Best Dog Treadmills for 2022
Author: Becky Roberts
Last Updated: September 2024
Treadmills are not a substitute for outdoor exercise. When a dog is outside, they receive significantly more enriching stimulation. That might mean retrieving a ball, chasing a squirrel, or smelling other dogs. Still, there are plenty of scenarios where treadmills can be a supplement for a pet’s well-being. 🐕
Some dogs have more energy than others. If you have an Australian Shepherd, Dalmatian, or another active breed, you are well-aware of their tireless demeanor. A treadmill can give them the extra exercise they need when you cannot.
Depending on where you live, the climate may not be suitable for your dog. For instance, huskies will be panting up a storm, even on the coldest summer afternoons in Phoenix. The same goes for the Basenji and Afghan hounds’ ability to exercise in frigid weather.
You may have limitations, too. There may be time a commitment because of a family or a job, or physical limitations due to disability, sickness, or injury. There can be financial barriers, too, when it comes to hiring a regular dog walker.
Dog owners may buy a treadmill to resolve these problems, and more. The machine provides a simple and straightforward opportunity to keep a canine fit, minimize hyperactivity, and curb potential behavioral issues. While the benefits are apparent, picking a starting place when shopping for dog treadmills is not.
That is why we have taken the time to research, evaluate, and sort different dog treadmills. 🙂
No two models are the same, so our review highlights the unique features and functions of each machine. Here are the seven best dog treadmills for your next shopping spree.
Best Dog Treadmill 2024 - Reviews
1. dogPACER LF 3.1 Dog Pacer Treadmill
Best treadmill for large dogs
The dogPACER LF 3.1 Dog Pacer Treadmill is simple, yet effective. The machine comes in at a shade under four feet with a built-in incline. Beyond the base, there are two cloth sides for safety that a crossbar holds together and a control panel.
As a mid-range dog treadmill, this machine delivers excellent value. It is substantial enough to hold dogs weighing up to 180 pounds, yet is sufficient for effortless portability. The compact design and patented folding technology let dog owners store it whenever it’s not in use.
Each dogPACER LF 3.1 treadmill comes with preset exercise programs for your dog. These include interval training workouts that will burn energy and built endurance. During the workout, the display screen will show the current speed, distance walk in .1-mile increments, and calories burned. There is also a section for elapsed minutes if you are using manual mode or countdown minutes if you are using a built-in program.
Owners do not have to limit their dog’s exercise to the presets, though. People have the option to program customized workouts to cater to the specific needs of their canine. Plus, the ability to add variety will limit the chances of boredom.
Overall, the dogPACER LF 3.1 treadmill is a serviceable supplement for traditional walking or running. The machine delivers enough features to keep your dog occupied while improving their fitness. The quiet motor helps make the treadmill more accessible when owners want to teach their canine how to use it.
The dogPACER LF 3.1 treadmill currently retails for $561.50. That includes free shipping. The company also offers six-month financing with no interest, based on credit approval.
Pros
- Solid value for the price
- Easy to use
- Sturdiness
Cons
- Flimsy side guards
2. dogPACER Minipacer Treadmill
Best treadmill for small dogs
If you are familiar with the dogPACER LF 3.1 Dog Pacer Treadmill, this entry will look similar. The dogPACER Minipacer Treadmill is a smaller and more affordable version. Instead of measuring four feet long and weighing nearly 100 pounds, though, this one is 38 inches and weighs 48 pounds.
The dogPacer Minipacer Treadmill can handle dogs up to 55 pounds. That includes beagles, French bulldogs, spaniels, and Irish terriers. The treadmill is designed with fortified carbon steel that ensures sturdiness, even when it approaches its maximum weight.
The treadmill for dogs comes with a built-in incline of 4.5 degrees. This angle allows for a more comfortable gait, regardless of stride length. Additionally, the device is completely portable as dog owners can collapse the sides and slide it out of sight for secure storage.
Owners receive the same computer fitness programs found on other dogPACER devices. They can choose preset workouts or customize the training based on their dog’s health and fitness. The running surface is capable of going as slow as 0.5 mph and as fast as 7.5 mph in .1 mph increments.
There is a lot to love about the dogPACER MiniPacer Treadmill. It delivers reliable performance, has a quiet motor, and is suitable for dogs small and medium-sized. If there were a functional knock, it would be that the side guards are designed more for show than practical application.
While $528.50 may seem like a sizable price tag for a doggy treadmill, the dogPACER MiniPacer treadmill is one of the best on the market for small dogs. The machine is the lowest-priced model in the company inventory and provides the highest value. If that is not enough, it is currently the second most dog treadmill on Amazon.
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Pros
- Solid value for the price
- Easy to use
- Sturdiness
Cons
- Flimsy side guards
- Length of the running surface
3. DogTread Small Dog Treadmill
Currently, the dogPACER MiniPacer treadmill is the second best selling treadmill for small dogs. If you are looking for number one, look no further. The DogTread Small Dog Treadmill is the perfect treadmill for canines under 30 pounds.
Let’s start with the design. The machine has a natural running platform with a built-in incline for comfortable striding. There is also a flip-bar on the bottom of treadmill to increase training intensity and simulate outdoor terrain.
Overall, the DogTread Small Dog Treadmill is compact, sturdy, and reliable. The device uses a whisper-quiet motor to ensure a hospitable walking environment. There are also no holes, mesh, or seams that may otherwise ensnare a small paw.
The LCD console serves as the brain for the machine. It lets owners program speed workouts based on distance and time. The Red Safety Start and Stop adds peace of mind, too, in case an owner needs to stop the treadmill immediately. There is even a remote control for additional training variety.
One distinctive feature is the hollowed-out trays at the front of the running platform. These wells are ideal for dispensing or holding treats while your dog is running. DogTread explicitly notes these are for food, not water.
If there were one knock, it would be the length of the treadmill. At 44 inches, there isn’t a ton of room for a dog exercise. Even smaller dogs may feel cramped while using the machine. Of course, this issue becomes more pressing the bigger your pet.
Here is the bottom line: the DogTread Small Dog Treadmill is an outstanding value. It provides many of the same functionalities of the dogPACER MiniPacer Treadmill while retailing for $399. If you canine is safety under 30 pounds, this machine is worth your consideration.
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Pros
- Durable side guards
- Two wells, which are perfect for treats
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Length of the running surface
4. GoPet Petrun PR700 Dog Treadmill
If you want aesthetic simplicity, it is challenging to outdo the GoPet Petrun PR700 Dog Treadmill. The machine is a non-inclined platform with a substantial metal hub emanating from the front. Beyond that, the control panels are flush on the side of the front console, and there is a metal railing enforced at four points.
The GoPet Petrun PR700 Dog Treadmill is designed for canines up to 44 pounds. Breeds, such as terriers, Brittanys, and corgis, are most suitable for this machine. If the dog is small enough, owners can even fit two at a time. The running surface is 28 inches by 16 inches, though the treadmill is 50 inches long in total.
Owners can set a variety of running programs via manual or remote controls. The GoPet treadmill goes any speed from 0.6 to 7.4 mph. Be careful above five miles per hour as small dogs will start to strain when running.
The metal railing also doubles as a leash holder. Owners can provide their pets with a level of security, knowing their dog is safely attached. There is even an emergency safety stop button to stop the GoPet treadmill immediately.
Overall, the GoPet Petrun PR700 Dog Treadmill is perfect for small dogs. While the $637.20 is considerably higher than other options on this list, it delivers reliable performance and smooth running experience. It also comes with a complimentary remote, as well as free shipping.
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Pros
- Durable
- Quiet motor
- Helpful customer service
Cons
- High price point
5. GoPet PR720F Treadmill for Small and Medium Dogs
Letting a dog use a treadmill requires comfort. The running area should be familiar. The edges should be secure. There should be opportunities for variation and stimulation. The GoPet PR720F Treadmill does all this and more.
The machine lets your small or medium dog walk from 0.6 to 7.5 mph on a flat plane. GoPet utilizes a whisper-quiet motor to ensure minimal distractions or intimidation. The machine comes with a railing that spans two-thirds of the runway, too, and features a dog chain holder and emergency safety stop.
Owners can program workouts for their dog on the device or remotely. All they have to do is select the appropriate time and speed, and the GoPet PR720F will gradually ease your dog into the workout. The machine currently retails at $999.99 and comes with an air cylinder auto-fold for easy storage.
The GoPet PR720F Treadmill is GoPet’s version of the greatest hits. It offers its trademark reliability, durability, and versatility. The company is one of the best at making treadmills for dogs, and this machine is no exception.
Pros
- Sturdiness
- Quiet motor
- Wide running area
Cons
- High price point
6. Goplus Dog Treadmill
The idea of a dog in treadmill might make any owner nervous. What if they fall? What if their paw gets snagged? What if they’re scared of the motor’s sound? The Goplus Dog Treadmill puts those doubts to rest with the most robust looking exercise machine on this list.
Let’s start with the aesthetic. While most dog treadmills have flimsy barriers or singular railings, Goplus goes all out to keep your dog safe. The company starts with a solid base that is suitable for pets up to 200 pounds.
Each side has a two and a half foot-high barrier, which has a crossbar over the treadmill. The walls are 600D Oxford cloth, ABS, and iron pipe for a material that will bend, but not break. It is also waterproof and detachable, incase the cloth blocks your pet’s sight.
The GoPlus Dog Treadmill has a safety key too. The device attaches to your pet while they are walking or running. If they slip or fall and pull out the key, the machine stops automatically. There is even an emergency stop button on the remote control for an extra layer of security.
Each GoPlus Dog Treadmill comes with an LCD monitor on the right side of the machine. Owners can program it manually or remotely. The off-center placement minimizes the chances your pet will be distracted while exercising.
The treadmill comes with 12 modes. Owners can adjust them based on speeds from 0.5 to 7.5 mph or time. During the workout, the monitor will show current speed, time, distance, and calories burned.
GoPlus brands its treadmill as “suitable for small/medium dogs.” Most customer complaints target this claim as exaggerated. The device has a height limit because of the barrier-connecting crossbar. It may mitigate some of the 38-inch runway and 49 inches of overall length for taller dogs.
Currently, the GoPlus Dog Treadmill retails for $299.99 with free shipping. It is one of the most affordable dog treadmills and is perfect for safety-conscious owners. Plus, with a net weight of 47.5 pounds, the machine allows for secure storage and portability.
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Pros
- Safety-conscious design
- Affordability
Cons
- Smaller than advertised
- Relatively loud
7. GoPet PR725 Treadmills for Dogs
No discussion of the dog treadmill is complete without GoPet. The brand is a household name in the industry and has three products on this list with good reason. No dog treadmill provides as much value as the GoPet PR725 Treadmill for Dogs.
Let’s look at the numbers. The GoPet PR725 can sustain a dog up to 176 pounds. The device has the longest-running area at 71 inches and the highest speed at ten mph of any product on this list. The machine itself weights 137 and has storage thanks to a mobile base.
The GoPet PR725 also comes with the essential features for the best possible dog experience. That includes a gradual start that lets your dog ease into their walks or runs. Owners can also toggle the incline based on the desired workout intensity. It comes with remote capabilities and a one-year warranty, too.
The GoPet PR725 Treadmill for Dogs is best for energetic or large breeds. The sturdy platform can sustain large dogs, and the robust railing eliminates the potential for sideways falls. If money is not an object, this $1,399.99 machine is worth a look.
Pros
- Sturdiness
- Handles large dogs
- Dynamic features
Cons
- High price point
8. PETSITE Dog Treadmill/Running Machine
If you own a small or a medium-sized dog, the PETSITE Dog Treadmill may be the perfect tool for helping your pet get the exercise it needs. The running space measures approximately 14″ by 38″. While it can be on the narrow side for bigger dogs, the unit’s sturdy construction makes up for it. The device is so sturdy that it can hold up dogs that weigh around 200lbs/90kgs.
You don’t have to worry about your pets getting hurt while using the treadmill. The PETSITE Dog Treadmill prides itself with emergency-stop features. If your pet leaves the exercising equipment, the device will automatically shut down, and your dog won’t have a bad fall.
On its sides or corners, the PETSITE Dog Treadmill has two 600D polyester oxford fabric sheets that adhere to the framing with five Velcro tapes. Because the sheets match the height of common dogs, they can obstruct the dog’s vision to intensify its focus. If your dog feels ill at ease, you can easily remove the coverings.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- LCD display screen
- Full control panel
Cons
- Somewhat narrow
8. GOPET Treadwheel for Small Dogs
You may want to look for a bigger treadmill if you own a big dog as the GOPET Treadwheel is specifically designed for small or toy dogs. The GOPET is for dogs up to 132lbs/59kg, and the device has a running space of only 40D X 12W.
This model is unique because of its circular shape. Its design is quite like that of a hamster wheel. You won’t find any cords bugging out of the exercising treadwheel. The machine is entirely dog-catapulted, which means that its overall speed and power rely on your pet alone.
Even if you’re not home, your furry friend can safely use the treadwheel without your supervision. Some dogs use the exercise wheel out of boredom and run at their natural paces.
The GOPET Treadwheel makes a perfect introductory device for dogs that are just beginning to exercise.
Pros
- Surface mat for extra comfort
- Can be used anytime
- Wheels for easy mobility
Cons
- Pricey
9. BINGBING Dog Treadmill
The BINGBING Dog Treadmill is branded as a “smart” treadmill equipped with intriguing functionalities. Designed for small and medium-sized dogs, the BINGBING Dog Treadmill has an auto-shutdown feature and hard-wearing barriers for extra safety.
The BINGBING Dog Treadmill also has adjustable speeds of 0.5 to 7.5 mph—allowing for a slow gain in workout intensity. This makes the device ideal for both first-time and long-time dog treadmill users.
What makes the exercising unit unique is that it has enough space to accommodate two small dogs. With an area of 40″ by 17, the treadmill can accommodate dogs of up to 25 inches.
Since it allows two dogs to exercise simultaneously, the device will look more like a playing space instead of a proper exercising machine. The device also runs quietly, which won’t scare off your furry friends during treadmill sessions.
What’s more, The BINGBING Dog Treadmill has an LCD Display for hassle-free controls. It also has a motor power of 110-120V.
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Pros
- Affordable price
- Prevents falling
Cons
- Ideal for small and medium dogs only
10. Total Pet Health Treadmill
The Total Pet Health Treadmill is available both in small and large sizes. The large one has three incline settings, while the small ones don’t have any incline settings. This device can support small and medium-sized dogs of up to 150lbs.
If you are restricted by weather, time, and even the size of your yard, the Total Pet Health Treadmill is an ideal solution. This exercising machine provides you with a way to exercise your pets without considering these factors.
You can easily place this equipment within your home, and your pets can use the treadmill without too much supervision. This is because the device flaunts an electronic display, which is programmable for time, speed, and distance. The safety collar clip automatically stops the exercise equipment if your pet suddenly falls off.
The Total Pet Health Treadmill is also quite noiseless, so it’s perfect for anxious pets.
Pros
- One-year warranty
- Ideal for pets undergoing rehabilitation
Cons
- Doesn’t have many available reviews online
How to choose a quality treadmill for your dog
You want what is best for your dog, and a treadmill is helpful for indoor exercise and to relieve stress in dogs. Here are the seven factors to look for when buying your dog a treadmill.
What Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Treadmill
Compatible with Your Dog’s Size and Weight
Your dog’s size and weight are the most significant factors when purchasing a treadmill. Companies will list the dimensions of their machine as well as the maximum support weight. Note that even though some devices say they can support a 200 dog, it doesn’t mean the treadmill is a fit.
Dog-Friendly Design
The best dog treadmills are the ones your canine will use. Generally speaking, that means having a wide enough walking surface, comfortable tread, and a quiet motor. These factors and more will vary depending on the needs and personality of your dog.
Keep in mind that treadmills are not the only option. One alternative is the GoPet Treadwheel, which resembles the same wheel hamsters use. The GoPet Treadwheel comes at a slightly higher price range ($950-$2,950) but allows your dog to have more control over their experience.
Running Platform and Incline Options
While the best running platform is one that supports your dog’s stride, there is no consensus on the ideal incline. Dog treadmills on this list are split when it comes to built-in slope versus level planes. Ultimately, the best surface and angle will depend on the preferences and needs of your dog.
Pre-Set Customized Dog Fitness Programs
Your dog’s well-being is essential. Having preset and customizable dog fitness programs can make all the difference when it comes to achieving their health goals. Many models will let owners opt between manual and preset workouts based on speed, time, and incline.
Portability
Most dog treadmills are supplementary in purpose, so it makes sense to store them when not in use. Compact and foldable designs will pay dividends when it comes to putting away the machine. Many models have wheels so that owners can slide it quickly out of sight.
Motor
The best motor is one that will last for years beyond the warranty. A borderline-silent operating volume is essential, too. The motor noise is one of the most common deterrents from getting a dog to use a treadmill.
Warranty
Dog treadmills typically have warranties ranging from six months to a year. Of course, the length is not the only factor. Make sure to see what parts the warranty covers in case there is a malfunction, or you need a replacement part.
FAQ
Can a dog use human treadmills?
Yes, owners can train most dogs to use a human treadmill. The primary limitation is when considering larger breeds, such as a greyhound or German shepherd. These breeds have longer strides, which may limit the exercise potential of the machine.
Regardless of the dog, you should never leave your canine unsupervised. A treadmill poses the same risks to humans as it does dogs, and can result in severe injury. Additionally, some dogs will not enjoy using human treadmills because of the surface or noise.
What is the difference between a dog treadmill and a human treadmill?
The primary difference between human and dog treadmills are the runway lengths. Large dogs require more room when it comes to achieving top-end speed. For instance, a standard human treadmill is roughly three and a half feet long, which is only suitable for small and medium-sized dogs.
Dog treadmills are typically slower, too. Even though dogs can outrun the fastest humans, they usually peak at 7.5 mph to minimize potential injury. Additionally, many dog treadmills have more extensive barriers or railings than human counterparts.
How long should a dog be on a treadmill?
The workout lengths depend on the health and fitness of your dog. If the machine is purely to burn off extra energy, you might leave your pup on there for 30 minutes to an hour at a time. If you are using the dog treadmill to rebuild body strength or counteract obesity, five to 15 minutes is more advisable.
How do you get a dog to run on a treadmill?
Practice and patience. Every dog is unique, so some will take more quickly to using an artificial running platform than others. Starting them out at a slow pace while holding them on a leash is the best way to introduce them to a dog treadmill.
Preventing boredom helps too. That can mean placing treats on the front of the treadmill or giving your dog a personalized workout. Any stimulation that keeps them on track and focused is in their best interest.
