Keeping our dogs healthy, happy and ready to run is key to enjoying Canicross – whether we’re training for an event or simply heading out for our regular trail runs together.
In this episode we caught up with Ashleigh-Jade Rutherford from Equine America, a company well known in the equestrian world for its high-quality supplements and grooming products. Having recently expanded into the canine market, their range is designed to support the needs of active dogs, including those of us who enjoy Canicross.
Together, we discussed how to spot when your dog might need a bit of extra support, how to aid recovery after tougher runs, and what simple steps can help keep dogs in top condition all year round.
Looking After Joints and Mobility
Just like their humans, Canicross dogs can experience wear and tear from regular training. Running on mixed terrain and pulling in their harness places extra strain on joints, so it’s important to give them the right nutritional support.
Ashleigh-Jade explained how Equine America’s expertise in equine care translated naturally to dogs. Their Inflamex supplement, for example, helps support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes and is formulated with Boswellia extract, a natural ingredient known for aiding joint comfort and flexibility.
Senior Dog Chews offer a tasty, easy way to provide ongoing joint support – ideal for older Canicross dogs or as a preventative measure for younger, more active ones.
Meanwhile, Omega Oil helps maintain overall wellbeing, supporting joint health, energy and coat condition with a blend of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.
Spotting the Early Signs
During our conversation, we talked about how dogs often push through discomfort. Small changes in their movement or behaviour can indicate that something’s not quite right.
Some key things to watch for include:
- Stiffness after resting or sleeping
- Hesitation when climbing stairs or jumping into the car
- “Bunny hopping” when running or favouring one leg
- Subtle behavioural changes, such as irritability or reluctance to run
Recognising these early signs allows us to adjust training and give dogs the care and recovery time they need before problems escalate.
Recovery and Rest
Rest is an essential part of any Canicross routine. Just like us, dogs need time to recover between runs to help prevent stiffness and maintain motivation.
We often recommend scheduling easy days or walks after a long run or race – it’s a great way to loosen muscles and aid recovery. Adding natural supplements such as Inflamex or Senior Dog Chews can help maintain mobility, while ensuring your dog stays hydrated and well-fed supports the body’s natural repair processes.
Grooming and Skin Care
Running in all weathers often means muddy paws and dirty coats. Regular grooming doesn’t just keep dogs looking their best, it helps maintain skin health and gives you the chance to check for any soreness or injuries after a run.
Equine America has recently launched a canine grooming range that’s perfect for active dogs:
- Oat-So-Soothing Shampoo – gentle and hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive or dry skin
- Pink My Pooch – a deep-cleaning shampoo for a proper post-run pamper
- Groom & Go – a quick-clean foam that’s perfect for on-the-go or between full washes
Ashleigh also mentioned how bath time can double as a health check, a moment to look over joints, paws and skin while giving your dog a well-deserved massage.
Building a Healthy Routine
We finished our podcast by talking about the importance of balance. Canicross dogs thrive when training, rest and nutrition work together.
A few simple reminders we shared:
- Start slowly and build fitness gradually
- Use a proper Canicross harness to protect your dog’s back and joints
- Mix it up and include variety, rest days and recovery walks
- Feed for activity, ensuring nutrition matches your dog’s workload
- Stay observant. Small changes often tell us a lot
The Bond That Builds
Canicross is about so much more than fitness. Running side-by-side deepens the bond between you and your dog. You learn to read their stride, their energy and their mood. When we look after their wellbeing, they give that energy back tenfold on the trails.
You can find out more about Equine America’s canine range – including Inflamex, Senior Dog Chews, Omega Oil, Oat-So-Soothing Shampoo, Pink My Pooch, and Groom & Go – on their website here: www.equine-america.co.uk/collections/dogs
