Massage has been a healing practice for hundreds of year. Massage is not just for athletes or spa goers. It can also be used to prevent illness in pets. You may remember being relaxed or even a bit sore after a massage, depending on what type you had. Pets can also benefit from a variety of different massage styles, all with their own goals. This article will concentrate on a relaxing and therapeutic massage you can give your dog at home.
Massage: Its Benefits
Massage may appear to be a fancy method of petting your dog. However, it has many health benefits. This can be a wonderful way to bond with your dog.
Soothing Sore Joints and Muscles
Although younger dogs will reap the benefits from massage, older, more arthritic dogs will benefit the most. When you move your hand over the skin, a tiny amount of friction is created. This increases blood flow and heat to the area. The increased blood flow flushes out inflammation, and supplies anti-inflammatory cells into the affected area. Increased blood flow can also nourish areas that have not had enough blood flow because of chronic conditions such as arthritis. By working together, increasing blood flow, decreasing swelling, and improving nutrition can all help to reduce pain.
Relaxation
Your dog will feel calmer and more relaxed after a massage. If you rush and stroke the fur, it can be stimulating and invigorating. If you do it at a relaxed, gentle pace, this will relax your dog. Both you and your dog can benefit from regular massages. Massage can help reduce blood pressure, stress hormones and anxiety.
What to watch out for when massaging
It is common for humans to feel sore after a massage. However, we do not want this for our pets. Massages should be relaxing and positive experiences. It is therefore important to pay attention to your dog’s reaction and not apply pressure that causes pain.
The following are signs that your pet may not be enjoying the massage:
- Try to move the bodypart away from you
- You can also turn your head quickly towards the area you are aiming at.
- Get up and walk away
- If you touch an area that is sensitive, you may growl or snap.
It is in the best interest of your dog to be cautious when it comes to pressure. Some older dogs have medical conditions that prevent them from telling you whether the pressure applied is too much. Do not massage an open wound, bruise, fracture or site of recent surgery. Ask your veterinarian if you are unsure about a particular area.
Massage Techniques and Set-Up
Set up
Make sure your dog is in a comfortable place to rest, such as their favorite bed or the sofa. A blanket or quilt placed on the floor is sufficient for larger dogs. You should also be relaxed and comfortable. You should be aware of how you are positioned and not lean over the dog to much.
Techniques
Effleurage
The palm and flat of the hand are used to create long, flowing strokes. Stroke in the direction of your coat using light or moderate pressure to relax. This stroke can be used to start a massage, focus attention on an area of the body or finish a session.
Petrissage
This technique is similar to “kneading” and involves making small circular strokes with your finger pads. This technique is perfect for massaging “meaty” areas and along your spine. Use your thumbs and forefingers to massage along the spine. Make small circles with your thumbs and forefingers simultaneously.
Raking
With the fingers of your hand, form the shape of a paw. Use your “claw” to rake the body with light pressure. This can be done along the spine or the sides. This technique is more invigorating.
Compressions
This technique helps with lymphatic flow and circulation. Place one hand on top of the other, starting from the paw (or just above it), so that the leg lies between the two hands. Hold your hands together for three seconds and then squeeze the leg gently. Continue to move closer to your body as you climb the leg. Use your thumb and the first few fingers on smaller dogs to achieve the desired effect. This technique should start at the paw and move up to the body in order to promote lymphatic drainage.
Basic Treatment Flow
- Calm yourself: Take a few deep breathes to relax and set the mood for your pet’s massage.
- Introduction to Massage Use gentle pressure and three long, gentle effleurage strokes down the length of the dog’s body, beginning at the neck.
- Massage of the Neck and Head: Massage your dog’s neck and head using circular movements.
- Focus On The Legs Do some long strokes along one of the legs. Mix in some kneading the “meaty” muscle area on both the upper and lower leg, and lastly the shoulder area. Try a compression technique from the paw to the body if your dog is willing.
- Massage Spine: Use your thumb and index finger to massage the spine of the pup using long strokes. Continue to massage the lower back, until you reach the point where the tail meets your pup’s body.
- Massage of the Rear Legs : Gently massage both the inner and outer thigh muscles and the soft tissues in the lower leg. Massage the fascia around the hip, butt and area behind the inner leg.
- Switch sides If your dog feels comfortable, move to the other side and repeat. Finish by applying a few effleurage movements to the legs and body.
Massage Length Recommended
If possible, I would recommend 15 minutes of massage two to three days a week. After a few sessions you will notice that giving your dog massages will become second-nature and hopefully, a new way of spoiling your pet baby.
You can enhance your bond with your dog by incorporating these techniques, and keeping in mind their comfort. Happy massaging!
