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What is a Dog Treadmill?
Like a human treadmill, dog treadmills are stationary equipment with a rolling tread that allows for running in place. They are designed to keep dogs healthy and have some exercise, even if they can't get outside to play due to weather. Here are some things to consider before buying one.
What speed range should a dog treadmill have?
The best dog treadmills come in a range of speeds and have different programs available, and increase in speed increments of 0.1 miles per hour. Most dog treadmills range from 0.5 to 7 miles per hour, though you shouldn't increase speed too quickly or exceed 5 miles per hour—especially for small dogs.
How big should my dog treadmill be?
When you're purchasing a treadmill, you'll need to consider both the size of your dog and where you plan on keeping it. Before buying, measure the length of your pup (not including the tail) and make sure there is enough room on the track for them to run comfortably. While a dog treadmill will take up less space than a traditional one, some options are foldable or are easy to roll for easy storage.
What dog treadmill safety features are there?
Most treadmills have safety features, including a crossbar for tethering your dog to the treadmill and an emergency off button. You should never let your dog use a treadmill unattended and never exceed a speed that your dog cannot handle, otherwise it may injure your dog.
How much exercise does a dog need?
While puppies may get the "zoomies" several times a day to get out pent-up energy, the amount of exercise a dog needs depends on the breed. High-energy breeds, such as Australian Shepards, need more movement than low-energy breeds like the Basset Hound. A walk around the block may be enough for dogs with lower exercise requirements, but those that need to be worked more may benefit from some time on the treadmill.
How do I get my dog on a treadmill?
Your dog may be a little fearful about using a treadmill at first, but a little coaxing can help them become more comfortable with the machine and eventually hop on it on their own. Never force your dog to use the treadmill, but rather start with giving your dog a treat whenever they hop on to build a positive association. From there, you can start very slow with the speed and give your dog many treats as they continue walking about.
Once your pet is in full motion sans treats you can start to increase their usage. With no stops for sniffing or bathroom breaks, treadmills can be more physically demanding. To not overdo it, it's a good idea to start with five-minute workouts and gradually build up a few extra minutes per week to a maximum of 20 minutes. If you want to increase the speed, do that separately from increasing duration as to not overwork your dog.
No. Most dogs can learn how to use a treadmill and will end up wanting to go on it on their own if they can't go outside. However, make sure your dog is supervised at all times when they're on a treadmill.
Walks shouldn't last more than 20 minutes. But, like anything, you need to train your dog how to use a treadmill and slowly work your way up to that time.
Depending on your dog's leg length, 5 miles per hour should be a quick but not overwhelming pace for most dogs. However, if you see your dog lagging behind, you should lower the speed.
Yes. Most human treadmills are suitable for dogs as long as you keep them at a lower speed. But the size may be overwhelming to smaller dogs compared to a dog-specific one.
