April showers bring May....injuries?
As we move into the month of April, we are all eager to leave behind the chilly temperatures and slippery walking conditions. The warm sunshine we have awaited for so long has given us all a little more pep in our step, and perhaps a bit of “spring fever” if you will. With the warmer weather upon us, our furry companions might also be feeling a bit more lively. We know that after being cooped up all winter, we are all looking forward to getting outside and going for a nice long hike or jog with our pups. Just like us, our pets have likely been less active throughout the winter months and may require a bit of “getting into shape” before being able to do what they could last summer. A safe and gradual return to activity is essential to appropriately enhance muscle and cardiovascular endurance and prevent springtime injuries. We’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to know to ensure your pup has a safe and active spring! Prevention is the best medicine!
Always, always warm up before any off-leash activity. This may include taking your pet for a quick walk before letting them run in the park. A 10-15 minute walk prior to high intensity activity will improve circulation to the limb and trunk muscles, slowly increase their heart rate and enhance limb and overall body awareness. Warm ups play a big role in reducing slips, missteps and overall risk of injury when moving at faster speeds.
Cool downs are a great way to keep muscles and tendons warm and promote recovery after high intensity activity, such as leash jogging or off leash running. A 10 minute walk is the perfect way to wind down your pet’s mind and body after their daily work out.
Passive stretching and a therapeutic exercise plan can be a great addition to your pet’s warm up and cool down routine. Ask us how we can develop an exercise program tailored to help your pet reach their fitness goals!
Watch out for the mud! Mud can be just as treacherous as ice for our canine friends! Walking or running in muddy conditions can cause slipping or splaying out of the limbs, resulting in painful tendon and ligament injuries. Play it safe by opting for a longer leash walk instead of running at the park on wet and muddy days.
Slow and steady wins the race! After winter hibernation, duration and intensity of physical activities such as leash walks, jogging and off leash running must be increased gradually to prevent muscle soreness and overall fatigue. Continuing to exercise your pet through cardiovascular and muscle fatigue can hinder body awareness, proper alignment and weight bearing, putting them at risk for muscle and tendon strain injuries. To best avoid injuries, increase your pet’s activity to their level of tolerance. Keep a close eye on when they start to slow down or lag behind, and give them lots of time to rest when necessary.
If you’ve noticed your pet “slowing down” or showing any signs of pain or discomfort, it is best to have them assessed by a veterinarian before allowing them to be more active in the springtime. A physical exam can go a long way in detecting mild injuries and preventing further degeneration.
Ask us how we can ensure your pet is in tip top shape! Rehabilitation can offer many benefits when treating musculoskeletal injuries or even just improving your pet’s overall strength, endurance and physical fitness!