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Did you know?
Dog massages can reduce stress and anxiety, improve body functions, increase and improve circulation, decrease pain, assist in recovery and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. It also helps in identifying potential health issues.
According to Heal Animal Massage Therapy, “Along with regular veterinary visits, massage is a proactive therapy that addresses future health issues and also helps with certain problems your pet may already have.”
People get massages to maintain their health; dogs are no different. There are reflexology points on a dog’s body too that you can massage that are beneficial to their health.
NOTE: Massage therapy should never take the place of a veterinarian’s advice and care for your dog.
How do I massage my dog?
Start by using your palm to touch all the different parts of your dog’s body. Pay attention to what your dog’s body feels like. When you get to the legs, instead of using your palm, wrap your fingers around each of your dog’s lower legs and squeeze gently.
Massaging your dog’s ears
Your dog’s ears affect his stress and anxiety levels. Massaging a dog’s ears is extremely relaxing to him. Massaging his ears will make him relax his whole body so it’s a good idea to start with the ears. A dog’s ears have nerve centers, which make them extremely sensitive to touch. Once your dog is relaxed from you rubbing his ears, you can move on to massaging other parts of his body.
Massaging your dog’s head
Is massaging my dog’s head really necessary? Yes!!
Massaging your dog’s head affects their nervous system and their stomach. Your dog has pressure points near his eyes that affect the stomach, bladder and gallbladder.
According to iheartdogs.com, “your dog’s nervous system is directly correlated to the cranial area.”
Massaging your dog’s back
Every dog loves a good back rub, but massaging your dog’s back has lots of health benefits. Do you have a hyper dog? Or… is your dog restless? Massaging his back will help calm him down.
Other benefits of massaging your dog’s back- it can help improve his stomach health, it can increase skin elasticity, and your touch will provide comfort for your dog.
Massaging your dog’s stomach
Does your dog suffer from digestive issues? If so, massaging his stomach could help. Massaging your dog’s stomach with your palm can help your dog’s stomach muscles relax. A stomach massage often can help your dog stay more regular without a lot of gas and bloating problems.
Massaging your dog’s front legs
I honestly never thought about massaging my dog’s front legs. But, if you think about it, a dog’s front legs are crucial to their well-being. They need their front legs to be healthy so they can run and play. If you know your dog is going to be running a lot, massaging his front legs is a great warm-up for him- it will help prevent injuries and a massage is great for your dog’s joint health.
Life & Dog says, “working in the crease behind your dog’s elbows will help him cope with infections and allergies.” Interesting!!
Massaging your dog’s chest
A chest massage is beneficial for your dog because it affects his circulatory system and overall heart health. Massaging your dog’s chest can also have a positive affect on your dog’s blood pressure.
Massaging your dog’s paws
A lot of pugs (dog’s) don’t like their paws messed with much. However, massaging your dog’s paws is extremely beneficial. A dog’s paws are directly connected to lots of different parts on their body so that’s why they are sometimes sensitive. A paw massage can help with the overall health of your dog. Also, once a dog is used to their paws being massaged, you can handle their paws without stressing your dog (ex: nail trimming).
Massaging your dog’s back legs
Massaging your dog’s back legs before your dog runs or plays a lot is a great idea. It warms up those muscles. Massaging in this area can help with your dog’s flexibility and range of motion and improve muscle tone. It can also lengthen a dog’s stride and reduce injuries related to sports.
According to Modern Dog magazine, “paying attention to the pelvic area just above the hind legs can be great for the rest and relaxation responses of the body (sleep, digestion and tissue repair).
A specific massage for a dog’s anxiety or nervousness
If you have a nervous dog or a dog with anxiety, here is a specific massage that may help. Softly rest the palm of your hand on the top of your dog’s head and make long strokes down his back, along his spine and down his tail. Repeat this same motion several times slowly. You can increase the pressure gradually if your dog acts like he likes it. Don’t press down hard on the lower part of your dog’s back as you don’t want to put a lot of pressure on your dog’s spine and hips. When you are done with the massage, rest one of your hands at the base of your dog’s head and your other hand over the highest point of your dog’s hips- these two points are associated with the part of the spinal cord that is in charge of rest and relaxation. Repeat this massage anytime your dog is anxious, nervous, hyperactive, restless or fearful.
https://www.caninejournal.com/benefits-of-dog-massage-therapy/
Benefits:
- Relaxation
- Increased oxygenation of the blood
- Pain relief
- Improved flexibility
- Improved immune system
- Reduced age-related issues
- Reduced arthritis and hip dysplasia discomfort
- Muscle tension, soreness, weakness and spasm relief
Massaging our dogs has LOTS of benefits. Try it today!!
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
