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What qualities make the best dog treadmills? For pet parents or new owners of sporting dogs, finding the safest and most effective mill can appear daunting. Pet treadmills have their uses in extreme weather that may cause a dog to avoid going outside, or for temporary use after an owner’s injury that may inhibit them from offering all the exercise their pet needs.
The best dog treadmills are sturdy, suitable for your dog’s weight, offer ample running space, and come with safety features. A good mill is designed with your pet in mind, which is why we recommend a dog treadmill over using a human one for your pet. Ready to find out more? Read on with us today!
6 Best Treadmills for Dogs
Our list of the best dog treadmills is compiled with the average pet parent in mind. As such, these treadmills may not cater to the more high-intensity needs of sporting and working dogs. For working dogs, slatmills are often a better fit.
Our Top Pick:
The dogPACER Minipacer is a favorite among pet parents of small dogs. This mill is competitively priced andcomes with a lifetime warranty for the frame. With its three exercise settings and 0.1 mph speed increments, you have total control over your dog’s exercise.
| Product Name | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| dogPACER MiniPACER Treadmill | 38″ running area, 55lbs weight limit | 5.0 |
| dogPACER 91641 LF 3.1 | 71″ running area, 180lbs weight limit | 4.9 |
| LifePro Dog Treadmill Small Dogs | 38.2” running area, 150lbs weight limit | 4.8 |
| PETSITE Dog Treadmill | 36” running area, 200lbs weight limit | 4.7 |
| Goplus Dog Treadmill | 28” running area, 200lbs weight limit | 4.6 |
| SRFDD Dog Treadmill | 57” running area, 200lbs weight limit | 4.5 |
1. dogPACER MiniPACER Treadmill
DogPACER’s Minipacer dog treadmill has been created with small dogs and small spaces in mind. This sturdy treadmill made with carbon steel can support dogs weighing up to 55 lbs. Your smaller pup has shorter legs, so it’s important for them to start walking at a slow speed to begin. This treadmill’s slowest speed is 0.5 mph, which is slow enough for most smaller dog breeds. These increments only increase by 0.1 mph, so it’s not too jarring for your pooch. Furthermore, the Minipacer is portable and is a lighter weight at 61 lbs. And, as a bonus for peace of mind, this purchase includes a one-year warranty on the parts and craftmanship of the treadmill. A lifetime warranty also applies to the treadmill’s frame.
One of the downsides of the Minipacer is the non-adjustable incline. While other dogPACER treadmills are adjustable, this smaller treadmill is not.
Pros
- LCD display
- 0.1mph speed increments
- Competitive pricing
- One-year warranty on parts
- Lifetime warranty for frame
- Three exercise settings
- Suitable for dogs up to 55 lbs
- Foldable for easy storage
Cons
- Fixed incline of 4.5 degrees
- Flimsier side railing
2. dogPACER 91641 LF 3.1 Full-Size Dog Pacer Treadmill
DogPACER’s LF 3.1 Folding Dog Treadmill is the perfect item for your dog weighing up to 180 lbs. This treadmill folds is lightweight and compact with its sleek and practical design. Its onboard computer offers pre-set exercise programs for your dog, but you can also create your own. Like dogPACER’S Minipacer, the LF 3.1 treadmill speed can change in 0.1 mph increments. This means that you don’t risk jarring your dog if you increase the speed.
One of the main downsides to this treadmill is its weight. Some pet parents might struggle with removing the item from the box as it weighs 90 lbs. Also, another customer review states that the corners of the track are sharp and could pose a risk to your dog if they slip.
Pros
- LCD display
- 0.1 mph speed increments
- Competitive pricing
- One-year warranty on parts
- Lifetime warranty for frame
- Three exercise settings
- Suitable for dogs up to 180 lbs
- Foldable for easy storage
Cons
- Heavier treadmill weight
- Some sharper corners
3. LifePro Dog Treadmill Small Dogs
LifePro’s Dog Treadmill is an excellent option for more timid pups with its quiet motor. It also features 12 preset exercise programs for a more dynamic experience. Positive reviews commend this product for how easy it is to set up and how user-friendly it is. It also fits in small spaces, making it ideal for smaller households. With a safety key for emergency stops and a remote control for adjustments, this treadmill is one of the safest on the market for your furry friend. Lastly, this treadmill can exercise dogs weighing up to 150 lbs.
The main customer complaints are with faulty parts on delivery. While customer service is available, a few pet parents report not receiving their replacement treadmill after contacting the seller. We also note that the lowest speed setting is 0.5 mph. Also, other treadmills on the market allow for much smaller increments of 0.1 mph.
Pros
- Quiet motor
- Key for emergency stops
- Remote control increases speed
- 0.5 to 7.5 mph speeds
- 12 preset exercise programs
- Suitable for dogs up to 150 lbs
Cons
- Occasional issues with parts not working
- Lowest speed of 0.5 mph
4. PETSITE Dog Treadmill, Pet Dog Running Machine for Small & Medium-Sized Dogs
PETSITE’S dog treadmill is ideal for small or medium-sized dogs. With its impressively high weight capacity of 200 lbs, this treadmill is versatile and sturdy. It features an LCD display that shows your dog’s speed, time elapsed, calories burned, and overall distance. As well as this, it features a safety key for emergency stops and side panels for additional protection. Also, this treadmill features 12 preset exercise programs as well as three training modes. Lastly, this treadmill is set apart by its adjustable height. There is a flat ground, slope climbing, and long-distance race program for managing the inclination.
The main downside to PETSITE’s treadmill is that it is not returnable. Also, some customers report issues with poor customer service and slow response times. Others report that the treadmill stops working after a few uses.
Pros
- For small to medium-sized dogs
- Weight capacity of 200 lbs
- LCD display
- 12 preset programs
- Three training modes
- Adjustable incline
- Safety key for emergency stops
Cons
- Non-returnable product
- Occasional issues with product not working
5. Goplus Dog Treadmill, Pet Running Machine
GoPlus’ dog treadmill is a reliable and sturdy treadmill for small to medium sized dogs weighing up to 200 lbs. With a total of 12 different modes, this treadmill can meet your pup’s needs with ease. It also features three base heights and has wheels for easier movement. Also, a remote control allows for wireless adjustments. Its LCD display also shows your dog’s speed, time elapsed, distance, and calories burned. And, lastly, it comes with a safety key and an emergency stop button on the remote.
Although this treadmill has a high weight limit, it’s only long enough for a small or medium pup. It’s also a little bulkier than others on our list. We also note that there is no warranty information available for this product.
Pros
- For small or medium dogs
- Comes with 12 modes
- Adjustable incline
- Wheels for easy transport
- Remote control for wireless increments
- Safety key for emergency stops
- LCD display
Cons
- No warranty information is available
6. SRFDD C300W Dog Treadmill, Fitness Pet Dog Running Machine
The SRFDD C300W dog treadmill is perfect for larger dogs. With its weight capacity of 200 lbs and a 57-inch running space, your dog has plenty of space to run with full strides. It offers speeds of 0.49 mph to 7.5 mph and its digital display allows you to monitor your dog’s speed, distance, and time elapsed. As well as this, the motor is said to be quiet, helping to keep your pooch confident on their walk or run. Its built-in wheels allow for easy transport as well.
Because this treadmill is larger in size, it’s also heavier in weight. This treadmill weighs around 100 lbs. It also has a higher price tag than other treadmills on our top picks list. The listing does not describe any pre-set exercise modes.
Pros
- For larger dogs
- Wheels for easy transport
- Safety key for emergency stops
- LCD display
Cons
- Non-adjustable incline
- Heavier weight
- Higher price tag
- No pre-set exercise modes
What are Dog Treadmills?
As the name clearly implies, they are special treadmills for dogs that have features to bring our pets a good exercise session while keeping them safe. They are a great alternative when you cannot walk your dog. They allow your dog to walk, run or even sprint, and they come in the following types:
- Motorized dog treadmills: Automated, plenty of settings to regulate speed and incline as well as the duration of the workout; however, they are expensive and can be dangerous because the dog is not in control
- Mechanical dog treadmills: They are safer as the dog is in control and they can regulate the speed as they please. Furthermore, it promotes a natural height, and therefore, it will help your dog to maintain a proper posture
Both types have pros and cons, but the cons of the motorized dog treadmill can be solved by supervising your pet during the entire exercise session. The benefits of dog treadmills for the life of your pet are multiple:
- Ideal for exercise when the day is rainy
- Perfect for dogs that are undergoing physical therapy
- It makes weight management easy as you can bring your pet a workout whenever needed
- They help your dog to form an adequate gait (however it only applies to the dog-powered treadmill)
- Excellent for customizable fitness plans, as you can even get a dog sprinting on a treadmill, which is ideal to develop the explosive power of your pet, in case you are training it for a competition or show
As you can see, these treadmills are special and packaged with plenty of benefits. However, you need to learn how to choose the right one.
Why Do Dogs Need a Treadmill?
For owners of sporting dogs, the treadmill is an invaluable piece of equipment. A treadmill can be very hard work for a dog, so their endurance must be built up gradually. However, treadmill training, especially through the use of a dog-powered slat mill, is excellent for muscle building and toning. The treadmill, as useful as it is, should be used in conjunction with other exercise methods. It’s important to note that dog treadmills are banned in several states. This is because treadmills are a tool that many dogfighters use to condition their dogs. For example, possession of a slat mill is illegal in New York if there is proof of intent to use it for dog fighting purposes.
For companion dogs, treadmills can be a great way to moderately exercise them. This is especially useful when the outdoors threatens extreme weather, or for conditioning before a long hike. Some dog shelters use treadmills for dogs who struggle with anxiety and repetitive barking. However, a dog treadmill is not a replacement for regularly walking your dog. Some dogs will become bored on a treadmill – they naturally want to sniff and play games, and these stimuli are restricted when working a treadmill. There is no substitute for a mentally stimulating walk or jog.
Keep in mind that motorized treadmills are not for puppies or adolescent dogs. Treadmills encourage repetitive motion, and your dog is not setting the pace themselves – therefore, you risk putting undue pressure on your growing dog’s joints. This can lead to joint disorders later on. Keep to regular walks, always monitoring your puppy’s range of motion and stamina.
How to Choose the Right Treadmill for Your Dog
Choosing the right exercise equipment can appear daunting. However, there are a few key things to look out for. These include the size of the unit, its stability, its speed adjustability, and low noise.
Size
Your dog’s treadmill should measure at least two times the length of its body. You can measure your dog, then multiply this by 2.5 to find the best treadmill deck length. For exercise, your dog needs to be able to exhibit a full range of motion. Without ample space, your dog risks restricting their range of motion as it will learn to move with a shorter, more uncomfortable gait.
Stability
One of the most important qualities of a good dog treadmill is stability. Every experience with the treadmill should be a good one. If your dog suffers a fall, or the mill’s instability causes a scare, it can take a long time to regain your dog’s confidence – especially if they are of a more nervous disposition. As well as this, a good treadmill will be able to handle your dog’s weight. While a treadmill may be able to hold more weight than the manufacturer states, the additional strain can wear out the motor much faster. It can also cause the treadmill to fail at its weakest link, causing it to tilt or run poorly. Having a dog who exceeds the weight limit will likely also void your warranty, as the damage to the motor is not a quality issue on the manufacturer’s part.
Adjustable Speed
Another essential quality of a good dog treadmill is adjustable speed settings. When introducing your pup to a treadmill, it’s important to start slow. You need to start with a pace that is comfortable for your dog to gradually build endurance and make the experience as calm as possible. As your dog gains confidence, the speed can increase over time – to achieve running or jogging, a mill would need to exceed 5 or 6 mph.
Low Noise
As dogs are very sensitive to noise, it’s important for a dog treadmill to be quiet when it runs. Many dogs will be apprehensive of the new equipment, with its new noises and movements posing a possible threat to them. You need to create a fun and relaxed climate for your dog, so a calm environment will come along with a low-noise machine.
Dog Treadmills: FAQs
Have any more questions or concerns about the best dog treadmills? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more details. If in doubt about your pet’s exercise regime, contact your professional trainer or veterinarian for advice.
While some dogs may be able to use a human treadmill, it is not recommended. There are several differences between the two units that make the dog version more suitable for dogs. For example, a human treadmill often has a shorter track surface to accommodate our shorter gait. As well as this, human treadmills may not offer slow enough speeds for smaller dogs. Another point is that human treadmills do not always offer side rails, especially not rails that meet your dog’s height – a good pet treadmill will have sturdy side panels for safety. Overall, a dog-specific unit is designed to offer proper safety measures, support, and length that meet your pet’s needs.
Whether your pet would benefit from a treadmill or not depends on their activity levels and working status. There is no replacement for regular walks with your dog. Your dog needs plenty of mental stimulation, including sniffing about, seeing new things, and meeting other people. Indoor exercise equipment greatly restricts these stimuli for your pooch. If your dog is not adequately satisfied after a walk, it’s recommended to incorporate other forms of interaction with them. These might include sniff work, playing with toys, or obedience training.
There is generally no harm in walking your pup on a treadmill. However, you cannot leave your pet unattended under any circumstances. This will mean supervising your pet for the maximum of 30 minutes they should spend walking on the mill. Always monitor your pet’s respiratory rate and watch their tongue color to be sure that they are not overexerting themselves. It’s normal for your pup to be tired after working out, but over exhaustion is not good. Watch them for signs of stiffness, pain, and abnormal gait. As well as monitoring your dog for its safety, you must not tether your dog to a treadmill using a collar and leash. If your dog slips or attempts to leave, they risk suffering injury or strangulation.
The length of the unit’s belt is important because it allows your dog to maintain their natural stride length. As such, the belt should be longer than your dog’s stride length. For example, a large dog with a stride length of 6.5′ should have a treadmill with a belt longer than 7′. A belt that is shorter than necessary will lead to restricted strides and thus an abnormal gait.
The introduction of a young dog to a treadmill can be a long process. The key is to not rush your dog into using it. With the right guidance, many dogs will adjust to using it, some even becoming excited to hop on and run. When starting your dog on the mill, they should be wearing a harness that is securely linked to the overhead bar. Encourage your dog to focus on the task by holding high-value treats in front of its nose. Your dog may take some time to get used to the ground moving beneath them. Verbal encouragement is also highly beneficial. As your dog gets more comfortable, you can slowly raise the speed.
The best treadmills for dogs are made with your furry friend in mind. They are safe to use, sturdy, can hold their weight, and come with emergency stops.