Can an older dog get on the Dog Pad by themselves?Updated 2 hours ago

That is what the open option is for. Three sides have a raised bolster to lean on; the fourth has none, so it is a step up rather than a climb over. Strapped tight to the SmartDeck, that end sits low enough for an older or short-legged dog to board on their own, which can be the difference between the dog coming along and staying home.