Dog Massage

Dog massage is as beneficial for it as it is for its owner. Massaging promotes circulation, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, alleviates pain, and promotes calmness especially in hyperactive and anxious dogs. It is beneficial in dogs recovering from surgery, dogs with liver, kidney, and heart problems, geriatric, working dogs and even healthy dogs. Pet massage can be performed by a passive touch, effleurage, or very lightly kneading the muscles. An added benefit is the bond and connection between dog and owner where an overall well-being condition is created. Dogs are social just like we are, so they thrive on physical contact.

Passive touch is when the hand is held on an area for a few moments with no pressure at all. The hand works its way to different muscle groups.

Effleurage is a superficial rhythmic stroking where the hand moves sway from the heart to aid in relaxation and a deep movement toward the heart to aid in circulation. It is usually started by the head moving the hand down the body to the tail and outside of leg (going with the growth of the hair). The hand moves inside the legs against the hair growth. The other hand stays on the body at all times.

Muscle kneading is done with thumb and index finger with one hand or both by gently massaging and exerting pressure on small areas at a time and continuing to move to another. The body can also be stroked by using the kneading method.

Providing a dog massage promotes calmness and lowers blood pressure. So why not sit with your dog today in a quiet spot and massage it for 10-15 minutes, it’ll do wonders for dog and human.