Move It or Lose It

Get moving with these helpful tips!

It might be cold or snowy and your favorite places might be closed, but it has never been more important to get moving. Here are a few tips on warming up and cooling down from Chad Dodd, DVM, and easy ways to stay active on even the gloomiest of days this winter.

Warm up

The warm-up will depend on activity, but it can be as easy as walking slowly for two or three minutes at the start of your walk, getting faster towards the end as you get into your regular pace. If you have a dog that loves to run and play, a few minutes on the leash to get them warm before setting them loose can make a real difference. If you’re going to be doing even more activity, consider some active stretching before the real fun begins. This is where your dog does different movements to get them ready for the activity. For agility, a brisk walk followed by stretches that warm up the muscles needed for turning is great preparation.

Cool down

As soon as your dog stops exercising, muscular cool-down and contraction begins. Their heart rate will still be high, and they may be panting. If your dog has been running, slow to a normal walk and gradually allow the dog to slow further. Putting them back on the leash for this period can help encourage slowing down. Look for signs your dog is returning to normal; they will start to breathe with their mouth closed if it’s not too hot out. Give them some water to rehydrate, and if they’ve been very active, a gentle massage can help too.

Quick tips to stay active while staying at home. 

• If you have stairs and your dog can easily navigate them, go up and down twice a day (5-10 minutes) for a healthy workout.
• When outdoors, hit the trail with your dog, and steer clear of too many hills to make it easier for your furry friend.
• For some added fun, hide some kibble or favorite toys and let your dog find them, or play tag, tossing a toy and racing with your dog to retrieve it.
• If your dog is carrying a few extra pounds, now’s a good time to consider a healthy weight loss diet to help them get back to their ideal weight and get moving.
• Check to see if your dog is having joint issues; you might see them avoiding walks and stairs or licking their joints. And, consider a supplement, such as YuMOVE, with ingredients such as ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussels and Omega-3, to help joint inflammation. YuMOVE is clinically proven for visible results in six weeks.
• For info visit YuMOVE.com.

Chad Dodd, DVM, founder of Animatas Consulting, has more than 20 years of animal health experience. Recently, he participated in a USDAA Facebook Live event: Exercise and Recovery for Sport Dogs, sponsored by #Get Moving YuMOVE.