The first step is a thorough check-up with your vet.  Now is a great time to make sure all your pets vaccinations are up to date, that their joints are in good shape, and to discuss with your vet whether your dog is on a good nutritional plan.  Your dog will enjoy all those hikes a lot more if you lay a foundation of good health for them.

Now that they’ve been all checked out you can start to ease them back into activity.  It sounds obvious but start small.  Instead of that 20 mile hike through the Flatirons you might want to consider a couple trips to Chatfield or the dog park first.  Try and stay away from back to back days of heavy activity for the first few weeks until their stamina has been built back up.  Start gradually lengthening your daily walks, (or start daily walks, which will be great for both you and your dog), and mixing in more strenuous play.  Consider taking your dog to daycare a couple of days before a high-exertion outing to give them a good cardio workout.  The most important thing is to not assume that your dog can just flip a switch and become the amazing athlete you remember from last summer.  They need to work back into it just like us.

Another important point is to give your dog adequate cool down and recovery time.  By July or August they will be able to go all day, every day.  In March and April they will probably need a break between big days.

My last comment is on two health areas which are front and center in springtime:  grooming and parasites.

Warmer temperatures bring about the “Big Shed” we all know so well.  Getting your dog groomed in the spring is vital.  They will be more comfortable, more active, look great, and less susceptible to parasites.

Which brings us to parasites.  A well groomed dog is less likely to get parasites but is in no way immune to them.  Colorado has experienced a surge of parasitic infestation in recent years including some which used to be extremely rare or unheard of here.  These include ticks, lice, heartworm, intestinal worms, and yes, even fleas.  The good news is that all of these can be easily prevented or treated.  I recommend all pets be treated with a “Frontline” type product along with preventive heartworm medication, (this includes cats!), even if they don’t get out often or have limited contact with other dogs.  You might consider getting your dog vaccinated against Giardia and Leptisporosis as these are more prevalent when the weather is nice.  As always, your vet is your best resource and can guide you in making sure your pet has all the protection they need.

By starting now you can make sure that even the biggest couch potato has a safe and active summer of fun.