Cool Down Routine For Active Dogs

By January 30, 2019Uncategorized

A good cool down routine helps get the cardiovascular and respiratory system back to a normal resting state and prevents sore and stiff muscles. For part two of our warm-up/cool-down series, Dr. Mary has put together a cool down routine that includes a brief cardio cool down as well as stretches for all four limbs. This is good to do after any strenuous activity whether it be competition, practice, or just an active day.

Example Cool Down Routine

  • Trotting a few minutes, followed by walking 5-10 minutes
  • Brief whole body rubdown
  • Passive range of motion
    • Ideal to have your dog lay on his/her side to perform
      • Avoids resistance due to balance issues
      • Avoids injury due to fidgeting or attempting to leave while performing
    • Flex/extend all joints of one leg at same time
      • Perform 5-10 reps on each leg
      • Hold in each position for 3-5 seconds

Static Stretching

  • Four main stretches
    • Extend hind limb backward (I call this a quadriceps stretch)
      • Stretches quadriceps, hip flexors and iliopsoas muscles
    • Extend hind limb forward (I call this a hamstring stretch)
      • Stretches hamstrings and gracilis muscles
    • Extend front limb forward (I call this a triceps stretch)
      • Stretches triceps and shoulder muscles
      • First stretch your pet’s front limb into complete forward extension (toes forward past nose), hold for 8 to 10 seconds and then gradually bend the elbow into flexion and hold it there for 8 to 10 seconds.
    • Extend front limb backward (I call this a biceps stretch)
      • Stretches biceps and shoulder muscles
      • First flex the shoulder by supporting above and below the joint (top line of shoulder blade and elbow), flex and hold for 8 to 10 seconds. To extend the shoulder, support the joint the same as above, but now gently ease the limb forward until a good stretch is achieved and hold for 8-10 seconds.
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