Dog & Drive UK Ltd has announced the global launch of its patented folding stair system designed to prevent joint injuries in dogs while entering and exiting vehicles, particularly the higher sport utility vehicles. The stairs, developed by a veterinarian husband and carbon fibre production specialist wife, in consultation with other veterinary experts, addresses a critical gap in pet transportation safety identified by a 2018 Hartpury University study and white paper, the company said in a press release.
The wide carbon-fibre stairs provide a stable platform that mirrors natural canine movement patterns, the company said. Oxford-based Dog & Drive specializes in innovative pet transportation solutions. The company focuses on preventing joint injuries and enhancing canine mobility through evidence-based design approaches.
According to its press release, the design breakthrough came after extensive research showed that traditional car entry methods contribute significantly to skeletal damage, arthritis, and ligament deterioration in dogs. Cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, injuries are among the top reasons pet owners see veterinarians for surgical consultations, the company said. Unlike in people, CCL injuries in canines are usually caused by degeneration of the ligament over time and can result from normal daily activity, it said.
“Our mission is to ensure dogs maintain their skeletal mobility so they remain part of the family for as long as possible,” the company said in the release. “The system transforms how dogs enter and exit vehicles, protecting their long-term joint health while offering a practical solution for owners.”
Following 18 months of rigorous testing in the German home market, the system features a pioneering single-leg design that ensures superior stability on uneven surfaces, too. The stairs fold efficiently for storage, addressing both practical needs and safety concerns. The company said the stairs not only make it easy for dogs to get in and out of a vehicle, but also perform the functions of a dog crate and ensure safety and comfort. “Our steps offer a firm footing and do not need to be dismantled and stowed away, making them more practical and safer than a dog ramp. In addition, we offer tailored dog cushions that ensure optimum lying comfort and increase safety by cushioning the impact in the event of an accident,” it said on its website.
Research indicates that unrestrained pets pose significant risks during travel. At just 30 mph, a 50-pound (about 23 kg) border collie can generate impact force equivalent to nine 12-stone (76 kg) men in a collision. The Dog & Drive system specifically targets this safety concern with built-in harness anchors while preventing joint stress and cruciate ligament damage from repeatedly jumping down.
“Early adoption in Germany has demonstrated remarkable success,” said Damon Oorloff, the company’s public relations and marketing director. “Pet owners report their dogs, previously left at home due to mobility challenges, can now travel confidently and safely.” Orloff told TheSnout.in that the product is shipped worldwide, including to India. However, the shipping charges are quite steep at nearly £450, or about Rs48,000, as the package weighs about 32 kg.
The launch of the stairs follows a December 2023 US patent grant and successful implementation across European markets. The system particularly benefits dog breeds that are prone to joint issues, such as German shepherds and Labradors, offering a preventive approach to common conditions like osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia.
SOURCE: PR Newswire
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