The sun comes out and so do all the Vitamin D deficient Canadians eager to soak in the warmth. Suddenly weekends are filled with rollerblading, biking, hiking and jogging instead of movie rentals. It is this time of year when lots of injuries happen in our dogs and not just because they are more active. Injures occur because they have spent all winter getting only the daily walks and not all this extra exercise. So during the beginning of the summer when they are going out for their first bike ride or rollerblade adventure, they are more likely to pull a ligament or sprain a muscle.
If your dog has spent the winter not as active as your expectations for the summer activity, gradually work up to the long bike ride or the grueling hike. First take your dog out for a good long walk where he is accustomed to walking. Periodically quicken your pace and see how your dog reacts. All dogs should be able to find a comfortable trot in which they are most efficient at running. They should not gallop or pace as you increase speed slightly. Some dogs need help finding their trot, so slow down or speed up until he has found it. Once he is comfortable reward him and slow back down to a walk. Then gradually increase the duration of the faster speed.
If your dog has a hard time maintaining a fast speed at a steady trot, you should not break out the rollerblades that day. Continue to condition your dog with walks that include short bursts of jogging or running. Your dog needs to build muscle that they have lost over the winter months to help support this new level of activity. A dog that has been active all winter will have an easier time adjusting, but one that has been relatively inactive will have a difficult time adjusting. You may wish to condition your dog in a pool or lake. Swimming is a great way to build muscle without the risk of all the weight-bearing exercises.
Even if your dog is the outdoorsy type and year after year enjoys the summer activity with you, start slow every year. As a dog ages the winter months may take different tolls on their body. It is important that you stop to assess your dog’s mobility before they hurt themselves. Every year countless dogs tear ligaments and sprain muscles. While some of the injuries are unavoidable, sometimes a weakness can be spotted and addressed before it becomes a serious problem. Summer should be packed full of diving off the dock, running through the fields and hiking through the hills – and time should be measured in the wagging of your dog’s tail.
If you are not familiar with the various ways a dog can move, proper gait and what to look for stop by the store and we would be happy to show you.
Above: Our dog, Jackpot, demonstrating a trot.