Clean Run - April 2013 - 29

If the muscles are tight and have trigger points and spasm, then add foods that
relax the muscles even if muscle relaxer medications like Methocarbamol are prescribed. Natural muscle-relaxing foods are rich in magnesium: Swiss chard, spinach, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, black beans, soybeans, Halibut, almonds (also
a great source of protein, calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin E), seaweed, kelp, blue
green algae, quinoa, berries, and oatmeal. Studies have shown that cherry juice
supplementation before and after intense exercise in humans decreased muscle
soreness and hastened recovery time.
Protein provides the amino acids that make up the muscles and connective tissue
like tendons and ligaments. After a muscle injury, there is a need for bioavailable,
high-quality animal and plant protein to provide the amino acids and proteins necessary for repair and remodeling of the injured muscles and tendon. Typically, the
digestibility of processed commercial pet foods is in the range of 70-85%. The act
of processing foods may either decrease or increase the absorption of their ingredients so it is hard to gauge how available the ingredients in the commercial dog
foods are to the body after processing and digestion. The Biologic Value (BV) of
a food ingredient is how readily absorbed and bioavailable it is to the body. The
higher the number the better. Here is an example of the absorption of proteins (in
their natural state) in order of most bioavailable to least:

and count for about 15 seconds. You can
repeat these steps three or more times.
Cool down after the performance or
exercise is just as important. You want
to gradually transition from a run to a
trot to a fast walk after the performance and then do your stretches
as above. Icing can be applied at
this time to hot areas or sore muscle
groups. During the recovery period
you need to replenish the nutrients,
slow metabolism, cool the tissues
down, and get rid of waste products.
For an illustration of warm-up and cooldown passive range of motion visit
www.integrativeveterinarian.com.

whey > egg > cow milk > fish > beef > chicken > casein > rice > soy > wheat > beans
> peanuts
Feeding whey protein will support the repair of torn or damaged muscle tissue. Soybeans are the only plant-based source of protein that has all the essential (meaning
the body does not make them so they have to be consumed, digested, absorbed)
amino acids in it. Protein-rich meats also contain lots of B vitamins which boosts
metabolism, prevents anemia, and stimulates the nervous system. Grass-fed beef
can also supply Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and the amino acids carnosine, carnitine, and creatine that build muscle. Buffalo and venison meat provide B
vitamins, iron, phosphorous, selenium, zinc, and copper as well as protein. Peanuts
are a great protein source and also contain Vitamin E and fat.
In addition to a wholesome diet, specific vitamins and minerals are important for
the health of the muscles and their tendons and for the athlete in general and
should be offered in their natural state—whole foods. Please see my article “Nutrition for the Canine Athlete, Part 2” in last month’s issue for a complete list of important vitamins and minerals and food sources for them.

Preventative Care
Proper Warm-up & Cool-Down
The tissues have to be prepared for activity and they have to be able to recover after
intense activities—stretching and exercising without a warm-up is detrimental to
the tissues. Forcing a “cold” tight muscle to stretch and lengthen can cause microtears, inflammation, and trauma. To warm up the iliopsoas muscle, vigorously rub
your dog over his back and hip area and inside the thigh area. The friction of your
hands will warm the tissues and increase circulation. Then briskly walk and trot your
dog for about 5-10 minutes to get his heart pumping and activate his circulatory
system. Your dog’s respiration should increase and he may even pant. Now you are
ready for stretching.
Stretch the iliopsoas muscle by gently initiating passive extension of the hip joint
(one side at a time) and holding in full (comfortable) extension for about 15 seconds.
Then passively abduct (move the leg away laterally from the body) the leg and hold

Strengthening Exercises
Remember that the muscles, tendons,
and ligaments of the torso stabilize the
spine, which is the center of locomotion. Strengthening exercises for the
core will protect the vertebral column
and move and coordinate segments
properly. This will allow strong and
powerful movements from the limb
muscles. You want to strengthen and
coordinate all the moveable parts of
your companion and maintain stability
in dynamic movements as well as static
posture. The musculoskeletal core and
nervous system must be functioning optimally for the athlete to have
strength, power, motor control, balance, and endurance. A weak core and
strong limbs will result in inefficient
movement and endanger the body to
injury, such as muscle strains/tears. I
have seen many highly competitive canine athletes that have strong powerful
appendages but a weak core and they

Canine athletes, working dogs, and active house dogs that accelerate quickly (like sprinters), jump,
brake abruptly, make tight turns, or twist in the air are prone to iliopsoas strains and injuries.
April 13

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Clean Run - April 2013

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