Treating Your Dog To A Massage, Can Benefit Both You and Your Pet.

by Beth Siess, BulldogSmarts.com

Massage techniques can reduce anxiety and nervousness with your dog. You will find routine massaging is a great way to increase circulation and lower his heart rate for a healthier more stress free life.

Also this is an excellent way for you to strength the bond between you and your pet. You will develop a deeper attachment and make handling your pet easier for you and others. Many pet owners feel this is truly a way for them and their pet to unwind at the end of the day.

Just one word of caution before you begin massage therapy sessions with your pet. Don’t massage your dog if they are not in tip top health.

Massaging fragile animals or ones with limited mobility can increase chances of injury. So it is best to consult with a veterinarian for advice on an ailing pet.

When not to massage:
If he is in shock
If he has a fever
If you suspect he is ill
If he has been seriously injured
Don’t massage an area that is infected
And don’t massage a pet diagnosed with cancer.

How to start your massage session:

• Starting the massage with an upbeat, anticipated emotion will teach your dog to look forward to this relaxing time as much as you do.
  
  
• Designate a specific area and give a specific command for your dog to know that this is the time and place for their massage.
  
  
• It is best to wait after potty break and never start immediately after feeding time.

  I like to find a spot that is comfortable for my dog and me. You might try standing at a waist high table for easier movement.

The following sequence is taken directly from the book,
“The Healing Touch For Dogs” by Michael W. Fox BVM PhD

1. Stoke your dogs back with both hands, from the back of the head to the base of the tail. Also stroke in line with the lay of the fur.
   
   
2. Using your fingertips, make small circular motions on each side of the spine, first clockwise, then counterclockwise. Start near the shoulders, and work your way to the tails base
   
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3. Apply gentle pressure with your thumbs, one on each side of the spine. Pressure should be vertical, through the dog, towards the paws.
   
   
4. Still working on the back, lift excess skin up, roll or knead between your thumbs and fingers. Start at the shoulders and work your way to the tails base.
   
   
5. Massage the rump area using circular finger movements.
   
   
6. Feel for the base of the skull where the head joins the back of the neck. Place your fingers on one side, thumbs on the other to massage.
   
   
7. Slide your hands forward to massage your dogs cheek muscles.
   
   
8. Flatten your hand and stroke your dog from nose to top of head, following the lay of the fur.
   
   
9. Take hold of the ears at their base. Gently pull from base to tip, rubbing earlaps between your fingers as you go.
   
   
10. With your dog lying on his side, use your fingers and hands to massage his shoulder muscles with deep, slow circular movements.
    
    
11. Gently massage the forelegs between fingers and thumb, working your way towards the paws.
    
    
12. Squeeze the muscles along and between the toes.
    
    
13. Move each toe up and down with a gentle vibrating movement.
    
    
14. Gently flex the paw, extending it inward and rotating, to relax tendons.
    
    
15. Use both hands to give the thighs a deep massage.
    
    
16. Use your fingers to massage the hip joint in a circular pattern.
    
    
17. Massage down the back leg towards the foot. Massage paw and toes.
    
    
18. Help your dog turn over, then massage his legs on the other side.
    
    
19. To finish talk calmly to your dog while using slow palm and finger strokes from the head down the back to the tip of the tail.
    
    
20. Do the same from the hip to the hind foot and shoulders to forepaw.

For more information on books about massaging your dog check out the Book Directory Here

There are many different techniques of massage, such as massaging areas like the ears that activate the nervous system. It is best to be trained in these specific techniques before attempting to use them on your pet.

Consult with a licensed massage therapist or get in touch with the many facilities available now that train dogs and locate one near you. Often your local veterinary office will be able to recommend some resources to you.

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This article cannot be used without full right given to
Bulldog Smarts Editor, Beth Siess  © BulldogSmarts.com

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