Dog massage therapy is also beneficial. Our four-legged friends deserve some pet relaxation as well. In reality, dogs love massage just like humans. Wouldn’t it be nice to let our dogs experience it too? For this reason, we will tell you the benefits that massage can give to our pet dogs. Please come and join me until the end of this article. This article is entirely worth your time.
Dog massage therapy
A massage is an application of either gentle or firm pressure to your body’s muscles and joints to relieve pain and tension. Humans love and enjoy having a massage to release stress. But did you know that our pets would love it too?
Yes! Our pets can also have a massage. It offers the same benefits as well. As a pet owner, you can even do it yourself as long as you know how to do it. Most veterinarians recommend massage therapy as part of the rehabilitation aid if the pets had surgery.
Furthermore, you can also use massage for your dog’s warm-up, relaxation or to stimulate their muscles that can prevent injury. A massage for your dog can ease both their acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. Aside from that, it is an excellent complement to other forms of dog treatment.
Simple massage techniques
Here are a few methods that you can do safely for your dogs at home. However, a professional is best to do the full-body, deep tissue massage for your dogs. Do not try to do that on your own to prevent any problem from arising.
- Backstroke: It is the most straightforward technique you can do to massage your dog. You can even do this while you are sitting together or watching TV. From the back of your dog’s head, make up and down stroke on either side of their spine with very gentle pressure. Furthermore, be sure not to go over your dog’s bone.
- Forehead rub: your dog will surely love to have an excellent head rub. From the top of your dog’s nose, gently apply pressure using your thumb up to the top of the head. Do this back and forth in slow motion.
- Thigh and glute rub: Dogs can experience arthritis as well. However, in this case, it would be better to let your veterinarian do the treatment. On the other hand, this technique can help loosen your dog’s muscles and stay flexible. You can do this by pressing your thumb into your dog’s thigh or glute, then rub backward while forming a letter “c. Ear rub: “
- Ear rub: This technique offers calming sensation to your dogs. To do this, you have to position your thumb on the inner side of their ears; at the ear’s flap base. Then, put your index finger outside the ear. Once in position, start stroking towards the end of the ears gently. Aside from that, you can add a slight, gentle pull.
These techniques are safe and straightforward. For this reason, you can do them by yourself at home. However, if your dog has health issues, it would be best to consult your veterinarian first. On the other hand, you can also try watching this short video, wherein a veterinarian shows how to do a dog massage.
Benefits of dog massage therapy
As we have mentioned earlier, massage therapy offers the same benefits to your dogs. We have listed these benefits below, with which you are familiar as well.
- Dogs are also susceptible to stress and anxiety. Typical reasons for it can be loud noises, thunderstorms, or the presence of a cat or another dog. In this case, doing a massage on them reduces their stress and anxiety. In effect, it will make them feel more relaxed and comfortable.
- Usually, a vet recommends massage for the rehabilitation of your dog if they hurt themselves. Massage can reduce pain and swelling. Additionally, it also helps heal strains and sprains quicker. However, your vet should at least know the condition of your dog before you do this. There could be limitations to what massage you can apply to them at this state.
- Doing dog massage therapy allows them to improve several body functions, such as blood circulation, immune system, digestion, and many more.
- Excellent dog massage therapy can make your dog feel refreshed, revitalized, and full of positive vibes.
- Massaging your dog will enhance the connection between you and your dog. Furthermore, it will make your relationship more in-depth as your dog learns how to love having a massage.
- Lastly, it is the best comfort you can offer in their stages of life.
For these benefits, isn’t it worth considering to let your dog experience it? Besides, you will benefit too. Your dog will grow more closer to you if you continuously massage them. Our dogs need some relaxation too, and massage is one the best that you can give them.
Things to ponder
Before you start doing massage on your dog, please do remember these simple tips:
- First and foremost, you have to do it slowly.
- Second, ensure that your dog is enjoying it.
- Let your dog leave if they had enough of the massage.
- For serious dog health issues, a certified canine massage therapist is the best person you can count on.
Moreover, do not force a massage if your dog has a medical condition. It might even worsen if you did the massage improperly. Of course, we don’t want to put our dog’s life in danger.
