What is a dog slat mill? Should I buy it for my dog?

According to the  Global Dog Treadmill Market Research Report 2024 , dog treadmills can be used for various dog breeds and sizes and offer adjustable speed settings and safety features to ensure your dog's comfort and safety during exercise. 

Today, with Smart Technology, features like app connectivity, automated controls, and personalized fitness tracking are becoming the norm with dog treadmills. They help enhance our experience as trainers and pet parents when working with dogs and ensure that our dogs receive tailored workouts that match their energy levels, lifestage, and health requirements.

Dog treadmills are exercise machines for dogs that are similar to human treadmills but built to accommodate dogs in size and weight. They are popular with dog owners, trainers, and veterinarians to help dogs maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular fitness, and release excess energy. 

Slat mills help with training and offer dogs a relatively quiet, non-motorized solution for daily workouts at home, even when the weather is snowy and cold outdoors. 

Whether you're trying to keep your dogs fit or are fighting obesity or tackling behavioral issues from insufficient exercise, it's key to remember that all dogs need plenty of outdoor exercise and off-leash runs together with treadmill exercise. 

Dogs must have socialization and plenty of mental stimulation via car trips, long hikes, dog sports, dog park play with canine buddies and dog training sessions with other dogs.

Non-motorized dog treadmills are different from regular dog treadmills in that they do not use electricity or a computer. Your dog sets the pace with each stride. Slatmills are powered by dogs themselves that use them.

When your dog uses a slat mill, he controls speed, increasing his confidence. There's also a decreased fall risk because your dog is attached to the frame with a harness. What most of us like about slat mills is that they burn more calories than electric treadmills for dogs.

Slats (wood or composite) reduce friction and provide natural running motion. Dog slatmills give your dog a natural running feeling similar to being outdoors compared to a regular treadmill.

A dog slat mill is generally quieter than an electric dog treadmill because it doesn't have a motor. Without the sound of motor, your dog would be able to exercise in more comfort than running on an electric treadmill.

In fact, what's often complained about the noise of dog treadmills is not the natural sound of the slats, but the possible whining sound due to inappropriate assembly. This is sometimes due to quality issues of the treadmills.

Some slatmills allow you to tweak resistance for more challenging workouts. You can customize your dog's workout with adjustable side panels, incline settings, and a top brace, tailoring your pup's workout experience to create the perfect workout experience for all dog breeds.

If you're thinking about whether to opt for a slatmill or a regular dog treadmill, both are great. Slat mills offer convenient, safe, and relatively quiet indoor workouts for your pup and are a safe alternative to electric dog treadmills. 

But if you use an electric dog treadmill, you can fine-tune your dog training and exercise routine, and fully customize each dog's training within your household. Whereas with slatmills, you can improve conditioning to maintain fitness. Your dog gets to set his own pace with the slat mill dog treadmill. You never get to control how fast your dog goes.

Breeds like the Belgian Malinois, Siberian Husky, and  Australian Shepherd , known for their high energy levels, can benefit significantly from the no-motor experience of the slat mill. This equipment provides a unique opportunity for these breeds to stay fit and healthy. 

Sports competitors, police, military, dog trainers, and regular pet parents who want to maintain peak performance in their working and sporting dogs can find slatmills a safe and reliable form of exercise. A non-motorized slat mill may be the best choice if your dog is sensitive or anxious. 

Motorized treadmills can offer gentler, controlled sessions for those needing low-impact routines. A slatmill is self-powered, so dogs that don’t run or that are lazy would do best with a motorized treadmill. 

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), in 2022, there was an increase in overweight dogs and cats, with up to 59% of dogs being obese." this percentage increased from 56% in 2018 and 2017 and for cats a slight increase from 60%."

 motorized treadmill benefits short-nosed breeds or dogs with breathing and joint issues. This is because you can adjust speed and inclines. Brachycephalic breeds do well with short, low-impact workout sessions. This helps prevent over-exertion and breathing issues common in brachycephalic breeds and supports joint and hip health. 

Brachycephalic breeds also need to avoid being obese because weight puts additional stress on your dog's breathing. "Check your dog for signs of breathing difficulties daily, especially during and after exercise. Speak to your vet for advice on managing any breathing issues," advises the  RSPCA.   

Veterinarians all recommend taking your dogs out for exercise every day. If your dog is struggling with osteoarthritis pain from genetics, past injuries, or obesity, then having a dog treadmill can be beneficial. Gentle exercise, massage, supplements, orthopedic dog beds for maximum comfort, and physical therapy for recovery are all important aspects of maintaining your dog's health and fitness. 

Dog walker treadmills offer a predictable surface area with no slippery or uneven areas. As usual, always speak to your veterinarian about rehab and recovery. Hydrotherapy is popular and allows dogs to exercise for arthritis care and after surgeries like ACL repairs, hip dysplasia, and fracture recovery.

"The reduced weight-bearing stress provided by the water's buoyancy helps to alleviate pain and improve joint flexibility. This can lead to increased mobility, allowing dogs to regain their independence and enjoy a more active lifestyle," explains  RehabVet. 

The slat mill features a fully adjustable fitness system that's safe for all dog breeds and helps boost metabolism. Your dog can stop at any time when using a slat mill since it's powered by your dog running. Slatmills promote a natural running stride, improving coordination and balance. 

Most slat mill frames are crafted from solid carbon steel coated with safe paint. Also, the belt is usually made from solid wood and not synthetic plank, while the aluminum rollers allow for intensive sprint sessions for your dog. Most high-quality slatmills also feature super light aluminum wheels and concealed shock-absorbing mechanisms.

According to the AKC , a dog's breed heavily influences the level of physical activity they need." High-energy breeds require a lot more exercise than lower-energy breeds."

You can make a good choice by understanding your dog's health, lifestage, and unique health needs. Consider whether your dog has used a treadmill before when choosing between treadmills.

 "Your dog's health is also important. If your adult dog has a medical condition, such as  hip dysplasia  or  heart  or  respiratory issues , talk with your vet about an appropriate exercise routine to help them stay healthy without causing discomfort," says the AKC.

Every dog breed, regardless of age, needs to have well-structured, regular exercise. This helps prevent obesity, reduces stress and behavioral problems, and keeps dogs fit and healthy. During recovery, dogs may do best with a treadmill because you can choose your speed and incline.

When looking at a dog treadmill comparison, you must look at your dog's training style and schedule and see whether a non-motorized, self-propelled treadmill or electric dog treadmill is best for your dog. Slatmills are suitable for high-energy dog breeds, whereas dogs engaged in regular sporting activities can use a regular dog treadmill to optimize fitness.

Controlled, low-impact exercise helps with recovery, improved mobility, and rehabilitation, and you can get this with a regular dog treadmill. Regular treadmill workouts help dogs that need incline settings to target specific muscle groups for dog sports training.

Traditional treadmills help your dog to run and achieve cardio and strength in a safe and convenient space. Bluetooth-enabled dog treadmills feature shock-absorbing technology that reduces joint impact compared to dogs running outdoors. 

The choice between a dog slat mill and an electric dog treadmill depends on your dog's needs, your goals, and your lifestyle.

• Choose a slat mill if your dog is highly energetic, athletic, or a working breed that requires intense exercise. Slat mills are great for building endurance and muscle, as they rely on the dog's effort to move. They are also durable and don’t require electricity, making them ideal for outdoor use or if you prefer a more natural workout for your dog.

• Choose an electric treadmill if you want a controlled, adjustable workout for your dog, especially if they are older, recovering from injury, or need low-impact exercise. Electric treadmills are easier to use for dogs of varying fitness levels and are better suited for indoor use. They also allow you to set specific speeds and inclines, making them more versatile for different training goals.