Rest & Recovery for Sporting Dogs

Keeping canine athletes strong, focused, and injury-free

Just like human athletes, sporting dogs need more than just training and

playtime to stay at the top of their game — they need intentional rest and recovery. Recovery isn’t simply “taking a break”; it’s the process of repairing, recharging, and strengthening the body and mind after activity.

Here’s why recovery matters — and how to do it right:

Why Rest Matters

1. Muscle Repair & Growth

• Intense exercise causes tiny tears in muscles.

• Rest gives the body time to repair, leading to stronger, more resilient muscles.

• Limits overuse injuries and muscle fatigue.

2. Energy (Glycogen) Replenishment

• Dogs use glycogen (stored energy) during high-intensity activity.

• Rest allows them to restore these energy reserves for future performance.

3. Lowering Stress Hormones

• Exercise increases cortisol, the stress hormone.

• High cortisol = fatigue, poor immune function, and reduced focus.

• Resting helps reset hormonal balance.

4. Joint & Bone Health

• Running, jumping, and sharp turns put stress on bones and joints.

• Recovery time allows tissues to repair and strengthens the skeletal system.

5. Mental Recovery

• Mental fatigue is just as real as physical fatigue.

• Downtime restores focus, drive, and enthusiasm for training and competition.

The Warm-Up: Setting the Stage

Skipping warm-ups increases the risk of injury. Warming up gradually raises heart rate, increases blood flow to muscles, and engages the brain.

Good Warm-Up Ideas:

• Loose-leash walking with simple obedience cues (sit, heel, stay).

• Gentle stretches and mobility exercises.

• Short trotting before high-intensity activity.

The Cool-Down: Preventing Stress on the Body

Cooling down helps normalize breathing, heart rate, and body temperature.

Good Cool-Down Ideas:

• Slow trotting or walking after intense exercise.

• Avoid sudden temperature changes (no immediate jumping into cold water).

• Gentle stretching once the dog is calm.

The Role of Sleep

• Sleep is when deep recovery happens. Dogs may snooze 12–16 hours a day, and that rest is critical.

• Supports muscle repair, hormone balance, and brain function.

• Watch sleep habits — sudden changes may signal discomfort or health issues.

Sports Fatigue

Yes, dogs can experience sports fatigue — both physical and mental.

Signs to watch for:

• Slower performance or hesitation.

• Reluctance to start an activity.

• Favouring one side of the body or skipping movements.

Prevention tips:

• Mix up training to keep it engaging.

• Recognize subtle signs and adjust workload.

• Always consult your vet if something seems “off.”

 Recovery for Senior Dogs

Retired or aging sporting dogs may not compete anymore but still love to play.

• Keep activities low impact (shorter search games, gentler walks).

• Add variety — change walking routes or teach new tricks.

• Protect joints by avoiding repetitive, high-impact movements.

 Nutrition & Recovery

The three keys to performance: genetics, nutrition, and environment.

• Focus on balanced protein, fats, and amino acids to repair muscles.

• Include anti-inflammatories and antioxidants (with vet guidance).

• Always rely on evidence-based advice from a veterinarian.

Takeaway

Rest and recovery aren’t luxuries — they’re essentials for your sporting dog’s health, performance, and longevity. By balancing training with proper rest, warm-ups, cool-downs, good nutrition, and mental downtime, you’ll help your canine athlete thrive in both body and mind.

Author - Anya Westland - Anya Westland Clinical Canine Massage Therapy