Get off that couch! The 14^th Annual Bark in the Park is Just Around the Corner.

by Julie Mayer, DVM

Most people don’t realize just how long 3.2 miles is. Sure if you’re a marathon runner this isn’t even a warm up. But for the average Chicago dog, a 3.2 mile/5K walk can be enough to cause some sore muscles the next day – especially coming out of winter hibernation. Even if your dog is the Lance Armstrong of Labrador Retrievers, there are things to keep in mind before taking that first step at the Annual Bark in the Park on May 3rd.

Warm Ups/Cool Downs

Just like humans, dogs need a warm up and cool down routine to prevent injury. Before each walk or work out – and especially before Bark in the Park – warm up your dog by having him to do a few sits, downs, stands and spins. Give him a quick, all over and invigorating rub down. Gently extend the limbs forward and back. Get the blood flowing! End exercise by cooling your dog down with a slow walk and a gentle massage with stretching. Feel your dog’s joints for any warm spots and apply cool packs to those areas for five minutes (bags of frozen vegetables work nicely!).

Is a Pawdicure in Order?

Make sure your dog’s nails and the fur in between the pads are trimmed. Long nails prevent your dog from bearing weight evenly and can lead to joint injury. If you hear your dog’s nails clicking when she walks, they are probably too long. Trimming the fur helps prevents burrs and other sticky bits of nature (like ice balls in the winter) from lodging in between the paw pads which can result in a limp and over compensation. Plus well-groomed paws track less dirt in the house after walks!

Cookie the Couch Potato

When you grab the leash does your dog, open one eye, yawn and roll over on the couch? Do walks consist of 10 minutes of sniffing every leaf, stick and blade of grass? Get your dog moving! Start slowly by taking several short walks a day gradually increasing the duration and pace. During your walks be upbeat and offer lot’s of praise to keep him motivated. Bring a water bottle. If your pet starts lagging behind, stumbling or panting excessively, take a break and then head home. Remember, walking 3.2 miles at an average pace could take a little over an hour so you’ll need to progressively prepare your dog for this at Bark in the Park. If your dog has any health conditions or is getting up there in age, a check up with your veterinarian is always wise before engaging in a rigorous exercise program.

Routine Rover

Does your dog get a 30 minute walk twice day, the same pace every day, the same time every day, following the same neighborhood route every day? Kick it up a notch! On Walk Day adding that extra 30-40 minutes to your dog’s regular routine can take its toll. Get ready for Bark in the Park by adding a few minutes to each walk every day. To improve endurance and build stamina, gradually increase the pace of your walks. Watch for signs of fatigue and don’t forget to warm up and cool down.

Lance Pawstrong

This dog has two speeds – fast and faster. He could run five miles, swim for an hour, chase 50 squirrels and then do it all again – all day. If your dog can walk for an hour at a time without lagging or excessive panting, congratulations, she’s probably ready for Bark in the Park. You should still prepare your dog for the day by trimming nails and paws. Remember the warm ups and cool downs and check the weather before heading to the park. If we have a cool spring, a sunny day on May 5th and a sudden increase in temperature (plus the excitement of seeing 3,000 other dogs!) could throw your dog’s performance off. Bring a water bottle for your dog to keep hydrated and cool on the walk. Take advantage of the Bark in the Park’s hydration stations.

Bark in the Park is fun for dogs of all shapes and sizes. With a little advance fitness training and preparation you and your dog will be ready to cross the finish line with style and with no injuries.

Dr. Julie Mayer is a sports medicine veterinarian and president and co-founder of Integrative Pet Care a veterinary center in West Bucktown specializing in animal rehabilitation, fitness and wellness. Dr. Mayer and her staff will be at Bark in the Park to lead warm up exercises and provide complimentary post-walk mini massages for dogs.