Dogs need daily exercise, which entails a lot of commitment from you as the owner. But what happens when you can’t step outside with your dog?
Let’s face it, many hurdles like the weather, fatigue, or other preoccupations can make it difficult for you and your dog to go outdoors to exercise.
In comes treadmills for dogs! These equipment are useful to get your dog working out indoors (or in your yard), and expend the same energy as if it is running outdoors.
Treadmill running for dogs is a good way to get your pet a full-body workout when you don’t have time. The best part is, you don’t have to do much.
This article will walk you through the best dog treadmills that you can choose from, the benefits, factors to consider when buying a treadmill for your dog, and other important information you should know.
The Best Dog Treadmills
1. LifePro Dog Treadmill
The LifePro Dog Treadmill is effective for daily doggy exercise. Regardless of your schedule or how inappropriate the weather is, you can avoid having a restless dog by getting this treadmill to exercise well.
With more than 10 preset exercise programs, your dog will be stimulated both intellectually and mentally.
Safety is a priority with the LifePro treadmill. It comes with a safety key, as well as fabric side panels that keep your pet dog from being distracted.
There’s also an emergency stop button if something goes wrong, and you can set an automatic goal so the treadmill will stop when the goal is reached.
This prevents overtraining. The ultra-quiet motor also makes for a positive experience.
Pros
- Comes with an ultra-quiet motor
- Has an emergency stop button if something goes wrong
- Fabric side panel that keeps the dog from distraction
Cons
- Not suitable for large dogs
- Poor customer service
2. dogPACER LF 3.1 Dog Treadmill
Another tread that promises maximum result, dogPACER ensures that there are no obstacles to your dog getting the exercise it needs.
It is suitable for any dog that’s up to 180 pounds, and the treadmill itself is designed in a sleek style, making it easy to fold and carry around.
Because it allows your dog to have daily exercise irrespective of external conditions, the dogPACER keeps your dog at an ideal weight.
What’s more, it comes with a computer that features preset exercise programs. This makes it easy for you to control.
Pros
- Foldable, making it easy to carry
- Preset exercise programs
- Suitable for dogs up to 180 pounds
Cons
- Poor customer support
3. SHELANDY Pet Treadmill
The SHEDLANDY is suitable for dogs that are up to 25 inches in height, not counting the tail.
It is also affordable and convenient for both small and medium dogs. This gives your dog ample opportunity to shed weight without you breaking the bank.
SHEDLANDY’s speed can be set up to suit your dog’s needs, so you wouldn’t worry about Jackie getting exhausted from exercising.
With a speed range between 0.5 and 7.5 MPH, it can accommodate the energy level of different dogs. It comes with a harness and a leash-like attachment that keeps your dog from slipping off.
SHEDLANDY also has an automatic shut-off system. This prevents overtraining.
Pros
- Features that keep your dog from falling off
- Automatic shut-off system so your dog won’t overexert itself
- Affordable
Cons
- It is heavy
- The quality is not so good
4. C300WS Dog Treadmill
The C300WS is targeted toward giving your dog the maximum exercise it needs to retain an ideal weight and stay healthy.
It comes with 15 modes that can be adjusted to fit your dog’s needs, as well as a quiet driving system for dogs that are sensitive to sound.
This treadmill keeps safety in mind as a number one priority.
The handrails and guardrails help your dog stay on track, and there’s a safety key that can be used to stop the treadmill if something occurs.
What’s more, the C300WS is easy to assemble.
Pros
- 15 modes can be adjusted to fit your pet’s needs.
- Handrails and guardrails keep your dog on track.
- Dogs sensitive to sound won’t be scared because of the treadmill’s quiet features.
Cons
- None for now.
5. MLSJM Dog Treadmill
The MLSJM dog treadmill is another alternative for outdoor exercises when the latter is not possible.
It helps prevent obesity, keep ideal health, and meet your dog’s daily needs. This treadmill is suitable for small and medium-sized dogs, and won’t take up space.
MLSJM is also easy to operate, with a display that helps you keep track of speed and time.
The quiet driving system enables your dog to exercise without getting antsy over the sound.
The treadmill comes with a crossbar that ties your pet dog’s belt together, making exercise easier.
Pros
- Helps with obesity.
- Easy to operate.
- Has a quiet driving system for a positive experience.
Cons
- Not ideal for large dogs.
6. RLQ Treadmill Dog
The RLQ Treadmill shares the many qualities of the above-mentioned treadmills and goes further.
It is easy to assemble and use, especially with a display that shows you time, speed, calories, and distance.
The multiple modes setting is another feature that helps you adjust the treadmill for your dog’s benefit.
Another good attribute of the RLQ treadmill is the safety switch that can lock it up if anything should happen.
It also has railings that you can tie your dog’s leash to. RLQ is both useful and durable.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and use.
- Display that shows you time, speed, calories, and distance.
- Multiple modes can help you adjust.
- Safety switch to stop the treadmill if something happens.
Cons
- None for now.
7. GOPET PetRun PR720F
GOPET PetRun is suitable for pets that weigh up to 132 pounds, and it starts at a speed that your dog can climb confidently on, even if the said dog is prone to anxiety.
PetRun is also easy to store because of its auto-fold feature. The silent drive system makes every operation go quietly, further easing problems for any anxious dog.
PetRun comes with remote control, which is one of its best features in our opinion.
The remote control enables you to regulate the settings without having to step close to the machine.
It also has manual controls if for some reason the remote becomes deficient.
Pros
- Comes with remote control.
- Can make an anxious dog comfortable.
- Easy to store.
Cons
- None for now.
8. Goplus Dog Treadmill
The first advantage of the dog treadmill is the protective covers placed on both sides of the treadmill.
It is made of oxford cloth, which both stops your dog from falling off the treadmill and keeps it focused.
This is especially useful if you have a highly energetic dog that gets easily distracted.
The treadmill comes in 12 different modes, offering a variety of levels to suit the dog’s exercise level.
Goplus has an LCD that can be used to control the treadmill, as well as a remote control.
Goplus also ensures your dog stays safe with a safety key that can shut the treadmill off if you notice that your dog is in trouble.
There’s a stop button on the remote as well if you’re some distance away from the treadmill and need to switch it off.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Wheels that make for easy movement.
- Dual protective covers keep your dog safe and focused.
- Easily switch off the treadmill if necessary.
Cons
- Some dogs might be scared of climbing the treadmill.
- Not easy to store.
9. DFFng Dog Treadmill
DFFng has the advantage of being suitable for different dog sizes, as big dogs can use this treadmill without fear of it breaking down.
Durability is not an issue with the DFFng. This treadmill is also small and portable, which many see as a special feature because of the weight the DFFng can bear.
The speed can be regulated, and dogs that like going fast will enjoy this treadmill. The display shows both the speed and the time, and the motor is quiet.
There’s no remote control, but with the display, regulating the treadmill shouldn’t be a problem.
Pros
- Easy to operate.
- Durable.
- Display that shows speed and time.
- Suitable for dogs of all sizes.
Cons
- Doesn’t fold, making storage a problem.
- No remote control.
10. GOPET TreadWheel
The GOPET TreadWheel is technically not a treadmill, but it provides all the benefits you can get from a treadmill.
This tread wheel functions a lot like the wheel of a hamster, except that it’s made for a dog, not a rodent.
The best part about a tread wheel is that it can function without electrical power. Even if there’s a blackout, your dog can still exercise! It also reduces bills.
Because it isn’t electrically powered, your dog can be trained to use it at any time, even if you’re not home.
You should still supervise, however, as accidents can always happen. Accidents are more likely to occur with the tread wheel because the speed can’t be controlled.
Pros
- Can be used at any time.
- Can function both outdoors and indoors.
- Platform that stands stable and upright.
Cons
- Accidents can easily occur.
- More suitable for small dogs.
Why Do Dogs Need Treadmills?
Treadmills have a lot of benefits both for humans and for our canine friends.
If you’ve never thought about getting a treadmill for your dog, this might sound strange.
However, it’s both normal and healthy to get a treadmill for your dog.
Here are some reasons why your dog needs a treadmill:
- If you’re a very busy person or you have a dog with an energy level that you can’t handle, this might lead to the dog not getting enough exercise. Behavioral issues can result from this. A treadmill can resolve the problem by giving your dog an outlet to release its energy.
- Outdoor exercises are vital. However, weather changes might also limit how many outdoor activities you can do with your dog. During these periods, the dog needs a treadmill to exercise. [1]
- A treadmill is also good for stimulating your pet dog mentally. Some products come with preset exercises that would keep your dog interested for long. Treadmills build your dog’s focus as well.
- If you want your pet dog to partake in a show or competition, a treadmill is a good way to prepare it.
How Long Should a Dog be on a Treadmill?
The recommended time range for a dog to be on a treadmill is 5 to 20 minutes, depending on factors like size, health, age, and energy level.
There should be breaks at intervals for your dog to rest, and do not feed it immediately before or after the exercise to avoid health complications.
Before getting the treadmill, consult a veterinarian to know exactly how long your dog needs to stay on a treadmill.
We advise that you take it slow at the start so your dog will get accustomed to the movement.
Can Dogs Use Human Treadmill?
While a dog can use a human treadmill, it is not the best option.
The human treadmill is designed differently from dogs and has its size, shape, control, noise, speed, etc.
Can a dog use a human treadmill? Yes, but it is not advisable.
A dog’s treadmill was made specifically for dogs, and a good one will prioritize the dog’s safety, comfort, and health.
Even the controls and settings are fixed with the dog in mind, which isn’t the case with the human treadmill.
Take speed as an example. A human treadmill’s speed is fixed at levels that a human can handle.
A dog would either find it too easy or too stressful depending on its size.
A dog treadmill is tailored to fit the dog’s size, but that can’t happen with the human’s version.
The human treadmill is also noisy, and because many dogs are sensitive to sound, this can be disconcerting. The dog’s treadmill functions quietly in contrast.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Treadmill for Dogs
What are the things to look out for when buying the right treadmill?
Your pet deserves the best, yet you shouldn’t dry your wallet out while searching for the treadmill.
Therefore, here are some suggestions:
- Check the belt dimension or the size of the treadmill. The Chihuahua can’t use the same product as a Golden Retriever. Check out the running surface. It should be twice your dog’s length.
- While you consider the belt dimension, keep in mind your dog’s size too. Treadmills have weight requirements that the manufacturers usually state, which can help narrow your choice.
- The speed should be adjustable so you can easily set it to meet your dog’s needs. You can then make things challenging without overexerting the dog in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a puppy go on a treadmill?
It depends on the puppy’s age. A puppy less than 6 months doesn’t need extensive exercise and shouldn’t be on a treadmill.
When the puppy is over 6 months, it can go on a treadmill. However, the speed should remain at a minimum level.
Are treadmills safe?
A high-quality treadmill that was well designed is safe for dogs, so you should ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth. Be wary of treadmills that are too cheap.
While you should remain within your budget, a treadmill that’s too affordable may not be of high quality.
How do I introduce my dog to the treadmill?
You must be patient when you want your dog to get accustomed to the treadmill. Some dogs will find it easier than others.
Give it a chance to observe the treadmill when it’s switched off and encourage it to climb on the walking surface.
It might take a few days for the dog to get accustomed to the treadmill, so give it the time it needs. Use treats and other forms of positive reinforcement to encourage it.
Final Thoughts
The existence of treadmills for dogs is good news for busy dog owners or those who can’t go outdoors for many reasons.
Amidst the 10 best dog treadmills we listed, you’re sure to find one that should be a good fit for your dog.
Follow our additional suggestions too for a more positive experience. You can also explore other ways to exercise your dog indoors.
Also See:
Dog Stretching Exercises: 6 Simple Ways To Stretch Your Dog
