Get Running! Our Top 5 Dog Treadmills
Have you ever come home from a walk with your pup but your dog is still ready for more? It’s happened to everyone, and more than one person has probably wondered if they could just plop their pup onto their treadmill to work the rest of that energy off. Treadmills for dogs not only help to work off energy but can be a very useful tool in canne rehabilitation. If your dog is recovering from an injury, a treadmill is a way to get your dog using their muscles and joints in a controlled environment. It’s also a great tool for blind dogs and senior dogs who may not be able to run as freely.
Let’s dig into these unique exercise machines to share the best options with you.
What Are Dog Treadmills?
Dog treadmills are exactly what they sound like. These machines are specially built exercise equipment for pups, and they come in many sizes, styles, and shapes. Some are electric, and others are purely mechanical, so there’s something for everyone.
Why Would You Need a Treadmill for Dogs?
Doggy-specific treadmills have a variety of uses. Medically, they may be used to help dogs recover from surgery or injury. However, in your home, the most likely use will be to work off energy or supplement for walks when you don’t have time or can’t go outside. Like people, each dog has their own unique personality, and some are more energetic than others.
Treadmills for dogs negate this issue by providing pups with an outlet for their energy. When running on a treadmill, they engage their muscles and burn calories, so they’re also exercising! They’re especially handy for extreme weather conditions and urban life. However, Acadia Veterinary Center’s Doctor Lisa Benoit notes that doggy treadmills should not replace regular walks and exercise. This sentiment is well supported by other vets and studies.
Are Treadmills Good For Dogs?
So long as your pup’s treadmill is not their only form of exercise, treadmills can be a great way to keep your dog occupied. If you work away from home for long periods of time, your dog can easily burn off some of that excess energy by taking their own walk.
It should be noted that dog treadmills do not provide as much mental stimulation as a real walk. Outside of the training involved in making sure your pup knows how to use their new contraption, these exercise machines are mainly focused on wearing your pup out physically. As such, it’s still important to take regular outdoor walks, do training, and engage in play with your dog.
What Should I Look for in a Dog Treadmill?
If you think your energetic pup could benefit from time on a treadmill, you’ll need to find a good option for their particular needs. Before you settle on a dog treadmill, consider a few of these important factors.
Safety
First of all: never leave your pup unattended on a new dog treadmill!
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s dig into what safety means. Good dog treadmills will have safety features that prevent them from running too quickly. Electronic treadmills should have a way to turn off the machine completely, and mechanical options should have a way to lock the track. Additionally, dog treadmills should have a place to hook the dog to, preventing them from accidentally running off the front of the treadmill.
If the treadmill you’re interested in has these features, it’s a good sign it’s safely made.
Size
Treadmills for dogs are not one size fits all. You’ll need to do a bit of measuring, since you want to have at least a foot of clearance in front of and behind your pooch. This is especially important on electric treadmills, as this extra space prevents your pup from getting caught in the track’s machinery.
Speed
While mechanical treadmills will not frequently have speed controls, most electric options will come with pre-programmed settings. Be sure to find a treadmill that has a low, leisurely speed, as fast running alone can lead to injuries or entanglement. When your pup is just starting out, keep the speed low. As they get used to the treadmill, you can slowly increase the speed.
The Top 5 Dog Treadmills
Now that we’ve talked about what treadmills for dogs are like and what they do, let’s dig into where to get them. Some large pet stores will carry them, but we’ve rounded up a list of canine treadmills that you can buy online. Keep scrolling to see our top picks!
5. Shelandy Dog Treadmill
The Shelandy Pet Treadmill is one of the many affordable budget options on the market. At $350, this dog treadmill is great for casual use. It includes an overhead bar for a harness and an automatic 30 minute shutoff function. Reviewers love how easy it is to assemble, but they note that it is extremely heavy.
4. Petsite Dog Treadmill for Small & Medium Dogs
At $409.99, the Petsite Treadmill is on the lower end of the cost spectrum. In addition to its LCD display, this great electric option comes with a harness mount to prevent slippage. However, it is limited to small or medium dogs. Reviewers love its durability and relative ease of transport but warn that it is difficult to set up.
3. LifePro Dog Treadmill
Similar to the Petsite Dog Treadmill, the LifePro Dog Treadmill is an affordable and reliable option. At $399.99, it’s situated firmly within the budget category. While it only fits small to medium dogs, it is lauded for its durability, light weight, and reliability. Reviewers love the overhead harness bar and its reliability.
2. Techtongda Dog Treadmill
With an $815 price tag, Techtongda’s Dog Treadmill isn’t the most affordable pick. However, it makes up for its price with its versatility and quality. In addition to its sturdy overhead harness bar, this treadmill for dogs can fit pups of any size. It offers a generous amount of space for dogs to move around, and it even offers a variety of speeds to choose from. It’s worth knowing that this option is less portable than the others, and it is not intended for frequent carrying or travel.
1. dogPACER Treadmill
At $558.75, this electric treadmill for dogs may not be the best option on a budget, but it’s beloved by reviewers! Designed for dogs of all sizes, this simple dog treadmill can easily be folded up for transportation, and it retains its shape and sturdiness once properly set up. For smaller dogs, there is also a Miniature dogPACER treadmill. Both of these options combine the best features of a budget treadmill with the perks of a high end model.
The Verdict on Treadmills for Dogs
If your pup needs a bit of exercise or has too much energy, then these options are great ways to provide some enrichment. As with all things, you’ll need to do a bit of training, but many dogs thoroughly enjoy their time on their treadmills!
When you purchase a treadmill for your dog, be sure to closely follow all of the instructions. These are meant to protect your dog from injury. You should also consult with your personal veterinarian. They will be able to tell you if they think that your pup would benefit from a treadmill.
If you want to learn more about all of the products that you can buy for your pet, then be sure to head on over to our pet products page, where we discuss and review a variety of pet supplies. We love our dogs as part of the family, and we strive to make sure that they have the best lives possible!
Let’s quickly go over the products we discussed again:
| Name of Treadmill | Why I Love It | Price & Link to Buy |
| 1. dogPACER Treadmill | -Designed for dogs of all sizes -Can easily be folded up for transportation -it retains its shape and sturdiness once properly set up | $558.75 Buy It On Amazon |
| 2. Techtongda Dog Treadmill | -High quality & versatility -Sturdy overhead harness bar -Can fit pups of any size -Generous amount of space for dogs to move around + variety of speeds to choose from | $815 Buy It On Amazon |
| 3. LifePro Dog Treadmill | -Affordable and reliable -Durability, light weight, and reliability -Overhead harness bar *Only fits small to medium dogs | $399.99 Buy It On Amazon |
| 4. Petsite Dog Treadmill for Small & Medium Dogs | -Comes with harness mount to prevent slippage -Durability and relative ease of transport *Only fits small to medium dogs | $409.99 Buy It On Amazon |
| 5. Shelandy Dog Treadmill | -Affordable -Overhead harness bar -An automatic 30 minute shutoff function -Easy to assemble (but heavy) | $350 Buy It On Amazon |
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