Leaps and Bounds KEEPING CANINE JUMPERS INJURY-FREE

by Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Dogs are natural athletes that leap on and off things multiple times a day, usually without incident. That’s why many people don’t realize that, like humans, dogs can sustain injuries, including soft tissue trauma, such as cuts and bruises; back injuries or slipped vertebral discs; sprains; and broken legs.

Preventing Mishaps in a Jumper

Most active dogs that frolic outdoors will get the occasional scrape, cut or bruise. These common (usually minor) injuries can be prevented by ensuring that the areas they frequent are safe, contained and hazard-free. Broken legs, on the other hand, are more serious and typically do not result from normal, or even vigorous, high-intensity exercise. Bone fractures are generally caused by a sudden impact or great force to the body, such as being hit by a car or falling a long distance. They are most often seen in older pets and excitable risk-takers. The best way to prevent a dog from breaking a leg is to make sure it is under control at all times, especially outdoors.

Getting Dogs in Shape to Avoid Injuries

Back injuries, slipped discs and sprains, including canine cruciate ligament injuries, often occur in poorly conditioned dogs. For example, if a pup has been indoors most of the winter, its muscles have lost tone and atrophied. This also applies to “weekend warriors” that exercise and play at high intensity with their owners only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Studies show that well-conditioned muscles can begin to lose their tone and strength in a matter of days. This can set the stage for an injury if the activity level suddenly jumps significantly, so start by gradually improving a dog’s fitness level. The minimum amount of exercise needed to maintain muscle tone is 20 minutes three times weekly, and as pets age, this amount increases. Aim for 40 minutes of rigorous walking or running every day. Consistency is essential for a dog’s muscles and ligaments to stay strong and resilient. This will keep the dog fit and better able to avoid strains, sprains and other injuries. Warming up before exercise is very important. Walk and encourage the dog to stretch its limbs before engaging in more intense exercise, especially with aging dogs.

Avoiding Cervical Disc and Neck Injuries

Cervical disc and neck injuries are often the result of collar strain. Dogs should be trained to walk beside their handler and heel on the leash. However, even the most well-trained dog will occasionally jump forward suddenly, causing the collar to pull tightly against their neck.

As dogs leap forward in excitement, they pull all the slack out of the leash and apply a great deal of pressure from the collar to their neck and cervical area, potentially resulting in an injury to the cervical disc or other neck problems. Symptoms can include a hesitance to move or lower the neck to eat or drink, and crying outbursts when the head or neck area are touched. Occasionally there can also be lameness in a front leg with this type of injury.

For dogs that habitually pull and whose leash behavior isn’t able to be improved, a harness, Gentle Leader-type head collar or other similar equipment can help distribute the dog’s body weight evenly across the restraint and alleviate the pressure on their neck.

Maintaining an Exercise Regimen

If a dog’s leg muscles aren’t toned, if its tendons and ligaments aren’t stretched and strong, and if its core muscles haven’t been worked and can’t do a good job holding the frame solidly in place, then a sudden burst of activity, even at home, can lead to injuries.

Depending on the geographical location, it is much easier to keep a dog fit during spring and summer months, but the goal should be to keep them exercised year-round. If harsh winters discourage outdoor activities, consider visiting an indoor dog park; exposing them to hydrotherapy or a warm-water dog pool; enrolling them in indoor agility, track training or nose work (a growing sport that encourages dogs to follow their natural hunting instincts); or taking them out on a cross-country skiing adventure.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. To learn more, visit DrKarenBecker.com.

Calendar Of Events

NOTE: Events were accurate at the time the magazine went to press – please call ahead to check for date or time changes. All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review submissions guidelines at NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com for more information.

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

Community Pizza Oven Night – 5-7pm. Hosted by Oasis Farm & Fishery. Join us for our seasonal Community Pizza Oven Nights. Make your own Pizza with fresh, local ingredients in great company, with entertainment and so much more. $Free. Register at EventBrite. Oasis Farm & Fishery, 7238 Fleury Way. 412-242-4920.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

Yoga in the Garden – 10-11am. Hosted by Yoga H’om at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Yoga in front of the Lotus Pond is back! Check in at the Bayer Welcome Center 20 minutes before class to register and pay. All levels. May be cancelled due to weather. 412-444-4464. Info at PittsburghBotanicGarden.org.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

Spiritual Sounds – 4-5pm. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. Experience healing with the cleansing and grounding vibrations of crystal singing bowls. Michele incorporates crystal bowls, reiki, and guided meditation into each session. $45 at Clients.MindBodyONline.com/Classic/ws. Salt of the Earth, 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7

Webinar: Fabulous Fireflies – 5-5:45pm. Online event hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Join Allegheny Land Trust Senior Director of Education and Curriculum, Julie, to learn about the fascinating world of fireflies. Go to AlleghenyLandTrust. NetworkForGood.com/events/52127-fabulousfireflies-webinar for the link.

Ecolution Fashion Gala: The Unseen World –6-10pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Earth Day at the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. One-of-a-kind evening of sustainable design and innovative style. Produced by the Green Voice Collective. VIP and VIP General Admission Plus tickets are SOLD OUT. General Admission Tickets (Standing

Room) $50 at EventBrite/e/ecolution-Fashion-GalaTickets-557219417277. Info PittsburghEarthDay. org/Ecolution.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

Agricult(her)ist For a Day! Spend the Day with Miss WV & Other Agriculturists at WVU’s Research Farm – 1-6pm. Hosted by Libera, Inc at WVU Animal Science Farm. Make it a family day or drop by when you can. Introduce kids to female scientists making a difference in the world of STEM, the agriculture industry, and the Mountain State. A day of activities, vendors, speakers, demonstrations, and giveaways. Meet Miss WV 2022, Elizabeth Lynch, and learn about Lila Bear Explor(her) Club – empowering girls across the state. 192 Animal Science Farm Rd, Morgantown, WV.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

Hilton Farm II Farmer’s Market – 8am-Noon. Hosted by Hilton Farm II. Rain or shine, come enjoy the weather. Incredible vendors, products and activities. Fayette Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Tying at 10am, Farm Kids Club Meeting at 11am. Farm Petting Zoo, kids’ activities, community garden. 1048 Smithfield New Geneva Rd, Smithfield. 724-562-9235.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Native Plants 101 – 1-2pm. Hosted by Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse. Learn the difference between native, invasive, and ornamental. Explore the answers with Allegheny Land Trust educators in the Meet Me in the Garden Lecture Series. $Free. Registration recommended at ShopBedners.com/ products/native-plants-101-June-11th. Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse, 315 Coleman Rd, McDonald.

THURSDAY, JUNE 15

Intermission: Artful Happy Hour Series – 6-9pm. Hosted by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Drink. Dine. Dance. Decompress. Take an “intermission” from work and join the party on the third Thursday of the month. Live music, crafted cocktails, complimentary sprit tastings, heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by visiting chefs. Tour the galleries, chill on the patio. Simply BE at AWAACC. Age 21+ in City Stylish Attire. Cash Bar and Hors D’oeuvres. August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

Drum Circle – 4-5pm. Hosted by West Virginia Botanical Garden. Drumming isn’t just fun. It is a link to healing for body, soul, and Earth. Join us to learn the healing properties of drumming. No experience needed. Instruments provided. $Free/donation. All ages. Register at WVBG.org/programs/events/. West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV.

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

Botanic Garden Observations: Field Journaling – 6:30-8:30pm. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. Learn to draw in perspective with architect and field educator Kellie Cole. Materials provided. Members $20, Nonmembers $30. Register at WVBG.org/programs/events. West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

Container Workshop: Meditation Gardens –11am-Noon. Hosted by Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse. Create a meditation container garden using plants that stimulate your senses through scent, texture, and color. Place this container outside where you practice yoga or meditate, then enjoy all summer long, Zen style. $60. Includes pot, soil, plants, and instruction. Register at ShopBedners.com/products/ Container-Workshop-Meditation-Gardens-June24th. Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse, 315 Coleman Rd, McDonald.

Brunch & Botanicals – 11am-1pm. Hosted by Whole Wellness Center at the Biblical Botanical Garden of Rodef Shalom. We will meet at the Biblical Botanical Garden, then end our time together with brunch. This is a great time to fellowship with other Christians and to share our love of God. RSVP by June 10. Open to men and women age 18-35. WholeWellnessCenter.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 27

Dino Detective with Carnegie Museum of Natural History – 4-5pm. Hosted by Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Learn about dinosaurs! Age 11 and under. Register at EventBrite. Carnegie Museum of Homestead, 510E 10th Ave, Munhall.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29

Insects with Carnegie Museum of Natural History – 4-5pm. Hosted by Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Learn about bugs! Kids aged 11 and over. Register at EventBrite. Carnegie Museum of Homestead, 510 E 10th Ave, Munhall.