Prevention
is always the better option to cure, and in canine care there are several
ways to help your dog:
Conformation and build:
Many breeds have been selectively bred for certain disciplines over the
years, so when choosing your sport with your dog in mind, try to choose
something that they are built for, therefore not predisposing the animal to
undue strain.
Massage:
This is very useful for increasing circulation and maintaining healthy
muscle.
Training:
Warm up, interval training, cool down and a regular variety in training will
help to develop strength in the spine, and even muscle build up, allowing
the dog to cope with demands that we place on them.
Equipment:
You need control over your dog, and restraining aids are very usefull, if
used in a sympathetic way. However many training aids create lots of
problems, especially if they are not used in the correct way, or simply not
fitted correctly. This can create pressure points, joint restrictions, and
subsequent compensations throughout the body.
Feet / nails:
Always keep your dogs nails clipped, as long nails can lift the toes off the
floor, altering the foot balance, and after a short time compensation points
appear throughout the dogs body. For the sake of a decent pair of nail
clippers, you can save your dog unnecessary suffering, and save yourself
unnecessary bills!!
