The Best Dog Treadmills
Making sure our dogs get all the exercise they need is an important part of pet ownership, but we may not always have the time—or energy—to walk Fido multiple times a day. That's where these dog treadmills come in. Though they may feel like a luxury, treadmills for dogs can be used inside and at any time, ensuring our pups get in plenty of physical activity without requiring us to leave the house. For canines that need extra exercise, dog treadmills can also be a great supplement to regular outdoor walks. Below, we've rounded up some of the best models on the market so you can find one that's right for your furry friend.
What to Look For
The best dog treadmills should be safe, easy to use, and appropriately sized and designed for your pup. Our favorite is the one from LifePro, which features a quiet motor and other specialized features designed to keep dogs safe and focused on walking. For pet owners with small living spaces, we also recommend the Petsite treadmill, as it boasts a more compact size and shape than many others on the market. For more on these treadmills and to find one that’s right for your furry friend, read on.
LifePro Dog Treadmill
Run, repeat
This treadmill from LifePro is just like one designed for humans, only with a few specialized features for canines. That includes a safety key and emergency stop button that will shut the treadmill down if your dog slips or jumps off. It’s also quieter than your typical treadmill, which is ideal for dogs who are skittish or scared by strange sounds. Finally, the fabric side panels ensure your pup can focus on running and won’t get distracted by surrounding sights.
Pros:
- Multiple training modes allow your pup to exercise at different speeds.
- We appreciate how easy this model is to assemble and power up.
Cons:
- This treadmill is on the smaller side, so it might not be able to accommodate large dogs.
Petsite Dog Treadmill
Healthy and happy
If you live in an apartment or other small space, this compact treadmill from Petsite is a great option. It’s perfect for small and medium-sized dogs and fits neatly near a window or in a corner, so it won’t take over your living space. It’s also very durably made and yet is easy to move around thanks to a set of rolling wheels on the base.
Pros:
- We like that it comes with a remote control and LCD screen, allowing us to easily monitor the speed, time, and distance our dog runs.
- The cloth panels keep dogs focused on running but also keep them from jumping off the sides.
Cons:
- We wish this treadmill was available in a larger size for big breeds.
Dogpacer Dog Treadmill
Keep up the pace
Large dogs need a little extra room to run, which is exactly what this treadmill from Dogpacer will give them. It’s slightly longer than many other models out there, ensuring that bigger breeds can fully extend themselves and not worry about falling off. If you’re afraid you don’t have enough room for a large treadmill in your home, however, don’t fret: this one folds in half, making it compact enough to stow away when not in use.
Pros:
- The cloth panels are removable, allowing you a full view of your pup as they run if you desire.
- Thanks to its durable steel construction, this treadmill should hold up to any abuse your dog may subject it to.
Cons:
- Folding the treadmill requires a bit of disassembly.
Ancheer Dog Treadmill with Safety Fence
Mini-me
Frequent exercise can help prevent a range of health problems for your pup, from high blood pressure to joint issues. Thankfully, this treadmill from Ancheer can ensure your dog gets all the exercise they need, even when it’s raining outside or you’re stuck working from home. What’s more, this treadmill can also be used by humans, allowing you to get your own light run in after Fido finishes their walk.
Pros:
- We like the built-in LCD screen, which allows us to easily track calories, speed, and time.
- The large, long handrails offer plenty of support for mobility-challenged users.
Cons:
- This model is a little more expensive than some others.
Why do I need a dog treadmill?
Dogs require lots of exercise to stay healthy and happy, but we can’t always take them outside to get that exercise. A dog treadmill allows our furry friends to walk in the comfort of our homes, so there’s no reason they can’t get their daily dose of physical activity.
What’s the difference between a dog treadmill and a regular treadmill?
In general, dog treadmills are more compact than regular treadmills. They may also incorporate specialized features to make them easier and safer for dogs to use. This may include side panels that block out distractions and quieter motors to keep from scaring them as they walk.
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