Massage
You don't need to take your dog to a fancy spa for him to enjoy a relaxing massage. You can do it for him in your own home. By physically manipulating the soft tissues of your dog's body, you relieve muscle tension and increase circulation. Think of it as upgrading your everyday petting to a therapeutic technique.
Be careful not to massage over an open wound, area of infection, insect bite, or incision. Avoid swollen areas. Skip the procedure if your dog has a fever, is seriously ill, or has cancer. Applying pressure to these areas may worsen the condition.
Other than just plain pampering, massage helps the flow of the lymphatic system that removes waste products and toxins. For dogs with arthritis, regular massages can ease joint pain, but they can also be used to help recovery after an injury or just to promote relaxation.
Assuming he is healthy, giving your dog a massage has many benefits. If you have a puppy, massage will help him accept your touch during his early socialization period. When it comes time to groom your dog he'll be very comfortable with you or a groomer handling him during brushing and bathing, and especially when touching his feet.
During massage you may detect a health problem, such as a tumor, swollen area, or a cut in early stages, and will be able to obtain treatment for your dog before it worsens. Massage is a wonderful thing to do when you need to calm your overactive dog, and it relieves environmental stress from a move or a boarding situation. Best of all, you're building a loving bond between you and your dog that will last a lifetime.
Massage Techniques
Massage techniques vary, depending upon the system you want to affect. Here are some different ways to massage your dog:
Connective. Medium to full depth and pressure moves that gently push into connective tissue.
Effleurage. Light, gliding strokes target the nervous system. Strokes toward the heart promote blood flow, while strokes away from the heart are calming.
Petrissage. Gently kneading or compressing the tissue, which increases circulation and supplies nutrients and oxygen to the muscle while decreasing overall tension.
Skin lifting. Using fingers and thumb to lift a fold of the skin and release to help increase circulation over sore joints.
Stretching. Gently bending an extremity or joint to improve range of motion in joints and muscles prior to exercise.
Tapotement. Drumming or patting strokes, with fingertips or with cupped hands to tone muscle and tissues and increase blood flow to the area.
Vibration. Used with an electric hand massager that delivers high frequency waves to the deep tissue levels to aid relaxation.
Massage How-To's
If you know how to pet your dog, you can learn how to give him a massage. To begin, choose a quiet room of the house where you won't be disturbed by others, and have your dog lie on a soft, firm surface such as a couch, bed, or rug. Small dogs can fit on your lap. You might want to dim the lights and play some soothing music to relax both of you. Realize that your dog is not going to understand at first what you're trying to do, so take it slow and allow plenty of time so you don't feel rushed.
Sit alongside your dog facing the same way he is positioned so he doesn't feel intimidated by your standing or leaning over him. Be sure to talk to him in a soothing voice. This helps both of you to relax.
Using both of your palms, begin with soft, slow strokes along the length of his muscles from head to tail. Work from the end of the extremities toward the body. Keep your touch light and gentle so your dog will relax. Scratch gently behind his ears and move to his face, chin, muzzle, and top of his head. Gently rub each ear.
With three fingers, progress to slow, small strokes in a circular motion over the neck, shoulders, and chest. Continue with the front and back of the legs, going from top to bottom and then reversing the direction. If at any time your dog wants to run out of the room, it means you're pressing too hard, so ease up on your touch. There should be no question in your mind that your dog is thoroughly enjoying this experience and will probably want more after you're done.
Going to a Massage Therapist
If you prefer to take your dog to a professional canine massage therapist, make sure the therapist has expert massage training and is comfortable around dogs. It helps if the professional is also licensed for human massage because this indicates an understanding that canine massage is a serious matter not to be taken lightly.
To locate a qualified massage therapist, ask your veterinarian, groomer, or other dog owners for people they recommend. The therapist should ask you questions about your dog's condition before beginning any treatment. You should give the therapist information about any recent injuries, past surgeries, and medical treatments. Your veterinarian should provide a written description of your dog's condition to aid the therapist in choosing the appropriate treatment.
When interviewing therapists, ask about their level of experience with massage techniques and with dogs, where they received their training, and how much training they've had. Do some homework and ask your veterinarian what the right answers should be. You want to feel secure with the professional you select, but more importantly, your dog should also like the person you choose.
