Best Dog Treadmills - Features, Benefits, and Dangers
Most dog owners may think that it’s good if their pet gets around 60 minutes of exercise per day. However, most of them don’t know that their dogs need twice that to stay in optimum health. However, unfortunately, although any dog owner would love to do that for their pup, most of them don’t get enough time for the same.
But they need not worry as they can achieve this with dog treadmills. Dog treadmills are an excellent way to add to the dog’s exercise time, burn off surplus calories, lose extra weight and even turn a dog into an athlete!
However, dog treadmills can be pricey. Therefore, the decision of buying or building one needs a lot of thought. However, once bought or built, a dog treadmill makes a great tool for any dog owner who is short of time and their pups need to be exercised in added amount.
Updated: October 3, 2022.
Risks for Overweight Dogs
Being overweight or obese is just as common among dogs as it is among humans. A 2014 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention says that more than 50% of dogs are either overweight or obese.
When they weigh 15% or more over their standard weight, dogs are considered overweight. And when they are 30% or more over their standard weight, they’re considered obese.
The causes of being overweight or obese are also the same as that in humans, i.e. they consume more calories in the form of food than they spend in the form of exercise or any physical activity.
However, there are other causes too. For example, older female dogs that have been neutered are likely to become obese. In general, dogs that are neutered are at a higher risk of obesity than those that aren’t, perhaps because of a changed metabolism and hormones. Dog owners who get their pups neutered should also make sure their pets get enough exercise.
Age also may play a role in obesity. Just like humans, dogs become less active with age and also lose lean body mass. So, their diet needs to be adjusted. Dog owners, with the help of their vets, should design a nutrition plan that will satiate their doggies while maintaining their weight at the same time.
Another low-risk factor that has a role to play in canine obesity is their breed. Active breeds like retrievers, spaniels, terriers, and hounds are less likely to become overweight or obese than other less active breeds.
Health and Behavioral Problems Caused by Obesity
More severe than the problem of looking bad are the health and behavioral problems in fat dogs. Obese dogs may develop arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, breathing problems, diabetes, orthopedic issues, and even some types of cancers. These disorders may occur singly or in combination but ultimately cause an early death.
An overweight or obese dog is bored and unhappy and may show some unwanted behaviors like play biting, barking or whining to seek attention, jumping on furniture or people, destructive chewing, scratching and/or digging, playing too rough, or getting into garbage. In such a case, the dog owner should not consider their dog hyperactive but must think if they are giving their dog enough exercise.
How much Exercise does a Dog Need?
There is no set amount of exercise applicable to all dogs. It depends on several factors including the dog’s age, weight, breed, and overall health.
Moreover, no two dogs are equal. Any dog is a tiny individual and she has her own needs.
Let’s consider these factors one by one.
Age
Age should be primarily considered because it influences a dog’s energy level, which in turn determines how much exercise a dog can handle. Puppies are extremely energetic and hence need a lot of exercise, whereas a fully mature dog needs just the baseline for her breed. Once a dog becomes older i.e. around 7-8 years of age, although he needs exercise, his exercise time should be reduced by 20%-30%.
Weight
Dogs having a normal weight for their size or breed should be given the standard amount of exercise whereas overweight or obese dogs should be given 20%-30% less exercise than the standard amount.
Breed
Dogs of most breeds need at least 60 minutes of exercise a day if they are fully mature. The reason for this is that these breeds have a working, sporting, or herding background. They have a lot of innate energy and therefore need a lot of physical activity i.e. exercise to remain physically as well as mentally healthy.
However, there are exceptions. Giant breeds, toy breeds, and some types of hounds don’t need that much exercise.
Overall Health
Fully mature dogs can actually do a full standard amount of workouts. However, dog owners should make sure they customize their dog’s exercise if the dog is older and have certain health problem. For example, a dog with arthritis will need a different type of exercise that a healthy dog won’t.
Why Dog Treadmills?
Although most dogs need at least 60 minutes of exercise, 120 minutes (2 hours) is actually the ideal time. However, taking a dog out for 2 hours is practically impossible for most dog owners.
People have to spend a lot of their time in work, home responsibilities, and basic survival chores, like cooking, eating, sleeping, using washrooms, etc. Then they also need to sleep to do all of these the next day. To add to this, there are factors like weather which may prevent them from going outside.
Dressing oneself and the dog for taking him out and taking everything off after returning take up another chunk of time.
Physical limitations too can come in the way. People may have certain disabilities and thus cannot take their dog out, though they love their dog and know that she needs exercise.
Such dog owners need something that can make their dogs exercise while they do their regular duties. And here’s where dog treadmills step in.
What are Dog Treadmills?
Dog treadmills are stationary exercise machines on which a dog can walk, run or jog indoors. They are an excellent option when the dog owner cannot walk or exercise their dog for the reasons including the ones mentioned above.
Although dog treadmills are considered perfect for giving dogs a full-body workout with the safety and convenience of being at home, one should remember that they cannot be the ultimate solution for a dog’s increased weight, although they work as a great supplement to a dog’s workout regime.
Most dog treadmills come with adjustable speeds and inclines to increase or reduce the intensity of exercise. Their speeds can range from 0.5 mph to 12 mph, whereas inclines can range from 0° to 14°.
Buying a Dog Treadmill
A dog owner can’t buy a dog treadmill just at an impulse or randomly. Firstly, they have to think about if a dog treadmill is right for their dog and them in the first place. Then they have to consider many other factors which will help them decide which treadmill to buy. Here are some of those factors.
Are Human Treadmills Right for Dogs?
Many dog owners walk their dogs on human treadmills. However, this can be hazardous and can make the dog nervous while first starting out. Here are the reasons of why human treadmills are not very appropriate for dogs.
Motor: The position of the motor on human treadmills is not right for dogs because their fur can get caught in the motor and vent. This can make a dog scared of the treadmill forever.
Noise and Vibrations: Moreover, the noise and vibrations of the human treadmills can freak out dogs and make them more nervous. Dog treadmills on the other hand are designed to be quieter and more stable (with less to no vibrations) than human treadmills.
Side Rails: Just like side rails on human treadmills which act as a visual guide and safety measures for human users, dog treadmills too have them. However, they are much lower so as to work perfectly for dogs.
Tread Belt: The length and width of the tread belt should also be considered. Actually, dogs float when they run. This means that they float forward, backward, and side to side while running, and therefore need a longer and wider track for optimum safety.
Floating also causes a problem for the gaps between the belts and edges. The gap in human treadmills is wider for easier assembly. However, such a wide gap can cause a dog’s claw to stick in there and can cause a serious injury.
Speed: The fast speed of a human treadmill is fine for larger dogs. However, smaller dogs need a slow speed which is hard to achieve in human treadmills.
Despite all these reasons, it cannot be said that a human treadmill is an absolute no-no for a dog. But dog owners should just be aware of the dangers it can pose.
Types of Dog Treadmills
Dog treadmills are of three types:
1. Motorized: These use a motor that powers the belt. It also features a console that has a lot of settings with which one can adjust speed, duration, incline, type of workout, and more. However, if left unsupervised, they can be dangerous, because the dog is not in control.
2. Dog-powered (Mechanical): These start when the dog moves the belt with her paws. It’s also called manual or self-propelled. They have no motors. They are often safer than their motorized counterpart because the dog is in control.
3. Treadwheel: This treadmill is in the shape of a wheel. It’s like a hamster wheel for dogs. The pup can run inside, leash-free. It’s dog-powered or self-propelled. It’s actually perfect for dogs as no matter how fast they run it’s safe and matches the dog’s energy requirements.
Besides these, one can build one’s own DIY dog treadmill which is called a dog carpet mill. This is built with wood, nails, and carpet on the track.
Limitations
Dog treadmills can be a great device to exercise one’s dog when one’s schedule and other responsibilities, the weather, or some other factor prevents them from taking their dog out. However, one should remember that it cannot be the main source of their dog’s physical activity.
If one has performed physical exercises, they know that they have to mentally focus on what they’re doing and thus, their brain is exercising too.
In addition, if one goes to a gym, exercises with a friend or group of friends, or takes some type of exercise class, they know that social interaction can play an important role in their workout experience.
All of these apply even to one’s dog. Just like humans, dogs too need mental stimulation, social interaction, and a lot of variety while exercising.
Therefore, dog treadmills are just a supplement and not a complete solution for the increased weight of a dog. It cannot meet a dog’s all requirements in a single activity. Still, they are an excellent tool for adding some additional steps.
Some Other Disadvantages of Dog Treadmills
There are still some more disadvantages of dog treadmills. But they don’t prove that dog treadmills should not be used. They are just mentioned here to give dog owners an idea of what difficulties they can experience if they totally rely on this exercise equipment for their dog’s workout.
No Mental Stimulation
In comparison with walking outdoors where a dog can actually see, feel, hear, smell, and even taste numerous things, walking on a dog treadmill in the confines of one’s home can limit the dog’s mental and sensory stimulation that could make her a better-rounded hound. Although a home too provides her an environment to experience and it also contains a lot of objects, they are all quite repetitive as compared to outdoors where the dog can experience something new every day.
No Socialization
Walking outdoors allows a dog to interact with other dogs and humans. This improves his socialization skills. Restricting him to the inside of a home on the dog treadmill snatches this opportunity from him.
Limits Movements to Walking or Running
When taken outside, dogs are free to jump, hop, sprint, rollover, dive, and perform a number of other actions and tricks. They can play with their four-legged pals and even play catch with their owners. On the other hand, a treadmill limits their activity to only walk or run.
Can Dog Treadmills be Used to Exercise Cats?
Cats are much smaller than most dog breeds and hence dog treadmills may pose certain problems when cats walk or run on them. However, many cat owners exercise their cats on dog treadmills successfully. Especially treadwheels are useful to exercise cats.
Choosing a Dog Treadmill
When it comes to choosing a dog treadmill for one’s dog, the features one should look for will depend on one’s particular goals. Of course, the basic goal of the treadmill would be to keep one’s dog active when they cannot walk them. But certain features will help one personalize their exercise experience.
Once decided what one wants, one can get the idea of costs and how much they’d like to spend too. This helps them save money or get the most out of the treadmill.
Here are factors one should look for.
Size and Portability
A dog owner should choose the size of a treadmill depending on the size and weight of their dog. The size should be spacious enough to offer ample space for one’s doggy to run comfortably.
However, foldable treadmills are also available which can be folded away after usage and save space for dog owners who live in small spaces or travel often. Some dog treadmills even have transportation wheels so that they can be relocated as per the dog’s and owner’s convenience.
Speed
Treadmills supporting a top speed of 7.5 mph are enough for most dogs. However, athlete dogs usually need higher speeds for training and conditioning. In that case, a treadmill with a top speed of 12.5 mph can be one’s best choice.
Speed increments can also be an important factor to look for and one should choose increments from 0.5 to 1 mph.
Track Length
The track length will depend on the size of one’s dog. The bigger the dog, the longer the track one will need. By far, small breeds will need the track length of 29 x 14 inches, medium breeds will need 47 x 17 inches, and large breeds will need 75 x 17 inches.
Individual dogs will vary in size. In that case, one should measure their dog first and make sure they are not buying something too short or too long.
Platform Height and Surface and Material of the Belt
Always one should look for low-profile dog treadmills as they offer optimum stability being close to the floor surface. The belt’s material is also important. High-quality materials are easier on joints than their low-quality counterparts.
Incline
Dog treadmills can have inclines too and they give one’s dog a more intense workout, just like inclines in human treadmills do. Inclines are particularly useful for losing the dog’s weight and also for canicross, urban mushing, and agility training.
Time and Distance Meters
This feature is not absolutely necessary for regular walking. However, it’s essential for dog owners who are looking for a sport dog treadmill to train their athlete canine.
Safety Features
One should also look for safety features of the treadmill, including:
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Emergency safety stop system
- Remote control so that the owner can turn the treadmill on and off from a distance
- Dog harness attachment
- Walls on each side. However, some dogs may find the walls frightening, restricting or uncomfortable. Thus, it depends on the dog’s personality. Some treadmills have raised panels that are detachable.
Sounds
Loud noise produced from every thump of the dog’s paws or the treadmill itself may discourage the dog from using it and can annoy the owner. Therefore the treadmill should have low to no noise and should be specially made for dogs. As such, no treadmill is totally quiet, but some do make less noise than others.
Additional Features
Besides the above-given basic features, a dog owner can also look for any additional features the dog treadmill may have.
For example, a dog treadmill might feature a built-in treat dispenser that can be helpful in encouraging a dog who is hesitant to exercise.
Such additional features may not be absolutely necessary and can add to the cost of the treadmill. So, the dog owner should think about whether they would really use them, and only if the answer is ‘yes’, they should invest in treadmills with those features.
How to Train a Dog to Use a Treadmill
One would have to first acclimate their dog to the treadmill’s presence in the house even before they can turn it on for use.
How to Get Started
The first and foremost thing to do is of course assembling the treadmill and place it in the most desired and convenient location. According to a leading vet, Pippa Elliott, a dog treadmill should never be kept facing a wall; otherwise, the dog would be scared of the thought that she would walk or run into the wall.
One should not turn the treadmill on unless the dog gets used to it. The sound of the running treadmill can easily scare him. Let him first smell it, explore it, and get introduced to it for a couple of days.
The dog owner should create some positive associations of the dog with the treadmill by placing treats and meals on it, while not turning it on. Her water bowl and toys can also be placed near the treadmill.
The dog owner should use commands like “Get on” to familiarize the dog with the command. She should be given plenty of treats when she obeys the command.
Turning it On
The dog owner should start the treadmill at its lowest speed and get on it themselves. The treadmill should support their weight.
The pup should get ample time to watch, sniff and know what’s going on. His owner should encourage him to get on if he’ll fit on the track with them.
If she obeys, she should be given a lot of treats.
The process should be continued until the dog is comfortable walking with the owner.
Making the Dog Walk Alone on the Treadmill
Before letting the dog get alone on the treadmill, she should be put on her leash.
The treadmill should be set on its lowest setting.
If the dog doesn’t adapt soon, the owner should stand in front of the treadmill and coax him to keep walking.
This should be done for around a half to one minute until the dog is comfortable.
If the dog looks unhappy or anxious, the session should be ended immediately. The owner should watch for enlarged eyes, tucked tail or any other signs of discomfort.
Once the pup is comfortable, longer sessions should be built up: first 2-3 minutes, then 5 minutes, gradually up to 20-30 minutes.
One may even increase the intensity to burn excess calories or weight. They should experiment with speeds to check what the dog can handle. However, one should not do too much all at a time.
The process of acclimatizing the dog to the treadmill may take longer than it seems with these instructions. So, dog owners would have to patient. They should also give their furry friend a lot of treats, love, and encouragement. And then their dog will be soon running on their treadmill.
Safety Tips
No doubt, a dog treadmill offers a number of health benefits to one’s dog. However, after all, it’s a machine and one should always know what cautions to observe while their dog is using the treadmill.
Once the dog starts using the treadmill by actually turning it on, the owner should always set it on the lowest speed.
The owner should never tie their dog to the treadmill. Just one wrong move of the dog can cause an injury or worse even, death.
The owner should always supervise their dog while she is using the treadmill. They should never leave their pooch exercising alone on the treadmill.
The dog should not face a wall while using the treadmill. Otherwise, she will be scared of bumping into the wall. Instead, she should face a window or a glass door through which she can get a great view.
What if the Dog is Bored of the Treadmill?
The best way to keep the dog interested in exercising with the treadmill is to bring a variety in the exercise by changing the speed, and incline or decline if possible. The time for which the dog is on the treadmill can also be kept varying.
Another easiest way to keep the dog interested in the treadmill is to keep the treadmill’s position changing and offering the dog various views while she is exercising. If the dog owner is using the treadmill as a part of a weight-loss or recovery program, they should check the changes in the workouts with their veterinarian.
How to Clean a Dog Treadmill?
Before cleaning a dog treadmill, the dog owner should essentially check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Most recommend wiping the belt and its edge regularly with a soft damp cloth. They can even clean the belt more thoroughly with a nylon scrub brush once a month, especially if the belt is textured.
Vacuuming under the belt is also recommended to remove any dirt, debris, and pet hair. This too should be done once a month. Finally, it’s important to make sure that the treadmill is totally dry before using again or storing it.
Underwater Dog Treadmill
Underwater treadmills are specially made treadmills to be used under water. The user will either need a pool or a water tank to use such a treadmill. This treadmill typically keeps the dog submerged in water up to shoulder height. It is used for therapeutic purposes.
Benefits of Underwater Dog Treadmill
- Reduces the impact of workout on the pet’s joints, bones, and muscles
- Increases balance
- Creates more resistance than air
- Gives a more effective workout and burns more calories than land treadmills
Top Dog Treadmills
Knowing about dog treadmills, what advantages and disadvantages they have, how to use them, and how to make the most of them, we’ll now take a look at some of the best dog treadmills on the market.
PETSITE Dog Treadmill
PETSITE Dog Treadmill is one of the best dog treadmills currently on the market. It has adjustable speeds and inclines, and it comes at a reasonable price. But its unique features are an LCD screen and remote control to make adjustments from a distance.
Size
The PETSITE Dog Treadmill is around 49 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 40-41.5 inches tall, depending upon how the user adjusts the incline and occupies a space of about the size of a large dog crate. The running belt is 38 inches long and 14 inches wide; so, it’s perfect for small to medium dogs.
Weight
This treadmill is quite light, weighing around 14.5 lbs. However, its weight capacity is quite impressive i.e. 200 lbs.
Portable
Although this treadmill is not foldable, it has transportation wheels to relocate it away after being used.
Speed
The PETSITE Dog Treadmill has an impressive range of speed, i.e. from 0.5 mph to 7.5 mph, adjustable by increments of 0.1 mph.
Incline
The treadmill features three adjustable inclines. However, the user has to adjust it manually. Although it offers a remote control, unfortunately, it doesn’t work for adjusting the incline.
Top Crossbar and Removable Panels
This treadmill features a top crossbar to keep the dog walking on the treadmill. Users can tie their dog’s leash to this crossbar. Two removable panels made of oxford cloth have also been provided to keep the dog from trying to jump off.
LCD Display
The PETSITE Dog Treadmill is equipped with an LCD display that shows important workout stats like time, distance, speed, and even calories the dog has burned. What’s more, it comes with 3 training modes and 12 different preset programs to set various combinations of speed and distance to keep the pup’s interest on.
Remote Control
This is supposedly the best feature this treadmill has. Users can control displays and functions with the remote control from a distance. They can increase or reduce the speed, check the time and distance their pup has covered, and check how many calories he’s burned. The remote even has a power button with which users can turn the treadmill on and off from across the room.
Safety Feature
The PETSITE Dog Treadmill also comes with an emergency stop safety key which is to be attached to the dog’s collar. If the dog stumbles or suddenly can’t keep up, the safety key will be pulled loose and the machine will stop immediately.
Summary
The PETSITE Dog Treadmill has some outstanding features for a fairly low price. It’s strongly built, can be operated with a remote control, has an LCD screen that displays important workout metrics, excellent safety features, and 3 training modes and 12 preset programs to keep the dog interested in the workout.
Plus, it has an impressive range of speeds and inclines and an excellent weight capacity of 200 pounds. Although it’s not foldable, its inclines should be adjusted manually and it’s meant for only small and medium-sized dogs, its upsides surpass its drawbacks, and for those having small and medium dogs, and live in an area with an unpredictable climate, this treadmill can be a great investment.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the PETSITE Dog Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
DogPACER Minipacer
The dogPACER Minipacer treadmill is packed with features though it has a small footprint. It’s one of the most affordable dog treadmills and is built with durable carbon steel, but is portable, and is perfect for small to medium-sized dogs.
Size
The dogPACER Minipacer measures 42” L x 21.5” W x 28.5” H and its running area measures 38” L x 16” W.
Weight
This treadmill weighs 48 lbs. and the maximum weight recommended by the manufacturer is 55 lbs.
Speed
The range of speeds the dogPACER Minipacer has is 5 mph to 7.5 mph with increments of 0.1 mph.
Inclines
This treadmill comes with an incline of 4.5 degrees.
Built-in Fitness Programs
The computer of the treadmill has built-in fitness programs and users can choose the one that works the best for their pooch while she works out towards her fitness goals.
Removable Side Panels
The dogPACER Minipacer features removable side panels in attractive bright red color which keeps the dog from jumping off the tread belt.
Safety Key
The dogPACER Minipacer comes with a safety key that the dog owner has to attach to the dog’s collar and it will help stop the treadmill at once in case of an accidental fall or other emergencies.
Storage
The dogPACER Minipacer has easily collapsible sides with which users can easily slide the treadmill under a bed or similar space when not in use.
Summary
The dogPACER Minipace is an excellent treadmill for those who want to start their doggy on a fitness program but need a bit of extra guidance. It has a good range of speed, an incline, built-in fitness programs, a safety key, and collapsible sides that help users store the treadmill conveniently. Although it’s not particularly cheap, it comes at a lower price than many other dog treadmills, so the user gets quite a few features without having to break the bank, and their dog gets benefited.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the DogPACER Minipacer Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
dogPACER LF 3.1 Folding Treadmill
If one has a really large breed dog and if they’re looking for something that can exercise their large dog, they should consider this dogPACER LF 3.1 Folding Treadmill which supports a maximum weight of 179 lbs. Thus it’s perfect for breeds like Great Danes, Greyhounds, and Golden Retrievers.
Size
Although this dogPACER LF 3.1 Folding treadmill is pretty bulky measuring 76.77” L x 27.16” W x 46.18” H, it becomes just 42.28” L x 22” W x 8.5” H upon folding and saves space. Its running area measures 71” L X 16.5” W, designed for large dogs. As said earlier, it supports a maximum weight of 179 lbs.
Weight
The dogPACER LF 3.1 Folding Treadmill weighs 84 lbs.
Foldable
This treadmill comes with a very easy folding mechanism and thus can be tucked away under a bed, against a wall or in a similar small space when not in use.
Speed
It has an impressive speed range of 0.5 mph to 7.5 mph.
Inclines
This treadmill comes with various inclines to simulate hills and give the pet various workout intensities.
Crossbar and Detachable Panels
This treadmill comes with a top crossbar where the users can tie the dog leash if they want. It also comes with detachable side panels to keep the dog on track.
Summary
The dogPACER LF 3.1 is designed to exercise large breed dogs and can hold up to 179 lbs. of dog weight. It’s a bulky treadmill but can be folded easily after usage and saves space. It offers a decent range of speeds and inclines to bring a variety to the workout and keeps one’s pet from getting bored. However, the buyer should make sure they have a dedicated electrical circuit to connect this treadmill.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the dogPACER LF 3.1 Folding Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
GOPET PR 725 Dog Treadmill for Large Dogs
The GOPET PR 725 Dog Treadmill is specially designed for large dogs like Greyhounds and other active large breeds, although unfortunately, it’s not wide enough to accommodate breeds like Mastiff or Great Dane. It’s foldable and it can be placed against a wall to save space without sticking out too far.
Size
The GOPET PR 725 Dog Treadmill measures 90″L x 24″W x 16″H and its running deck measures 71″L x 16″W.
Weight
The GOPET PR 725 is pretty heavy weighing 137 lbs. It supports a maximum dog weight of 175 lbs.
Speed
The GOPET PR 725 offers a decent speed range starting from 0.6 mph and going up to a super-fast 10 mph. This is one of the major reasons that the treadmill is great for greyhounds.
Remote Control
This treadmill offers a remote control with the convenience of being able to change the speed from a distance.
Foldable
As mentioned earlier, it has a foldable design.
Eyelet
This treadmill features an eyelet where the owner can hang their dog’s toy to keep her motivated.
Transportation Wheels
Although the treadmill is fairly heavy, with the transportation wheels it can be relocated conveniently.
Side Rails
The side rails on this treadmill are open which is good for dogs who don’t like being enclosed. They feel more comfortable when they can see their owners while exercising. Plus, the rails keep them from jumping off the treadmill.
Summary
The GOPET PR 725 is perfect for exercising dogs including thin breeds like Greyhounds, Pharaoh Hound, Saluki, etc., and Irish Setter, Weimaraner, German Shepherd, and Smaller Irish Wolfhounds. It offers a wider speed range and an ability to increase the speed slowly to find the perfect speed for one’s dog. Having open side rails, it doesn’t make the pet feel enclosed and also protects them from going off the track. Its downside is that it’s quite expensive.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the GOPET PR 725 Dog Treadmill for Large Dogs Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Gravitis Electric Dog Treadmill
As described earlier, using human treadmills for dogs is not a good idea and isn’t recommended. However, the Gravitis Electric Treadmill is designed to be used by a dog as well as his owner. So, both the dog and her owner can become fit at the same time on the same treadmill.
Size
The Gravitis Electric Treadmill measures 57.87” L x 27.56” W x 5.51” H.
Weight
This treadmill weighs 66 pounds and has a maximum weight of 220 pounds.
Speed
The maximum speed of the Gravitis Electric Treadmill is 5 mph.
Remote Control
The treadmill comes with a remote control with which users can power the machine, turn it off and control its pace.
Digital Displays
The Gravitis features 3 digital displays that show steps taken, time, distance and speed.
Handrail, Guard Rail and Detachable Side Panels
The Gravitis features a handrail for human use and a guard rail in the front to protect the canine. Plus, there are detachable side panels to motivate the doggy to stay on track.
Foldable
The Gravitis Electric Treadmill is easily foldable when not in use.
Convertible
This treadmill can be converted from a dog treadmill to a human treadmill in less than 3 minutes.
Safety Clip
The treadmill also features a safety clip that stops the treadmill in case of an emergency.
Summary
While other dog treadmills are designed to exercise dogs of those owners who might have some physical disabilities or limitations, the Gravitis Electric Treadmill offers dog owners an opportunity to exercise while exercising their dogs. It can be easily converted from a dog treadmill to a human treadmill, has a digital display showing important workout metrics, has a safety key, has a remote control and high weight capacity, although its top speed is lower than other similar treadmills and it has no incline.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Gravitis Electric Dog Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
GOPET Treadwheel for Small Dogs
The GOPET Treadwheel is a wheel type of exercise machine that resembles the exercise wheels of pet hamsters and other small pets. One of the best features of the Treadwheel is that it doesn’t have to be connected to any electrical outlet and is powered by the pet’s paws. While this particular Treadwheel is designed for smaller canines, it has a larger variant too that can easily hold doggies as heavy as even 150 lbs.
Size
The GOPET Treadwheel is compact-sized and can be used in small spaces.
Weight
The Treadwheel weighs 42 pounds.
Strong Construction
The Treadwheel is made of thick durable plastic and is lined with a thick rubber pad, while the stand is made of heavy-duty metal.
Safe
Since the Treadwheel is powered by the pooch’s paws, it’s absolutely safe. It provides the dog an unlimited running surface and the dog can run on it for miles without any danger, even though his owner is not at home.
Adjustable Resistance
The Treadwheel features adjustable resistance levels so that the pet owner can increase their pet’s workout performance.
Running Surface Mat
The running surface of the Treadwheel is covered with a mat for added comfort.
Training Door
The Treadwheel includes a training door to keep pets from escaping from the wheel.
Easy to Clean
This Treadwheel is easy to clean and maintain and is mildew resistant.
Summary
The GOPET Treadwheel for Small Dogs is an excellent exercise machine for pets because pets can play on it even unsupervised, without any danger. Its strong construction, safety, running surface mat for added comfort and adjustable resistance levels are its plus points, while the price is higher given the fact that the device is non-electric. Still, those pet owners concerned about the safety of their pets and want to give them plenty of exercise should consider this Treadwheel.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the GOPET Treadwheel for Small Dogs Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Long Story Short: Dog treadmills can be of great help in keeping your dog happy and healthy. Just be aware of their limitations and in the end, their dangers.
When choosing the 'best' treadmill for your dog, choose according to your needs and preferences - your dog's breed, size, habits, age, health, etc.
