Dog Massage Guide

A full message is not only for humans. Dogs can draw immense health benefits from a deep therapeutic massage. Do not think of it as a luxury treatment. Massages are good for the tissues and muscles so any dog suffering from pain or lethargy will get a lot out of a good massage. There are many licensed practitioners who provide dog massages but you can also learn to give massages at home. 

What Is a Dog Massage?

A canine massage is very similar to what we get at a spa, minus the fancy nick nacks. You do not need oil to massage a dog so that makes it easier and quicker. By employing different massage techniques, you can stroke their entire body so that they become more relaxed and happy. You might apply pressure on some points, where the muscles are too tight. It is always important to get training from a proper massage technician before doing it at home. Applying too much pressure or stroking the wrong way might end up injuring the dog. As advised by PetMD, someone who is trained in dog anatomy will know exactly how much pressure to apply at certain places in order to avoid damage to the tissue or the muscle. Getting such a person to help you train and practice will be a great way to learn. 

What Are the Benefits of Dog Massage?

Numerous benefits can be obtained from massage for dogs. 

• Their blood circulation improves a lot after a massage as it allows blood to flow to the muscles more freely.

• After an injury or surgery, a dog might suffer from pain due to stiffness in limbs. A good massage can be a powerful tool to relieve your pup’s pain.

• Older dogs who suffer from limb stiffness and limited mobility show great improvement after a massage.

• Dogs feel stress and suffer from anxiety, just like us. They get relaxed and happy after a massage. 

• Lethargy in dogs can often be cured with the help of therapeutic massages and all dogs become more active afterwards. 

Which Dogs Would Benefit Most From Massages?

According to Zoetis, senior dogs often suffer from stiff limbs and difficulty in moving. The muscles would become more relaxed after receiving a deep tissue massage, enabling the dog to move more pain-free and freely. A decent therapeutic massage at home is beneficial for any dog that experiences discomfort, lethargy, depression, poor circulation, or low metabolism. 

Some dogs welcome a massage and enjoy the whole process tremendously, while others might not be comfortable with it. Never force your dog to submit to a massage. Try stroking them gently and holding them in your lap to make them feel more comfortable. Once they are relaxed and subdued, the pooch will be more amiable and willing to get a massage. 

There is something else you need to be mindful of when giving massages. Any wound, stitches, injury or tumor means you need to avoid massages till they have been taken care of. You can make a tumor more painful by massaging. A licensed masseuse or vet will be able to teach you how to massage a dog so always consider a consultation before you go down this road.

Types of Dog Massage

Stroking

It is as simple as it sounds. You touch the dog with small, gentle touches and keep the pressure very low. This is also a calming technique that allows the dog to relax and prepare for a more extensive massage session. You can also use stroking at the end. 

Effleurage

Very effective in canine massage therapy, effleurage involves long, broad strokes starting from the head and going all over the body. This helps in improving the blood circulation and can be done with one hand or both depending on what your dog likes. 

Petrissage

You apply pressure to the tissue once and then release it. Follow this pattern all over the body, with a special focus on tight muscles. The kneading and rolling motion can be employed during this technique to relax muscles and reduce soreness. 

Concussive Stroke

A unique technique that uses the mix of rhythmic slapping, chopping and tapping actions to reinvigorate muscles. Practice this method under the supervision of a certified trainer as it can be a little challenging for an inexperienced masseuse. It is pretty similar to a Swedish massage that you might get at the saloon and has tremendous benefits for circulation and tissue health.

Conclusion

Your dog’s health and agility will get a great boost from a relaxing pet massage. With the right massage training, you may give your dog a massage in the convenience of your own house. Establishing a serene and comfortable setting will help your dog feel more at ease and set the mood. Sometimes, despite your best effort, the dog will be reluctant or unwilling to get the massage. That’s ok. Leave it for another day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs like massages?

Almost all dogs like getting a relaxing massage but there are exceptions. Some dogs are anxious and tense and do not like being stroked in general so massages hold no appeal for them.