We Reviewed Dog Treadmills: Updated

Written by Abby Parks
Updated: November 28, 2022
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Best forProduct
Best OverallDogPacer Folding Dog Treadmill
Best for Small & Medium DogsPetSite Dog Running Machine
Best for Toy DogsdogPACER MiniPACER Treadmill

Would your dog benefit from more exercise? Getting your dog the exercise it needs for mental stimulation and physical health can be challenging for many reasons. Your dog may not be able to walk around the block safely and easily every day if you live in an area where you are not able to do so. There are many climates that have extremes in hot and cold weather, making long exposure to the elements dangerous for dogs.

However, this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your dog’s ability to stay active. It is common for people to walk and run on treadmills indoors, so why not let your dog do the same? Treadmill workouts are one of the best dog training options. New dog parents may find it strange when they see their dog running on a treadmill. But in reality, this kind of workout is possible and has many benefits. So how do you find the right dog treadmill for your budget? Here’s an overview of features to look for.

  1. DogPacer Folding Dog Treadmill
    • Patented folding dog treadmill
    • Holds pets up to 179lbs
    • Onboard computer with pre-set exercise programs to suit your dog's needs
    • Dimensions 76.77 x 27.6 x 47 inches; weighs 97 Pounds
    Check Amazon
  2. PetSite Dog Running Machine
    • Corded electric professional dog treadmill
    • Remote control, LCD display, and double safety mechanism
    • 3 level adjustable incline
    • Holds dogs up to 200lbs
    • Dimensions 49 x 21 x 28 inches
    Check Amazon
  3. dogPACER MiniPACER Treadmill
    • Dog treadmill suitable for small to medium sized dogs
    • Computer console with multiple pre-set dog fitness and exercise programs
    • Dimensions 42 x 28.5 x 21.5 inches
    • Supports dogs up to 55lbs
    Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Dog Treadmills Today

#1. Best Overall: DogPacer Folding Dog Treadmill

We recommend the DogPacer Folding Dog Treadmill as the best treadmill for dogs. There are built-in, preprogrammed workouts on this machine, so you can start your dog off slowly and work up to more challenging workouts. It is designed for dogs of large sizes. There is an extra-long belt on this carrier, and it will hold dogs weighing up to 180 pounds.

It is an excellent workout for large, active dogs who require mental and physical stimulation. The most enjoyable workout for many dogs is one that provides a challenging, mentally stimulating experience. The motor is whisper-quiet and a remote control and emergency on/off switch are included for safety.

You can fold this treadmill for travel or storage, and it is fast and easy to assemble. There is no better way to exercise your big dogs than with a treadmill. The treadmill’s sheer size, however, is one of its major downsides. The treadmill is huge and weighs around 90 pounds. The treadmill should be placed in a convenient spot and not moved from there.

Pros and Cons of the DogPacer Folding Dog Treadmill

ProsCons
It is easy to store the treadmill because it folds up.Due to its weight, the treadmill is difficult to move around.
Suitable for dogs weighing up to 180 pounds.
The motor runs very quietly.
Best Overall Dog Treadmill
DogPacer Folding Dog Treadmill
  • Patented folding dog treadmill
  • Holds pets up to 179lbs
  • Onboard computer with pre-set exercise programs to suit your dog's needs
  • Dimensions 76.77 x 27.6 x 47 inches; weighs 97 Pounds
Check Amazon

2. Best for Small and Medium Dogs: PetSite Dog Running Machine

Your small or medium-sized dog will benefit a lot from the PetSite Dog Running Machine. The compact treadmill is ideal for small dogs, but some medium dogs can also fit on it. A dog will be able to stay inside and on track with the help of full-length walls. It is ideal for dogs that have trouble staying on an open treadmill, such as small dogs. This belt can support dogs that weigh up to 200 pounds, but it is too short and narrow for larger dogs.

There are almost as many options on this treadmill as there are on the human treadmills in your local gym. A speed monitor, 12 preset programs, an LCD screen, and three training modes will get your dog ready to go. It was one of the easiest treadmills to use for dogs, according to many customer reviews. 

An emergency on/off button and a remote control are included as safety features. One of the biggest downsides is that the treadmill isn’t foldable. As a result, it cannot be moved easily. As a result of weight and height restrictions, this treadmill is only suitable for dogs of small and medium sizes. 

Pros and Cons of the PetSite Dog Running Machine

ProsCons
You can program your dog’s workout using the LCD display screen.Due to the limitations on height and length, it is best suited to smaller dogs & certain breeds of medium-sized dogs.
It can hold dogs weighing up to 200 pounds.It is not foldable.
There are 12 modes for setting different speeds and times.
Safety features include an emergency switch and a remote control.
Best for Small & Medium Dogs
PetSite Dog Running Machine
  • Corded electric professional dog treadmill
  • Remote control, LCD display, and double safety mechanism
  • 3 level adjustable incline
  • Holds dogs up to 200lbs
  • Dimensions 49 x 21 x 28 inches
Check Amazon

3. Best for Toy Dogs: dogPACER MiniPACER Treadmill

The dogPACER MiniPACER Treadmill is designed specifically for small dogs and small spaces. Every dog, no matter how small, needs exercise on a regular basis. This well-built dog treadmill is an excellent choice for your little lap dog who enjoys walking or running. This is the smaller version of DogPacer’s larger treadmill. While the short belt can hold dogs up to 55 pounds, it will only fit the tiniest of pups.

This model is durable, well-constructed, and folds like the larger model. The treadmill’s slowest speed is 0.5 mph, which is sufficient for the majority of smaller dogs. As the pace only increases by 0.1 mph, your small pooch won’t feel so uneasy. With the LCD display on this treadmill, you can see how far your dog is walking and how fast they are going.

A disadvantage of the Minipacer is its inability to adjust the incline at 4.5 degrees. This smaller treadmill is not adjustable, unlike other dogPACER treadmills.

Pros and Cons of the dogPACER MiniPACER Treadmill

ProsCons
It has an LCD display screen for tracking your dog’s progress.The incline is fixed at 4.5 degrees.
It is suitable for dogs that weigh up to 55 pounds.
A great treadmill choice for small dogs.
Best for Toy Dogs
dogPACER MiniPACER Treadmill
  • Dog treadmill suitable for small to medium sized dogs
  • Computer console with multiple pre-set dog fitness and exercise programs
  • Dimensions 42 x 28.5 x 21.5 inches
  • Supports dogs up to 55lbs
Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best Dog Treadmill

With a dog treadmill, your dog can exercise indoors or train for a sport. In many parts of the country, dog parents are faced with unbearable and even dangerous weather conditions throughout the year. Those who don’t have the time to walk their dog outside may have high-energy or overweight dogs that require extra exercise. You may want to consider investing in a treadmill for your pet if you want him to be happy and healthy. 

If you want to burn off some energy or train your puppy for a sport, a treadmill can be a great investment. When choosing the best treadmill for your dog, you should consider a few factors.

Choosing the best dog treadmill for your pup requires consideration of three main factors:

  • Safety 
  • Bonus features 
  • Size 

Each of these factors will be explored in more detail in the following section:

Safety

Safety features like side panels, emergency switches, and remote controls should be crucial to your selection process. It is also important to look for treadmills that are made from durable, high-quality, tough materials.

Bonus Features

An LCD display can help you keep track of your dog’s exercise time, distance, speed, and calories burned. You’ll find this especially helpful if you’re exercising your dog to achieve a specific weight goal. The idea of having incline, varying speeds, and maybe even pre-programmed programs may also be appealing to you as well.

Size

One thing we discovered is that it is nearly impossible to find a treadmill that fits all pets. Even if it can hold their weight, a machine that works for small dogs is too cramped for large dogs. You should also think about where you will place your new treadmill. You will need some space for a treadmill because it is a hefty piece of equipment.

Up Next…

  • Best Dog Pools — When the weather is nice, taking your dog swimming is another great way to let him burn off some energy. Take a look at the best dog pools!
  • The Best Durable Dog Toys — Invest in the most durable and fun toys for your dog to keep them entertained for as long as possible.
  • Best Glucometers for Dogs — Do you have a pup with diabetes who is working out to lose weight? In that case, you’ll need the right blood sugar tracking tool.

Best forProduct
Best OverallDogPacer Folding Dog Treadmill
Best for Small & Medium DogsPetSite Dog Running Machine
Best for Toy DogsdogPACER MiniPACER Treadmill
About the Author

Abby Parks has authored a fiction novel, theatrical plays, short stories, poems, and song lyrics. She's recorded two albums of her original songs, and is a multi-instrumentalist. She has managed a website for folk music and written articles on singer-songwriters, folk bands, and other things music-oriented. She's also a radio DJ for a folk music show. As well as having been a pet parent to rabbits, birds, dogs, and cats, Abby loves seeking sightings of animals in the wild and has witnessed some more exotic ones such as Puffins in the Farne Islands, Southern Pudu on the island of Chiloe (Chile), Penguins in the wild, and countless wild animals in the Rocky Mountains (Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Moose, Elk, Marmots, Beavers).

We Reviewed Dog Treadmills: Updated FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is it cruel to put a dog on a treadmill?

It’s only cruel if your dog is frightened by the treadmill. Forcing your dog to do something scary is never a good idea. Always introduce your dog to new things slowly, patiently, and at your dog’s pace. If you introduce the treadmill the right way, your dog will learn to enjoy exercising on it.

Are dog treadmills worth it?

Dog treadmills aren’t cheap, and you may wonder if they’re worth the investment. However, it may be the best investment for your pet’s health. When dogs don’t get enough exercise, they can become restless, overweight, and unhappy. A dog treadmill is worth its cost when you consider the overall benefits it offers your dog.

Can you use a normal treadmill for a dog?

Dogs can be trained to run on a treadmill with their owners. Running with their owners is something that these dogs enjoy.

Dogs can, however, be injured on a treadmill designed for humans. There are no safety features on them for dogs, and they can get their tails or paws caught in the machinery. Dog treadmills are the best choice for dogs.

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