What Car? Q&A - How can I help my dog get into our car?

Q: How can I help my elderly golden retriever get into my car? He's got arthritis and is overweight. The same could be said for me, and I'm no longer able to lift him in and out. Are there products available for this dilemma?
Gerald Atkins

A: There are a few options that might work for you. One is to get a step of the type used by caravanners, and see if he will use this to get up into the boot. Make sure you choose one with a non-slip plastic surface. These cost around £20.

Another idea is a pet ramp, which cost from £40-£100. See Scotts of Stow (www.scottsofstow.co.uk), Over the Top (www.overthetop.co.uk) or Pet Planet (www.petplanet.co.uk,) for some ideas.

Alternatively, you could get a special 'dog-step' fitted via your tow bar. One company that will build one for your car is Watling Engineers (www.tow-bars.co.uk). It has designed a reinforced aluminium step that slots into a discreet towbar attachment (without the ball) and secures with a bolt. It costs from around £300 and can be removed if you decide you no longer need it.