In our society of chronic stress, dogs can suffer from separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, post-surgery stress, show jitters, temperament problems, and even fret about their owner’s stress. These are only a few reasons to consider massage for your pooch. Other reasons include added socialization for your pet and enhancement of the human/animal bond. Dogs feeling stress in a new environment, working dogs with sore muscles, or older pets with chronic aches can benefit from massage as well.
Massage is different from petting your dog because it uses focused, deliberate touches. Some of the benefits of dog massage include:
- Increased circulation
- Decreased muscle tension and pain
- Increased muscle strength
- Increased flexibility
- Increased self-esteem and improved behavior
- Increased bonding between dog and guardian
Some dogs that get massaged by professionals belong to people who have never had a massage themselves. Because the high cost of dog massage can be prohibitive, dog massage therapists can teach owners how to do some of the techniques themselves.
Here are some tips for light massage that you can try yourself:
- Have your dog lie on a soft, firm surface, such as a thick rug or carpeted floor. You can hold small dogs in your lap.
- Start with soft, slow strokes from head to tail.
- As your dog begins to relax, start to scratch gently behind his ears. Move to the cheeks, then under the chin, over the nose, between the eyes and over the head. Rub each ear from base to tip between your thumb and forefinger.
- Using three fingers, move slowly and deliberately over the neck, shoulders, and chest. Use small, circular motions and gently pinch any loose skin in these areas.
- Lightly squeeze down the length of each foreleg. Place three fingers on each side of the leg and softly rub back and forth. If your dog is okay with having his feet handled, then squeeze them gently.
- Place your thumb and forefinger on each side of his spine and “walk” them to the base of his tail. Be careful not to put any pressure directly on your dog’s spine.
- You can massage the rear legs and tail in the same way that you did his forelegs.
- Finish with several soft, slow, deliberate strokes from head to tail.
- If at any point, your dog resists, respect him and return to the last massage technique you performed.
- Avoid putting any pressure on wounds, bruises, lumps, rashes, or sore spots.
- Take this opportunity to look for ticks, mats, burrs, or scabs.
- Remember to keep your touch light and gentle.
Sometimes it’s a dog’s life being man’s best friend.
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Tags: Dog massage, petting, therapy, wellness