Treadmill for dogs?

Veterinary Science Graduate Certificate from UofI
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der2002

MSU CVM 2014
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Without trying to sound utterly ridiculous, I am looking into getting a treadmill for my dog. Allow me to explain. This would not be a substitute for actually walking my dogs (which I love to do). I have one mixed breed dog with some respiratory issues (some lung scarring post-pneumonia as a puppy) who occasionally has acute bouts of asthma when he runs around and/or gets really excited. Thus far, we haven't put him on bronchodilators etc. and the vet internal medicine specialist thinks I can take a wait and see approach as far as medicating my dog. He's fine with low/moderate exercise. I'm starting at MSU this fall (yay!) and I'm concerned about having him exercise in cold winter weather and how this will effect his lungs. Hence, the treadmill. (Possibly with a humidifier nearby)

Has anyone ever used a treadmill for their dog? Do you use a human treadmill or a specially designed dog treadmill? (And no, this is not meant for cesar millan style dog training)...

Any advice would be most welcome :)
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At the shelter I used to work at they use a regular gym-grade treadmill for some of the more hyperactive dogs that need a period of intense exercise every day or so to keep their sanity. This was generally handled by the experienced volunteers. Once the dogs got used to it, they really, REALLY loved it.
 
I use a treadmill to condition my dogs for the show ring. It's pretty common in the "show" world.

Just be warned-- one of my dogs poops on the treadmill. Without fail, every single time. He no longer gets "treadmilled". :p

I just use a regular human treadmill, but make sure you get one appropriate for the size of strides for your dog. The smaller cheaper treadmills are not large enough for big dogs. And they take a little time to train. but after that, they're nice!

Good Luck!!

:D:luck:
 
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We have a client at my clinic who has advanced MS. He had an older boxer who passed away a few years ago, and got a boxer puppy almost 2 years ago now. Both dogs walked and ran on the treadmill, since the owner is wheel-chair bound and can't walk them himself (can you imagine trying to walk 60bs of boxer puppy from a wheelchair?) Both dogs have LOVED it, and it keeps them happy and in good shape. I know he started training the puppy to walk on it at 8 weeks old. No tips on how it's done, just that it can be!
 
When I volunteered in the physical rehab department at UTK, they had a treadmill that they used often. Of course, this being a vet school, the one there could hold water as well. However, I think a regular human treadmill would work just fine. All of the dogs that I saw there seemed to enjoy it--even the 50 lb. beagle that came in for exercise!
 
We used to use one to get our market goats ready for show. We used a regular treadmill, but it had wood built around three sides to help keep the goat on. Once they got used to it, it worked out great especially in the winter.
 
*tsk tsk* Better watch out. Exercise is a physiology issue, which means its a medical issue. If you aren't careful they'll close this thread. Go see your veterinarian for advice on treadmills.

:smuggrin:
 
If you use one it needs to be a minimum of 3 times the length of the dog's stride. Most of these are very expensive for a large dog. You also need to supervise him every second he is on it. I recommend you consult with a rehabilitation veterinarian on the appropriate use of a treadmill for conditioning.
 
thanks for all the helpful info everyone :)
 
You can look around on your area and get their brands first. Then look on the internet and see which brand has good reviews. I enjoy walking the dogs outside, but I can understand your situation that there are times we just want to stay inside. :)
 
daddy2kids said:
You can look around on your area and get their brands first. Then look on the internet and see which brand has good reviews. I enjoy walking the dogs outside, but I can understand your situation that there are times we just want to stay inside. :)
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Six years later, they get the advice they need. Everyone can breathe easy now. :p
 
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twelvetigers said:
I dunno. I'm assuming they didn't notice. Only post so far too. Oh well - stranger things have happened.
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Ohhh that makes sense. They probably googled 'dogs on treadmills' and SDN popped up. Googling 'what are my chances for vet school' popped up SDN and I just haven't left since
 
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I graduated high school 6 days before this thread was made.
 
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