By Dr. William Madosky
Source: HealthNewsDigest.com
(HealthNewsDigest.com)...ST. LOUIS - Walking the dog gives pet owners
good exercise and an opportunity to get some fresh air it can also
lead to real pain if the dog is walking its owner. According to Dr.
William Madosky of Madosky Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center in St.
Louis, most people dont realize those unexpected tugs and pulls from
the leashed dog increase the stress placed on the neck, shoulder,
low-back and even the elbow and wrist. And that repetitive trauma can
lead to various injuries.
It does not matter if the dog is large or small, explains Madosky.
When the body is quickly pulled in a direction it was not
anticipating, the muscles and joints pay the price. The neck can
experience a whiplash-type of injury while the shoulder can sustain
rotator cuff damage. And when the dog walker spends the entire time
digging his or her heals in to restrain the dog, the low-back muscles
as well as the neck and shoulders can be strained.
It is possible to enjoy a stroll with the dog without painful
repercussions by using the right equipment and following a few
guidelines, says Madosky:
- Change takes time and effort. First of all, know that it will take
time for owner and dog to learn how to walk together. Dog training
classes are useful for understanding the techniques and equipment
needed and can provide support and suggestions.
- Equip yourself for success. Use the correct collar and leash. What
type will depend upon the dogs age and temperment. Buckle collars are
commonly used with young puppies; training-style collars are used with
all other dogs. A leash that is sturdy and has a set length rather
than a retractable leash is best to use for control. Regardless of the
type of collar used, the basic goal is to train the dog to be aware of
where the owner is during the walk and to respond accordingly.
Training the dog to respond to a change in the tension on the collar
and leash will maintain control and minimize the quick pulls that can
cause injury.
- Commands are your second best friend. Both verbal and non-verbal
commands are needed to instruct the dog on the direction, speed and
intensity of the walk. The dog will respond best to commands if they
are clear and consistent. These consistent commands will help reduce
the chances of a quick start or sudden turn by the dog that renders
the owner unprepared.
- Work up to the work out. Remember that walking the dog is also
exercise. Distance can be added to the walk as the overall level of
fitness of both dog and owner increases. Walking two or more dogs can
increase the chances of injury: the dogs get tangled up, decide to go
in opposite directions at the same time, or set off together in
pursuit of a squirrel. When walking with friends and their dogs, allow
enough space that everyone can walk easily without causing a potential
problem.
- Use the right treads and threads. Whether taking a long walk or just
strolling around the block, wearing comfortable walking shoes that
provide good support for your legs and back is imperative. Make sure
the shoes have non-slip soles for stability in case the dog makes a
quick movement or the surface is slippery. Dressing in layer keeps one
from getting overheated and can minimize the chance the leash will get
caught in bulky clothing.
Madosky also suggests a good stretch before and after the walk. This
will help to relax muscles and reduce soreness later.
Dr. Madosky is in private practice at Madosky Chiropractic and
Acupuncture Center in Richmond Heights, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. He
has more than 25 years of experience and education in healthcare. He
began his career in traditional medicine as a nurse, working in almost
every function of the hospital, before studying and practicing
Chiropractic and Acupuncture.
Source: HealthNewsDigest.com
(HealthNewsDigest.com)...ST. LOUIS - Walking the dog gives pet owners
good exercise and an opportunity to get some fresh air it can also
lead to real pain if the dog is walking its owner. According to Dr.
William Madosky of Madosky Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center in St.
Louis, most people dont realize those unexpected tugs and pulls from
the leashed dog increase the stress placed on the neck, shoulder,
low-back and even the elbow and wrist. And that repetitive trauma can
lead to various injuries.
It does not matter if the dog is large or small, explains Madosky.
When the body is quickly pulled in a direction it was not
anticipating, the muscles and joints pay the price. The neck can
experience a whiplash-type of injury while the shoulder can sustain
rotator cuff damage. And when the dog walker spends the entire time
digging his or her heals in to restrain the dog, the low-back muscles
as well as the neck and shoulders can be strained.
It is possible to enjoy a stroll with the dog without painful
repercussions by using the right equipment and following a few
guidelines, says Madosky:
- Change takes time and effort. First of all, know that it will take
time for owner and dog to learn how to walk together. Dog training
classes are useful for understanding the techniques and equipment
needed and can provide support and suggestions.
- Equip yourself for success. Use the correct collar and leash. What
type will depend upon the dogs age and temperment. Buckle collars are
commonly used with young puppies; training-style collars are used with
all other dogs. A leash that is sturdy and has a set length rather
than a retractable leash is best to use for control. Regardless of the
type of collar used, the basic goal is to train the dog to be aware of
where the owner is during the walk and to respond accordingly.
Training the dog to respond to a change in the tension on the collar
and leash will maintain control and minimize the quick pulls that can
cause injury.
- Commands are your second best friend. Both verbal and non-verbal
commands are needed to instruct the dog on the direction, speed and
intensity of the walk. The dog will respond best to commands if they
are clear and consistent. These consistent commands will help reduce
the chances of a quick start or sudden turn by the dog that renders
the owner unprepared.
- Work up to the work out. Remember that walking the dog is also
exercise. Distance can be added to the walk as the overall level of
fitness of both dog and owner increases. Walking two or more dogs can
increase the chances of injury: the dogs get tangled up, decide to go
in opposite directions at the same time, or set off together in
pursuit of a squirrel. When walking with friends and their dogs, allow
enough space that everyone can walk easily without causing a potential
problem.
- Use the right treads and threads. Whether taking a long walk or just
strolling around the block, wearing comfortable walking shoes that
provide good support for your legs and back is imperative. Make sure
the shoes have non-slip soles for stability in case the dog makes a
quick movement or the surface is slippery. Dressing in layer keeps one
from getting overheated and can minimize the chance the leash will get
caught in bulky clothing.
Madosky also suggests a good stretch before and after the walk. This
will help to relax muscles and reduce soreness later.
Dr. Madosky is in private practice at Madosky Chiropractic and
Acupuncture Center in Richmond Heights, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. He
has more than 25 years of experience and education in healthcare. He
began his career in traditional medicine as a nurse, working in almost
every function of the hospital, before studying and practicing
Chiropractic and Acupuncture.
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