Dogs like treadmills too

Just like American people, U.S. pups have a weight problem.

More than half of the dogs in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese. Of the 41 million heavy-set dogs, 16.7 million dogs (or 21 percent) are obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

The association offers this comparison: A 10-pound Chihuahua is comparable to a 5’4” human female weighing 242 pounds or a 5’9” male weighing 282 pounds.

Yikes.

While most people are in denial about their doggie’s weight problem (only 8 percent admitted their dog was overweight), some pet owners are taking action.

According to the American Pet Products Association, about 3 million pooches across the country were using treadmills in 2010.

That’s right, dogs on treadmills. But not human treadmills – special dog treadmills.

DogPacer, for example, makes these dog-sized treadmills:

Human treadmills aren’t a good fit for dogs, according to DogPacer.

For one, human treadmills are built for two-legged creatures, making it hard for four-legged creatures to keep up a good pace, according to the business.

Weight and size are other factors. Human treadmills are big, loud and clunky. Pet treadmills are smaller and quieter, according to DogPacer.

Pet owners and experts say putting pups on treadmills not only helps to slim them down but can also reduce stress and anxiety – just like the exercise does for humans.

Maybe if more people put their pooches on treadmills, the pups would have less energy and there wouldn’t be a need for dogshaming.

So what do you think? Good idea or bad idea to put your dog on a treadmill?

I’m considering writing a story about puppy fitness. If your pup uses a treadmill I want to hear from you. Email me at marissa.harshman@columbian.com.