, and in the shop when not.

Pay close attention to the need to train your animal to use it. This can be very simple if your animal is not spoiled and wants to please you. In our case, one in the bed of the truck coaxing and one behind the dog using hands to direct and encourage. Took less than a minute and we made a game of it afterward. You could also use a treat or favorite toy as bait.

Final suggestion: don't just use the ramp for trips to the vet -- throw in some joy rides so trips don't get filed in the animal's head as harbingers of what to many is a very dreaded occasion...

Overall, both the design and construction quality of the Solvit Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp, in my view, are quite good. However, it doesn't work for our dog, as his feet slip and slide on the surface. As a result, he does not feel secure, and does not want to walk up or down the ramp. Regretfully, I'm back to picking him up to put him in the back of our Honda Pilot. We're going to try to add some other face material to the surface to see if it will eliminate the slip and slide problem.

My 12 year old, 90 pound male golden retriever is using the ramp easily after 4 days of training with treats. What made all the difference was to use 4 13x17 inch carpet samples on the extended ramp because he was spooked by the sandpaper-like finish. The carpet samples are exactly the right width for the ramp. As for the problems people experienced, i.e., sharp edges and poor design of the plastic slide stops, I have not experienced these. Granted, the workmanship isn't great, but it does the job for my dog. I bought the ramp at my local bricks and mortar PetSmart store because I wanted to be able to return it easily if it was damaged or my dog just wouldn't use it (sorry Amazon). BTW, I can easily handle it by myself and I'm a 5 foot, 125 pound, mid-60's female.

I purchased this dog ramp approximately 2 months ago & I am extremly dissaponted with this product.

I have had 3 incidents that I feel make it unsuitable for the market:

1. I pinched my finger as I was trying to telescope the ramp.
2. I gushed my finger with the harsh texture of the ramp & almost had to go to the hospital for stitching since the bleeding would not stop. My friend who also purchased the same ramp had a similar experience.
3. As I was taking out the ramp one day, my dog went underneath the ramp & hit her head with one of the corners. When she yelped I realized that the corner protectors had fallen & the aluminum is so sharp that it is an absolute hazard. She injured her eye & I had to take her to the vet.

My friend & I are returning both ramps.