Massage is an excellent treatment with many benefits for man’s best friend. It can improve blood flow, alleviate stress, reduce pain, relax sore muscles, and improve sprains. Massage therapy also improves the immune system and lowers blood pressure. If your dog suffers from stiffness, stress, or pain, dog massage therapy could be an excellent option to alleviate pain and aid in healing time when combined with other pain management therapies.
Stress and Anxiety Management
Dogs experience stress and anxiety just like humans. Loud sounds, separation, trauma, and even breed can make your dog more prone to stress and anxiety. Massage therapy releases endorphins into the body. These endorphins can aid in relaxation and stress reduction.
Rehab and Recovery
Massage can also be a helpful tool for dogs suffering from physical injuries. Massage helps reduce pain, increases circulation and blood flow, and reduces swelling. Combined with pain management and other therapies, massage therapy can help reduce recovery time.
Arthritis
Many senior dogs develop arthritis, a condition that causes inflammation around the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Large-breed dogs are more prone to arthritis, but smaller dogs can also suffer from this ailment. Massage can help increase circulation, mobility, and pain.
How to Perform a Dog Massage at Home
There are several massage strokes that you can learn to massage your dog correctly:
- Friction – Circular motion with targeted pressure for knots, tension points, and trigger points
- Tapotement – Tapping motion stimulates circulation and releases tension
- Petrissage – Kneading motion, targeted pressure for knots, tension points, and trigger points
- Effleurage – Gentle, gliding motion, warm up muscles
After performing a massage, dress your dog in his Canine Comfort & Care Shirt. This shirt will provide compression around your dog’s entire torso. It is comfortable and safe to reduce swelling and pain.
Other Integrative Treatments
You can integrate other treatments with massage to improve your results.
- Acupuncture – Therapy where you insert needles into specific trigger points to stimulate blood flow.
- Swimming – Water exercises are an excellent therapy for animals with arthritic joints or other physical injuries.
- Cold-Laser Therapy – Light is used to stimulate healing throughout the body.
- Weight Loss – Weight loss in an obese dog can help reduce several health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain.
- Gentle Exercise – For dogs suffering from health or physical issues, gentle exercise can promote better circulation and reduce inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good to massage dogs?
Yes! Massage is an excellent treatment to improve your dog’s physical and emotional well-being.
How do you give a therapeutic massage?
Therapeutic massage centers around a relaxing environment. Massage strokes are slow and gentle. Find areas of tension and work in slow, circular motions.
Where is the best point to massage a dog?
The best points to massage a dog are around his shoulders, back, and neck. Additionally, areas around the hips hold significant tension.
Do dogs feel good when you massage them?
The benefits of massage are not just physical. Massage releases endorphins throughout your dog’s system, improving mood, reducing stress, and reducing pain.
Where can I massage my dog to relax?
The best massage points mentioned above are also places to help your dog relax. The neck, shoulders, back, and hips are all excellent choices.
What is the best way to massage a dog?
The first step to massaging your dog is to set up a relaxing environment. Gradually apply pressure to areas of tension, remembering to be gentle. Combine motions of kneading, rubbing, and stretching.
