One of our readers recently asked us to recommend a dog treadmill for her home, as she is located in an area that gets very hot in the summertime and her four-legged friend, an Australian Shepherd, just gets too overheated. Now of course, our expertise is human treadmills, but we did a little research into the topic that will hopefully help all of you looking for indoor exercise options for your pooch.
A treadmill designed specifically for dogs is generally the better option. Dog treadmills are built around a dog’s stride and body position, and many include features such as side panels, lower running surfaces and safety controls designed specifically for canine use.
As with any exercise program, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian first, especially if your dog is older, overweight, recovering from an injury or has an existing health condition. And needless to say, dogs should always be supervised while using a treadmill.
How is a Dog Treadmill Different?
As you are hopefully aware, dogs have four legs and humans have two. 🙂 Humans also stand erect while walking, jogging and running, while dogs are on all fours. So the way we train and our strides are completely different than those of our furry companions.
For starters, the running surface or belts of dog treadmills tend to be longer or shorter than those on a traditional model. On some of the better models for larger dogs you’ll find lengths of 70″ or more. Compare that to the longest traditional treadmills that are 60″ maximum. So you’re getting at least an additional 10″ to accommodate the four-legged stride of a dog. Treadmills for smaller dogs, like Toy breed, might have a 30″ belt, which is plenty of room to accommodate their smaller strides.
Another major difference you’ll find is the side panels, which traditional treadmills do not have. Sometimes it’s just a bar, other times it’s a complete side panel that will keep your dog focused and looking forward, removing distractions that might otherwise take his attention away from his training.
Also, treadmills for dogs tend to be a lot more basic than conventional machines, simply because dogs don’t need certain features and many of the bells and whistles that appeal to us and make us choose one machine over another. There are no hand rails, no fancy consoles with touch screens and internet, no music, fans, water bottle holders.
The typical dog treadmill will weigh about 80 or 90 pounds…compare that to 300+ pounds of a regular treadmill. So these are very basic machines built solely to provide indoor exercise for your dog.
What Dog Treadmills Should You Consider?
There are a lot more dog treadmills available today than there were when we first wrote this article, including quite a few inexpensive models from brands you may not recognize. Since our expertise is human treadmills rather than dog treadmills, we’re hesitant to recommend a long list of models that we haven’t personally used.
One current option that stands out is the LifePro PawRunner, an electric dog treadmill designed primarily for smaller dogs. It’s a relatively compact machine with speeds from 0.5 to 7.5 mph, three manual incline levels and 12 preset exercise programs.
The PawRunner also has side panels to help keep your dog focused, along with a remote control, safety key and emergency stop button. LifePro recommends it for dogs weighing up to 130 lbs., although you’ll want to pay close attention to your dog’s actual size and stride rather than weight alone. The company lists a maximum recommended pet length of 29.5 inches.
At around $400, it’s also considerably less expensive than some of the larger specialty dog treadmills on the market.
Check the current price and reviews for the LifePro PawRunner here.
What About Treadmills for Larger Dogs?
If you have a larger dog, the LifePro PawRunner may simply be too small, regardless of its stated weight capacity. Larger breeds need enough running room to comfortably accommodate their longer stride.
There are larger dog treadmills available, including both electric models and non-motorized slatmills. If you’re shopping for one, pay close attention to the actual dimensions of the running surface rather than choosing a treadmill based on weight capacity alone.
We’d also recommend reading current owner reviews carefully, particularly with some of the lesser-known brands. Look for feedback from owners with dogs similar in size to yours and pay attention to comments about stability, noise, belt movement and how comfortable dogs seem using the machine.
Treadmills For Dogs – Summary
Whether it’s because the weather is too hot or cold, you need another way to keep an active dog moving, or your veterinarian has recommended controlled exercise, a dog treadmill can be a useful indoor exercise option.
It shouldn’t necessarily replace walks, outdoor play and all of the mental stimulation your dog gets from being outside, but it can be a good supplement when getting enough outdoor exercise isn’t practical.
Most importantly, choose a treadmill that’s appropriately sized for your dog, introduce it gradually and always supervise your dog while it’s being used. If you’re considering a treadmill for rehabilitation, weight loss or because of a health issue, talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate amount and intensity of exercise first.
