treadmills designed for dogs....

Sure have heard of or have used the idiom ‘It's a dog's life’ ~ something you say which means that life is hard and unpleasant.  Dogs often are related to hard times often uncared for.

Treadmill test is a stress test in which the patient walks on a moving treadmill while the heart and breathing rates are monitored.  When cardiovascular stress is checked this treadmill exercise with electrocardiography (ECG) and blood pressure monitoring is done. Patients with coronary artery blockages may have minimal symptoms and an unremarkable or unchanged EKG while at rest. However, symptoms and signs of heart disease may become unmasked by exposing the heart to the stress of exercise. During exercise, healthy coronary arteries dilate (develop a more open channel) than an artery that has a blockage. Most commonly, a motorized treadmill is used for exercise, while a stationary bicycle is used in some exercise laboratories

A treadmill is a device for walking while staying in the same place; the machine provides a moving platform with a wide conveyor belt driven by an electric motor or a flywheel. The belt moves to the rear requiring the user to walk or run at a speed matching that of the belt. The rate at which the belt moves is the rate of walking or running. Thus, the speed of running may be controlled and measured. The more expensive, heavy-duty versions are motor-driven (usually by an electric motor). The simpler, lighter, and less expensive versions passively resist the motion, moving only when walkers push the belt with their feet. The latter are known as manual treadmills.

Now here is how this treadmill is advertised on their web:

•        Quite possibly the best treadmill in our range

•        The 'Ultimate' has been designed specifically for rehabilitation in the veterinary field and Animal training.

•        The 'Ultimate' is the first treadmill of its kind to be linked with a comprehensive computer program which enables the user to pre-program the treadmill and operate it from a computer with specifics so that you can concentrate more on the ………and fully record the progress and training levels

•        Mesh and Clear sides are included for full visibility of the …… movement and gait analysis

It is a sophisticated treadmill designed ~ not for humans but for dogs ! – it is the indoor puppy treadmill that lets you take your dog for walkies in wet weather.  The canine treadmill is a product of  The Fit Fur Life range, the brainchild of Suffolk businesswoman Sammy French, who dreamed up the idea after an operation put her out of action for several months and she started ‘walking’ her four dogs on the treadmill at home.

In their website it is stated that all animals need stimulation, both physical and mental. Modern life or the limitations of captivity can impose unnatural stresses on animals and a lack of exercise will amplify these tensions. Fit Fur Life’s Ultimate treadmill provides the exercise regime that larger animals need to keep both physically and mentally fit. With its heavy duty galvanised steel frame and powerful 3 HP motor, it can accommodate animals of up to 250kgs (560lbs) so lions, tigers, giant dog breeds and ponies can all use The Ultimate. Fit Fur Life has also developed software that allows you to design and record every workout each animal performs. All the software and an 10m (33“) PC/ Laptop connecting cable are supplied. When connected, the computer can be used to control the treadmill remotely. This is a first for animal treadmills and means that you can tailor any rehabilitation programme to an individual animal and monitor its progress hourly, daily or weekly.

These are machines specially designed a range for different sizes of dogs. The smallest (£870) Rs.77000/- approx  is aimed at tiny breeds such as chihuahuas, toy poodles and cocker spaniels, while the Ultimate treadmill (an eye-watering £7,795) close to Rs.7 lakhs,  is large enough to support a mastiff or great dane.  An  expensive way to avoid taking your pooch for a walk in the rain.

Don’t say dog’s life……… many humans cannot afford or think of such costly equipments….

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.

15^th Jan 2013 [Photos from the web of fitfurlife.com]