Tending to your Pooped out Pooch

I'm not sure if many people realize this but dogs get sore and pulled muscles just like we do.  If you are a dog owner and you have either a very active dog or an older dog you have probably seen them have days when they take a bit longer to sit and stand.  Some people may not notice a difference in their dog until they are limping around the house and showing obvious signs of injury.

Since dogs love to please their person, it's our job to make sure they are safe.  Keep these things in mind with your fellow athlete or weekend warrior:

1. If it's been a long winter (or even a few weeks) with no big games of fetch be sure to ease them back into it after the break.  The first outing to the park in spring will have your dog SUPER excited.  They will sprint after that ball 1,000 times if you let them. 
• Start with a 10 minute walk around the park to warm up their muscles.
• Throw the ball short distances so they can work up to a run but not a full blown sprint.
• After a few throws have them take a break or continue with a nice walk.
• Each time you go to the park you can up the number of throws and distance as your dog gets back in the swing of things.
• Cool down with a 5-10 minute walk when you are done and offer plenty of water.
2. Running with your dog is great but you may be keeping up the pace on a treadmill over the winter while your partner has had extra couch time.
• Both of you should warm up with 5-10 minutes of walking.
• Start the running season out with a few intervals of walking and light jogging.  This can vary from 2 minutes on to 2 off, 1 minute on to 3 off... gauge how your dog is doing with the time given.
• You can also try starting with short runs, 1 mile a couple times in week 1.  Next time 1.5 miles or add another mile day... until your dogs fitness level builds up again.  This will vary in all dogs, just like in people. Some dogs will bounce back while others need more time.
• Be sure to allow a cool down at the end.  On long runs bring water for your dog and stop for small breaks to keep him/her hydrated.

Even taking time to ramp your pup up to more activity can cause sore muscles.  Just like any of us even a wrong turn or misstep can tweak a paw or leg and cause an injury.  Since they can't tell you and might now show it be sure to carefully monitor how they are doing before, after and between your outings.  A massage is a great way to help relieve sore muscles, it also gives you bonding time and your dog will LOVE you for spending a few extra minutes with them.  You can give them a nice rub down from head to paw. 
Also be sure to check the pads of their feet after every outing.  My dog was so excited on her first trip to the dog park she ran around with a boxer buddy and tore the surface off of all her pads.  It was horrible to see and very painful for her.  It was also not fun to keep an 18 month old Shepherd on rest for 2 weeks.  She also got a tiny sliver of glass in her paw on a run.  She was ok if kept on grass but not on the sidewalk so we had to walk back to the house finding as much grass as possible on the way. 
Keep your eye out for them and have fun exercising together.
**check with your vet before giving your dog any meds for pain relief.