Sponsored by Friends of the Magazine — Pet Corner — My Pet Community
Get Back in Shape with Your Pet Hooray! It’s spring! If you aren’t ready to get up and move around after a sedentary winter, your pet probably is. Whatever your fitness level, you can still do something with your dog to transition into a healthier lifestyle for both of you. Warm-Up Activities Warm ups prevent injury by raising body temperature and making muscles more flexible. This helps the body be less prone to injury. A brisk full body rub can help stimulate blood flow before more demanding activity. Cardio Activities Start slow and build up to full activity. Be aware of any extra weight your pet may have acquired over winter, and ease them into a cardio routine slowly. Run-Walk-Run - This builds endurance and speed in manageable bursts. To get your heart going, establish a route and determine short running distances between mailboxes or street lights. Alternate your gaits between walking, briskly running, fully running, or lightly jogging for each measurable distance marker. Try to keep this switchup going for at least 10-15 minutes the first time. Gradually increase your distances or overall time by 10% each week.
Strength Activities: Increasing muscle and tendon strength is an under-considered measure to preserve healthy joints and decrease injuries. Hill/Stair Climbs - A good way to increase stamina and strength of front and hind legs. Start with a small hill or set of stairs and build up to longer and steeper ones as needed. Go up, then go down. Repeat until your tongue is hanging out like your dogs. Easy! Cool Down Whatever fun you’ve had, make sure to give yourself a 5-minute walk down to slow the heart rate, reduce soreness, and prevent injury. It’s a good way to signal to your dog that you’re done. Finish the walk with some stretches such as touching your toes with your feet wide apart, but instead of your toes, give your puppy a belly rub!
Dustin Smith 801-318-7154 dinodust@gmail.com
Protect your interests; Protect your future. #mycommunityspanishfork
March 2022
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