Best Cheap Dog Treadmills

If you've got dogs that you can't walk outside for whatever reason, or you need to monitor their exercise a little better, a dog treadmill might seem like a good idea. 

However, when you start looking, you might be surprised to learn that treadmills for dogs can cost as much or more as treadmills for people. We've found a few of the more affordable options out there, and we have some great tips to maximize your investment in a dog treadmill.

Why Should You Consider Buying a Dog Treadmill?

If you're wondering if a dog treadmill is a good investment for your dog or dogs, it might be a good idea to consider your life, lifestyle and challenges. 

We all know that dogs need daily exercise to stay fit, healthy and in shape. But sometimes, that's not easy or even possible. There are many reasons why your dog might be missing their daily exercise, including:

• You live in an apartment or a property that does not have adequate outdoor space
• You live in an area that has very harsh winters or very hot summers that make walking difficult seasonally
• You live in an area that is prone to wildfires, which affects the air quality and keep you inside
• You have temporary or permanent mobility issues
• Your dog has a medical condition that requires more in-depth monitoring
• Your dog is reactive to people, other pets, or both
• You have a busy schedule that makes it harder to get out with your dog
• You don't live near any dog parks or trails

The list goes on and on. The simple fact is that if you don't have the ability to take your dog for daily walks outdoors for whatever reason, a dog treadmill is a great investment.

What  Should You Consider When Buying a Cheap Dog Treadmill? 

We honestly believe that sometimes, simpler and cheaper can be just as good as more expensive options and dog treadmills definitely fall into that category.

However, there are some that cost a little less than others. If you are planning on shopping for a cheap dog treadmill, be sure to consider the following:

• Make sure you're looking at a treadmill for the right size of dog - many cheaper options are designed for smaller dogs, so if you have a larger dog, take measurements and make sure they will fit!
• Check whether the treadmill is manually operated or electric - not all treadmills for humans or dogs are electric!
• Be sure to factor shipping costs in - this is why we like Amazon - when you're a Prime member, you don't have to worry about shipping costs, which can easily turn a cheap dog treadmill into a much more expensive dog treadmill!
• Finally, consider the returns, refund and warranty policies - when you're buying something like a dog treadmill, you want to be sure that you're covered if something goes wrong or doesn't work properly. 

Now that we've covered that, let's look at some of the cheap dog treadmill options out there. 

Shelandy Pet Treadmill

Price: $350 USD This pet treadmill from Shelandy is designed for small and medium pets, up to 25lbs and 25" in length. So, it's not designed for any larger dogs.  This is an electric treadmill, and it has a hook to attach your dog's leash as well as an electronic interface so you can monitor your dog's progress.  There's an emergency cut off switch, and the unit automatically stops after 30 minutes, which is more than enough exercise for most dogs in this size and weight range.     Buy the Shelandy Pet Treadmill on Amazon

Lelamp Pet Treadmill

Price: $570 USD This Lelamp dog treadmill is made for slightly larger dogs, with a maximum weight capacity of 100 kilograms and a bigger, more powerful motor.  It's also electric, and it also has a bar to attach your dog's leash, an electronic interface and more.  However, while this treadmill can handle heavier dogs, it still has a relatively short bed, at 41.3 inches. Since that determines what size dogs can use the unit, be sure to consider that before you buy. There are other sizes of dog treadmills in the Lelamp range, so if you have a larger dog, you can look into one of those.  Buy the Lelandy Dog Treadmill on Amazon

Antwax Dog Treadmill

Price: $555 USD The Antwax Dog Treadmill is another unit that is perfect for smaller dogs, and still very affordable compared to some other models. This unit is also electric and has an electronic interface and a leash attachment bar.  It's made for dogs up to 80 kilograms, but since the bed size is also a smaller size, it's not really suitable for larger dogs.  Buy the Antwax Dog Treadmill on Amazon

Larger Dog Treadmills Usually Cost More

As you can see from this list of cheap dog treadmills, most of the cheaper models out there are designed for small and medium dogs. If you have a larger dog, you're likely to find that the treadmills made for them cost more. 

That really does make sense because the treadmill has to be larger to fit your dog, and they need a larger motor and more powerful mechanisms.

Many dog treadmills do last many years, though, so you might be able to find second-hand ones for sale in your area. 

Can Dogs Use Human Treadmills?

If you already have a human treadmill in your home, you might be wondering if your dog can just use that. The answer is usually no. 

Human treadmills tend to have gaps on the sides of the bed, and your dog's feet could find their way into those gaps. Human treadmills also aren't designed to handle claws, and they often don't have safety rails or anywhere to attach your dog's leash. 

Dog Treadmill Safety

If you are planning to buy a dog treadmill, whether you're choosing a cheaper option or not, there are some non-negotiable safety factors to consider. 

First, you should never allow any dog to use a dog treadmill without responsible human supervision. Anything can go wrong, and you need to be there to take immediate action if it does. 

Look for dog treadmills that have a safety cut-off switch and tether. These work just like safety cut-off switches on human treadmills. You attach one end to a magnet on the treadmill and then clip the other onto your dog's leash or collar. If they should happen to lose their footing and slide off the treadmill, the switch will disengage, and the machine will turn off, keeping your dog safe. 

A timer that you can set to turn off at a specific time or an auto shut-off timer is another good idea. 

Finally, don't use your dog treadmill if the bed is damaged or if there are any unusual sounds when you turn it on.