Dog athletes need special care in terms of nutrition, regeneration and exercise. What basic facts should you know and follow if you have a dog athlete at home?
Doing sports with a dog is a great way to spend time together and keep you both in shape. Even if you only do recreation sports with your dog and don't compete, you should always think about your dog's health first and then about results.
Let's start with nutrition. It's clear that a physically active dog needs high-quality food. Unlike regular kibble, its food should have a special ration of nutrients, as they need more energy and protein. You should therefore choose food with the labels sport, endurance, energy or maintenance. The ingredients in this food are put together especially for physically active dogs.
You also need to tailor your dog's exercise regime. Warm him up before intense exercise. Do not forget to take regular breaks during exercise, and finish with light running or walking. You also need to remember to rest between individual exercises either with a quiet walk or undisturbed sleep.
Training should also be regular; one-off exercise (just on the weekend) would be hard on your dog's body, and could even cause muscle fever. On the other hand, he shouldn't overexert himself; you should avoid doing the same exercise for too long. I have written more about this in the article When excessive exercise is harmful to a dog.
So if you don't have time for full training, keep your dog in shape by running together, he can accompany you during a bike ride, or you can do balance exercises or swim with dogs.
It is clear that not only a dog's joints but also his bones, ligaments and tendons are under strain. We need to remember this and give them extra nutrition in the form of balanced nutritional supplements. Vitamins, minerals and amino acids help slow down cartilage degeneration and strengthen ligaments and tendons. They also improve mobility and reduce joint pain.
In addition to nutritional supplements, salmon oil or brewer's yeast are also great for dogs. Salmon oil not only contributes to a healthy joint and musculoskeletal system, it also promotes a healthy heart and blood circulation and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Brewer's yeast promotes metabolism, has a beneficial effect on digestion, improves resistance to stress and disease and is also a source of energy under stress.
We can also help the musculoskeletal system through regeneration. Massages are very beneficial. In the event of problems, the Dorn method or physiotherapy can help.
How do you and your dog stay fit during the winter?
In terms of winter mushing events, 2022 is going to be very busy! If you are as mad about this sport as we are, get your diaries ready so you don't miss out on any of the upcoming events. What can you look forward to in the world of mushing?
Dog is a man's best friend. And it's not only regular people who need a best friend but also celebrities. One of the most "famous" dogs of today is Mr. Amazing - Paris Hilton's Pomeranian. What are the dogs of other celebrities like? Johnny Depp's dog...
Every human-pet household has at least one Christmas photo. It used to sit in a frame on a shelf but in the past years more and more end up on social media. Many people take it even further and set up their pet friend's own profile. In the Czech...
Cats are the guardians of our fireplace so let's reward them at Christmas with our undivided attention and love but also with a present. The first choice might be something tasty. This will definitely not offend any cat companion. Then there are...
Christmas is a time for families to gather and spend time together, which will be enjoyed by both the two-legged and four-legged members. Because it wouldn't be the same without presents, we bring you a few original tips. Dogs will definitely...
If you've already bought Christmas presents for your loved ones, it's time to prepare a surprise for your pet rodents. Here are a few tips to make their eyes sparkle with joy. Treats are an old classic that will please pet rodents of all kinds. Other...
Dogs and other pets can be beneficial for their owners in terms of physical but also mental health. There is truth in saying that a dog is a man's best friend, stands by his owner even at the most difficult times and his presence can even help deal...
This world-famous dogsled race called Šediváček's Long is celebrating a quarter of a century's history. The stage race called the "sleddog trace" is held every year in Deštné in Orlické Mountains. Mushers from all over the world will be competing for...
Christmas is round the corner, together with the traditional cold winter and snow. A big change for our pets. Even cats that spend most of their time outside are going to feel it. How to prepare them for this challenging season?
Have you ever thought how great it would be if we could communicate with animals directly? Your dog or cat could let you know what exactly they need, what they are lacking or in certain situations, they could even help you. This is something that...
Getting your pet from a breeding mill is no longer just a matter of dogs. Nowadays, you are "guaranteed" to be able to purchase cheaply and quickly also cats, various species of rodents or even hedgehogs. What is more, breeding mill owners are...
Your favourite and most important family member is soon to have a rival. How will he react? Will he like the baby? Will he try to bite? What if he cannot cope with it mentally? Or you?
