Learn everything you need to know about Dog Treadmills and Treadwheels with our “Dog Treadmill Buying Guide”
Many pet owners turn to the treadmill when they want to keep their dog in shape and the weather outside is inclement. It’s a noble gesture but there are several reasons why you might just want to splash out and buy a separate dog treadmill just for your pooch.
Human and pet treadmills vary in several respects many of which are related to keeping your animal safe.
With our Dog Treadmill Buying Guide we aim to enlighten you to the point that you can make an informed decision and buy a set that fits your needs and those of your pooch perfectly.
Human vs Dog Treadmills (the main differences)
Although it may look like your dog is doing all right on your treadmill you may be putting them at risk. Here are the main differences that you’ll see between a fitness treadmill that you might use and one build specifically for dogs.
Normally a pet treadmill will have:
- longer running belt
- side barriers
- enclosed motor
- slower speed settings
- no barriers at the front of back
- no gaps around the belt
- quieter
- wider
Dogs tend to have a longer stride (gait) than humans when running so they need a longer running belt. If you restrict this then it could lead to joint problems in your animal.
Small dogs may struggle with the higher speed settings on regular treadmills which is why pet treadmills offer slower speed settings.
Safety is important as far as animals are concerned so you’ll see several features on a dog treadmill that are missing from yours. Side barriers, no gaps around the running belt and no protrusions where an animal can catch their paws.
The motor is also a little different as well. Because animals can easily be spooked by loud noises and vibrations you’ll find these treadmills to be quieter. Their motors tend to be enclosed so as to keep out dog hair which could easily cause them to overheat and become a fire hazard.
What to Look for when Buying a Dog Treadmill
If you can find a treadmill that complies with all of the above features then you know that you have a quality product.
The main considerations when buying a dog bed are:
- models
- size
- quality
- features
We’ll take a look at all of these points below where I’ll describe them in better detail.
Dog Treadmill vs Dog Treadwheel
The first major decision that you need to make is whether you want a regular dog treadmill or a dog treadwheel instead.
A tread-wheel is just an over-sized version of what your hamster used when you were young. There’s no motor, it’s powered by your animal, which makes it a lot quieter than a threadmill which can be a benefit if your dog is easily spooked.
If you go the treadwheel route then it’s important that you choose the correct size wheel. If you get one that is too big for your pet then they may have problems actually getting it to spin.
Dog Treadmill Sizes
Dog Treadmills come in different sizes so be sure to buy a size that fits your breed. Check on the manufacturer recommendations first as they may vary between products.
Below are a few examples to give you an idea what to expect:
- Small Dog Treadmill (recommended for dogs up to 30 lbs)
- Medium Dog Treadmill (recommended for dogs up to 60 lbs)
- Large Dog Treadmill (recommended for dogs up to 150 lbs)
- Extra Large Pro Dog Treadmill (recommended for dogs up to 225 lbs)
Dog Treadmill Quality
Look for a treadmill that is made out of high quality components such as powder coated steel rather than plastic. Compare warranty periods on the major components such as the motor and whether spare parts are readily available should something break.
Dog Treadmill Features
Most of the main features have already been discussed already but it’s worth comparing a few different models to see what they offer differently. Some may come with extra guard rails or training and gaiting bars.
Look to see if the angle of the track can be adjusted to simulate uphill running.
- Is the unit easy to take apart and store when it’s not in use?
- Does it come with moving wheels?
- Can it be stored upright?
These are all valid questions you should be asking.
Conclusion
Buying a dog treadmill or dog treadwheel can make a lot of sense if you regularly experience extreme weather, such as snow storms, for extended periods of time. The downside is that if you want a high quality treadmill then you’re going to be paying a lot of money for one so you want to make sure that your dog is actually going to use one first.
It makes sense to let your pooch try one out first to make sure that they are comfortable using one. There are plenty to choose from online, so much so that it can be a confusing time, but the chances are high that you’ll pick one up at a lower price than through your local store.
Hopefully this guide has helped you a little but my last piece of advice would be to read customer reviews before you purchase and see what other owners have to say about a particular brand first.
Buying a good quality good boots is important if you want them to last and you can find plenty of great deals online. Check out our collection of dog treadmills now and see what’s on offer.
Video Time
If you’re lucky enough to have a lot of dogs you may want to build something like this.
