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Exercise and Stretches to Overcome Winter Inactivity

After the long cold winter we all want to get out and soak up the sun's vitamin D and work out the kinks! With months of cold winter hibernation muscles begin to lose tone and strength. So, here are some tips to ease back into exercise, prevent injuries and have some fun!

Don't let dogs fly out the door at full speed. ACL, soft tissue and knee injuries can occur if the muscles in the area are not strong. Begin by warming up muscles, walking and stretching are important. Consistency is a must. A minimum of 20 minutes, 3-4 times a week is adequate, but 20-30 minute everyday is best. Ideally you want your dog to move at a pace of 4.5 miles per hour.

Protect the neck. Remind your dog the basics of polite leash walking. They may be very excited to get out there again, so practicing inside is helpful. Dogs who insist on pulling should be fitted with a harness or head collar to alleviate pressure on the neck. Training to accept the new device may be necessary.

A backyard does not equal exercise. Please know that a fenced backyard is great, but your dog may do his duties and then not move around very much. Pack animals want you to stay outside and throw the ball, create an obstacle course or play tag with them. For more ideas, check out our ad in the Pet Journal.

Stretching keeps muscles lean, strong and supple; important for all pets, especially large breeds, canine athletes and senior pets. Four simple stretches can make all the difference. Stretching hip flexors means gently moving the back leg straight out behind the pets body. Stretch the shoulder flexors by grasping a front leg above the elbow, placing the other hand under the elbow to stabilize it and gently moving the leg forward. To stretch the chest area, with your dog on his back, grasp both front legs near the wrists and gently open to the side. A gentle chest massage with light pressure and circular strokes will also be appreciated. Stretching the back requires treats to lure the dogs head back toward the tail forming a C shape. Repeat on the other side of the body. Hold all stretches for 15-20 seconds and repeat 2-3 times each. For more details please view the videos on Dr. Karen Becker's website at mercola.com.

Senior pets benefit from staying active to maintain strength, flexibility and balance. Short frequent walks are good for heart health and massage will alleviate sore muscles and joints as well as other aches and pains. Look for passive range-of motion exercises and balance and orientation exercises. High-stepping cavaletti poles, walking up hills or stairs, and lateral side movements are all beneficial.

Cats need to move also! Don't let them sit on a perch and watch you go for a walk with the dog. Cat toys on a string, treats or toys rolled down a hallway or the stairs, or leading them through the house with treats that periodically drop are great ways to get cats motivated to move (this also works for dogs during inclement weather). My cats like to race with me from one end of the house to the other, trying to win the race and figure out what the adventure is!

Please use caution if your pets have injuries, or pain and consult a wellness practitioner about the best way to keep moving!

Please watch for the July newsletter for our upcoming August Pet Seminar.

First Aid and Emergency Preparedness will be the topic for the month of August. Gain knowledge on how to treat emergencies, and what to have on hand in your pet first aid kit.