It is not surprising for dogs to be viewed as man’s best friends because these animals have proven their worth as affectionate, loyal and protective companions that have also provided the family with an unending source of joy. Giving the dog a massage is one of the ways by which an owner can repay the pet for all the wonderful things it has given. A dog is a social animal that would love to be petted and to receive attention from its master. Dogs too will get the same benefits humans get from massage.
Dog massage has therapeutic benefits that can help a pet with a medical condition. The services of a well trained massage therapist are necessary if the objective is to improve the health of a dog with a serious medical concern. Aging dogs weighed down with joint and muscle pains will be given a new leash to healthier life as regular massage improves blood circulation and better functioning of all the systems of the body.
Massage can greatly benefit physically and emotionally stressed dogs. Pet parents resort to massaging the dog stressed by the rolling sound of thunder and by the resounding sounds of New Year and 4th of July celebrations. Massaging is quality time that will enhance the bond between owner and pet.
A dog would love a massage thus a pet owner should not hesitate to pamper the pet . One of the objectives of massage is to calm a highly stressed dog thus dogs that are not accustomed to being touched should not be forced to submit to being rubbed down. Dogs that hate to be petted and touched are mostly mature dogs adopted from animal shelters. Small pets can be massaged while lying in your lap. However, bigger dogs would need a firm but well padded surface like a table or a couch. Get the dog accustomed to long slow strokes from the head to the tip of the tail. With light pressure, scratch behind the dog’s ears, rub the chin and cheeks taking extra care to rub the area between the eyes.
On large dogs, you can use the heel of the hands to make circular motions on the neck. Applying a little more pressure, move the heel of the hand in the same circular motion down to the shoulders and to the chest of the dog. Massage technique is a bit different on smaller dogs thus instead of the heel of the hand you can use three fingers. 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.