Well, as much as we would love it if they could give us a back massage, this information is all about ways to massage for a happy (albeit spoilt) dog.
It is recommended that when massaging your dog – just like when massaging people – that you do this in a relaxing part of the house, and again, just like a human massage, you can have relaxing music playing, but make sure that they are on a comfortable bed, couch or warm blanket.
Everyone’s massage style will vary, but as long as the main focus of gentle pressure and not pulling or pushing too hard is maintained then you won’t cause discomfort.
If you are doing this at home you should start at the top of the neck and slowly stroke down to the base of the tail and back up. You can also continue this all the way down the tail just as long as you maintain a soft but firm grip.
Gently rub the neck in circular motions and behind the ears with your forefingers.
With a gentle grasp, massage the loose skin around their neck, ears and back between your fingers using a soothing rhythmic motion.
Be sure to stroke their chin and throat and don’t forget their chest, buttocks and armpits.
When massaging the legs go down their legs to their paws and firmly squeeze their legs and paws a few times to release some pressure.
The benefits of massage for your dog are similar to those for humans – it relaxes and calms your dog, and soothes sore and tired mussels.
Massage has also been shown to relieve pain from arthritis, hip dysplasia and other ailments as it releases endorphins that work as a natural pain killer.
Massage also increases the bond between you and your dog as well as maintains the immune system, loosens tight mussels and increases flexibility as well as improves the range of motion in your dog.
Massage has also been known to help accelerate healing after surgery as it increases circulation and lymphatic drainage which improves health and well being.
If massaging your dog doesn’t sound like something of interest to you then you could always consider a professional dog therapist, but check with your veterinarian first to see if this would be of benefit to your dog.
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my dad is a massage therapist and he can really relieve minor pains and injuries ‘~:
I hate how my dog having trouble listening to me, it is really a big drag
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