Dog massages? Sure, why not?
Massage is thought to be beneficial to dogs and may increase flexibility, encourage a better sense of wellness and calmness, reduce pain and increase circulation.
There are various techniques you can use, including stroking, passive movement, gentle stretching and kneading.
A properly performed massage can help release pent up stress and negative energy, resulting in a calm and more peaceful pet.
The sensation of simple touch of the fur (skin) and the manipulation of muscles has been shown to enhance the human animal bond, and sometimes even establish it. For the inactive and older pet, as well for the young or working pet, the owner can provide a gentle comforting touch. This helps provide security and calmness and will aid in relieving stress. The benefits from massage are many:
Increased flexibility
A general sense of wellness
Reduction of pain
Increased circulation
Calmness
Massage should always be a calming and gentle activity.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Before you begin, make sure your dog is in a comfortable and quiet place. A table, the floor or even the couch are good places. The area should be padded and clean, and have plenty of fresh water available. This will allow the pet to receive the most benefit from the massage.
The most important part of a massage is relaxation. Soft music or soothing sounds will quiet many pets. We have good results with the Music My Pet CD.
Do not force your pet to submit to a massage if he really isn't interested. As with anything else, there may be times when massage does not help.
A couple of basic techniques that you can use at home include effleurage and passive touch. These are applied only three times during each session.
Effleurage - Effleurage is a gentle long stroke, which helps to warm the tissue. The amount of pressure applied to the animal is about 5 grams to a pound. This is a very, very light touch. One hand is on the pet at all times, while the other hand slowly slides down over the face, head, body, tail and outside of the legs. Make sure to go in the direction of the hair growth. Next, gently stroke up the inside of the legs, against the hair growth. With hand-over-hand effleurage one hand starts a stroke as the other hand ends a stroke. This leaves one hand connected to the animal at all times. Centripetal effleurage is a circle motion toward the heart. Be careful not to pull the hair.
Passive Touch - When passive touch is applied it is done with no pressure at all. Your hand is held on a muscle group only. A hand is held on the head, shoulder, along the side or the thigh and hip. This is done for a few moments. It will produce calmness, and help to relieve some pain. Your pet will be comforted by this weightless touch. Passive touch can be done anytime, while watching television or while out on a walk.
