How To Massage Your Dog

Due to the unconditional love, loyalty, affectionate ways and protectiveness a dog shows its family, it is considered as man’s best friend. There is no doubt that dogs have given pet owners invaluable companionship thus a massage is the least an owner can do to pamper the pet. A dog is a social animal that would love to be petted and to receive attention from its master. Similar to the effects of massage to humans, dogs would get loads of benefits from massage too.

It was proven that dog massage have improved the health of dogs suffering from a variety of medical conditions. Massage that is aimed to give the dog specific health benefit to manage a serious health concern is best left to the hand of professional massage therapist. Nonetheless a short daily massage session can improve the flexibility and reduce joint and muscle pains associated with aging.

Massage relaxes the muscles and consequently relieves physical and emotional stress. Massage has a calming effect that allows a dog to get through the sounds of thunder or the deafening noise of the 4th of July or New Year festivities. Most importantly massaging the dog would also be a good opportunity to bond better with the pet.

A good massage that will pamper the pet can be learned easily . Bear in mind that the goal of the massage is to give the pet relaxation thus a pet that is not comfortable with being touched must not be forced. Dogs that hate to be petted and touched are mostly mature dogs adopted from animal shelters. Massaging a small dog would not be too much trouble as you can have the pet to lie on your lap. Bigger dogs though would need a firm surface like a padded table, a couch or a cushioned floor. Get the dog accustomed to long slow strokes from the head to the tip of the tail. Using light pressure, gently scratch the dog behind the ears, the cheeks and the chin taking extra care in rubbing the area between the eyes.

On large dogs, you can use the heel of the hands to make circular motions on the neck. With the same circular motion but with a little more pressure, move the heel of the hand to the shoulders and chest of the dog. For smaller dogs, you can use three fingers instead of the heel of the hand. This light touch should follow the hair growth direction. On the inside of the leg, the stroking should be against the direction of hair growth.

Read more about how to massage your dog at Sarah’s Dogs.