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Daily exercise is paramount to keeping your dog happy and healthy and a daily dog walk is most dog owners’ exercise of choice. But what happens when you can’t get outside with your pup? Perhaps the weather is too extreme or you’re recovering from an injury. That’s where dog treadmills come into play.
Though a dog treadmill will never replace the enrichment a dog gets from being outside, smelling all the exciting scents, it has become a handy tool for dog owners who want to exercise their dog indoors when going outdoors is not an option.
What are the best dog treadmills?
1. DogPACER Treadmill – Best overall dog treadmill
DogPACER Treadmill Features
The DogPACER Treadmill 3.1 is the ideal way for your furry friend to get the necessary exercise they require indoors. It is safe and affordable and will be a great tool for any dog that needs an extra energy outlet or to shed a few lbs.
The treadmill also operates much more quietly than other dog treadmills which is perfect for dogs who get anxious at loud noises. This feature will help your dog get accustomed to their new gadget by removing any stress-inducing loud noises.
The treadmill has adjustable speeds ranging from 0.5 to 7.5 miles per hour which go up in 0.1mph increments. It is lightweight (84.4 Lbs) and foldable which makes it easy to pack up and store away when not in use.
This dog treadmill also has wheels which makes it the best dog treadmill for dog owners who can’t get outside due to their own injuries or disabilities. The lightweight treadmill can be rolled into place with little effort allowing them to recover whilst still exercising their dog.
The treadmill has 4 adjustable incline settings between 5 and 9 degrees. Unlike human treadmills, however, these incline settings are manual which means you have to lift the treadmill to lock the legs in place for a different angle.
2. DogPACER Minipacer Treadmill – Best treadmill for small dogs
DogPACER Minipacer Treadmill Features
From the makers of DogPACER comes the mini edition but don’t be fooled, this treadmill for smaller dogs still has a weight capacity of 55lbs. With all the same frills as the DogPACER treadmill, this Minipacer option is best for dog owners who have small dogs and small living areas.
The running belt is about half the size of the medium dogs’ treadmill because a smaller dog’s stride isn’t as long. The speed increments remain the same as the bigger one (0.5- 7.5 mph) but there is only one incline setting of 4.5 degrees.
Just like with the large dogs’ treadmill, this Minipacer comes with a safety key which means the treadmill will only turn on when the safety key is in place on the control panel. This stops the treadmill from being accidentally switched on and causing injuries when you’re not around.
3. GoPet Petrun PR725 – Best treadmill for large dogs
GoPet Petrun PR725 Features
The GoPet Petrun PR725 is the go-to treadmill for large dogs. It has a long track of 71″ and a maximum speed of 10 mph which is perfect for dogs with longer strides.
The GoPet Petrun is made of high-quality, sturdy materials making it much more durable for larger dogs and has tall metal railings to prevent them from jumping off. It also comes with a remote control that can adjust the speed of the treadmill which is an added benefit.
The downside of this treadmill for large dogs is it doesn’t come with a safety key that can clip onto the dog’s collar. However, it does come with an emergency shut-off button on both the unit and the remote control. If you are looking for a treadmill for extra large dogs then the GoPet PR730 might be for you. This one has a maximum capacity of 264 lbs!
What are dog treadmills?
An indoor dog treadmill is an exercise machine for walking or running your dog. It is like a human treadmill but is specifically designed for dogs. They come with adjustable speeds and inclines, as well as safety features such as side rails and safety keys. From the length of the treadmill to the speeds it can go, everything is designed to give your dog the best experience whilst working out.
Benefits of a dog treadmill
1. Exercise during bad weather
You may find it very difficult to get out and walk your dog in extreme weather conditions such as snowstorms or heat waves. A good alternative to this is a dog treadmill so your dog doesn’t have to miss out on their daily exercise.
2. Weight loss
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, a survey conducted in 2021 found that 39% of dog owners considered their dogs overweight or obese even though numerous reports indicated that actually over 50% of dogs are overweight. A dog treadmill is a good option for those dogs who need to shed some lbs as it increases their overall energy expenditure and physical activity. By starting slow and increasing the length of a treadmill workout over time, an overweight pup can start to see some good weight loss results in a short span of time.
3. Owner disability
If you have an injury or disability which is preventing you from walking your dog outside then a dog treadmill is a good alternative until you are back on your feet.
Can dogs use a human treadmill?
No, it is incredibly unsafe for dogs to use human treadmills. Dogs and humans have different walking and running gaits and a dog will find using a human treadmill uncomfortable. If you stand side-by-side to your dog and see how much longer they are, you can see why they need a much longer running track which human treadmills don’t have.
Additionally, the safety features on human treadmills, such as the emergency shut-off switch, are designed for people and may not be effective for dogs. This can create a potential hazard of the dog getting injured or trapped on the treadmill.
What to consider when buying a dog treadmill
1. Safety
Look for safety features such as emergency stop buttons and safety keys. Safety keys can be clipped onto your dog’s collar in case of emergencies. If your dog comes off the treadmill whilst the safety key is attached to their collar, it will automatically switch the treadmill off which will prevent your dog from climbing back onto a moving treadmill. These features will help prevent accidents and ensure that your dog stays safe during their indoor exercise.
2 Size
Make sure that the treadmill is the right size for your dog. This is most important for large dogs. Measure the length of your dog and compare it to the treadmill’s specifications to ensure that the treadmill is suitable for them. A large dog will need a longer and wider belt to accommodate their longer stride and larger gait.
It is also important to check the weight capacity of the dog treadmill to make sure it will be able to withstand your dog’s weight. This is especially important for overweight dogs looking to shed some pounds on their new dog treadmill.
3. Speed
Consider the speed range of the treadmill. Most treadmills range from 0.5 to 7.5 mph. The higher the maximum speed, the better it will be for larger and more active dogs.
4. Incline
Adjustable inclines provide a more challenging workout for your dog, so look for a treadmill with an adjustable incline feature.
5. Storage
If you are a bit short on space then it might be worth looking for a dog treadmill that collapses and can be stored upright so it doesn’t take up as much room.
How long should a dog be on a treadmill?
When using a dog treadmill, as a general rule of thumb, it’s best to start with 5-10 minute walks and gradually increase the length as your pup builds up their endurance.
You should always keep an eye on your dog throughout the workout and stop when you see them becoming uncomfortable or are beginning to look for ways to get off the treadmill.
Final thoughts
A dog treadmill can be a great way to give your pup more exercise. It is important to consider safety, size, speed range and other features when buying a treadmill for your dog. Always start slow with 5-10 minute walks and gradually increase the length as your pup builds up their endurance.
Finally, human treadmills are not suitable for dogs due to their differences in stride and weight distribution. With the right training, a dog treadmill can be an effective and safe way to exercise your dog indoors.
