Whether a ramp or steps are better for your dog depends on several factors, mainly your dog’s health and mobility. Below are some things to consider to help you decide:
Ramp:
Ramps are generally easier on a dog's joints, especially for older dogs or those with arthritis. They provide a gentle incline, which can be less strenuous than climbing steps.
Using a ramp requires less effort for your dog to ascend or descend compared to steps.
The only downside is that most ramps need more space than steps, which might not fit in smaller areas.
Steps:
Steps can be beneficial if your dog is young and has no injuries or joint issues.
They are a good choice if you are being proactive in reducing the stress on joints whilst your dog is still young, and they tend to be more compact for smaller spaces.
In general, if your dog has joint problems, arthritis, or is older, a ramp is a better choice. For young, healthy dogs, steps might work well, provided they are of the right height and design for your dog.
Either option will reduce the impact on your dogs joints and it is better to start them using it earlier rather than later!