Dog & Cat Treadmill Sizing and Measuring Guide

The following measuring guide is for measuring and determining the proper size treadmill for you dogs. If your dog is younger than 18 months, you may need to estimate your dog's adult size based on their breed. In this case, we always recommend getting a larger size in case your dog outgrows his estimated adult size.

Step 1. Weighing Your Dog

You may weigh your dog yourself by having your dog stand on a scale, or you can hold your dog and weigh both of you, then just weigh yourself and subtract. You may also contact your Veterinarian for your dog's weight during their last check-up. Compare your dog's weight to the treadmill model's weight. It should be at or below the weight limit.

As a general rule of thumb, your dog's weight can be used to determine the best dog treadmill size to buy, based on manufacturer recommended weight limits on each treadmill model. However, some dogs may have longer legs and weigh less, or some dogs may be heavier with shorter legs than the recommended guidelines. Thus, weight alone will not always give you the most ideal sized treadmill.

Step 2. Measuring Your Dog

Next, you will need the Gait Measurement of your dog. The best way to measure your dog is using a tape measure, or use a string and then measure your lengths (see pictures below).

  • Measure Your Dog's Gait Length. To do this, get your dog in a down position on its side and extend the legs, both front and back so they both appear to be reaching. The legs don’t need to be straight out – just comfortably extended. Measure in a straight line from the front paws to the back paws.
  • Provide Wiggle Room. Add another 5-10 inches to your dog’s extended measurement. Consider that your dog may drift forward or back and allow for more room to ensure your dog will stride and change gaits at a comfortable speed.

Step 3. Compare Measurements to Models

Compare your measurements with the running area dimensions. Your dog need the length of the running area to be at least the Gait Length + 5 to 10 inches (more if your dog has long strides)

If you have more than one dog, order the TreadMill for the largest dog, the smaller dogs can learn to run on the larger TreadMill.

Still Have Questions?

If you are unsure of the size TreadMill to buy, CONTACT US with the BREED of your dog, the BODY LENGTH and FRONT LEG LENGTH, BACK LEG LENGTH and the WEIGHT of your dog and we will make sure that you are ordering the correct size TreadMill.