With the growing popularity of spoiling dogs with the best pet groomer supplies and even spa treatments for pets, many people are wondering if they should be getting their dog a massage. The answer is they should, and there are many reasons to do so. Massaging your dog can help with their range of motion and anxiety and even increase their overall happiness.
Dogs are very intuitive beings, and they’ll tell you what feels good to them regarding massage. If you’ve ever noticed your pup enjoying a back scratch or butt rub, it’s because they enjoy a massage in that area of their body!
The Importance of Massages for Dogs
Massages are highly beneficial for dogs and can help with many issues. Massage can help relieve pain, which is especially important if your dog has an injury or illness that causes him to be in pain. In fact, a recent study suggests that massages can positively affect dogs’ pain and quality of life. It can also relax your dog and make him feel more comfortable.
Besides the massages and relaxation, massages are also good for dogs because they:
- Help reduce stress
- Improve blood flow and circulation
- Relieve aches, pains, and soreness from exercise or injury
- Improves flexibility
- Promotes lymph drainage
- Alleviates any age-related disorders
- Removes toxins from the body and assists with the lymphatic system
Different Dog Massage Techniques
There are several techniques you can use to massage your dog. You can either stick to one of these techniques or use a combination based on your dog’s preferences. Always remember that this massage is for your dog. Hence, you need to choose a technique that your dog likes. Some standard dog massage techniques include:
Shoulder Strumming Massage Technique
Use your fingertips to massage your dog’s shoulder muscles gently. Make sure to lift up on the skin as you come around the neck and slightly strum it back down in a circular motion. This will help stimulate blood flow and muscle relaxation in the area.
When massaging both sides of the body, start with one hand working from top to bottom and then switch hands halfway through so that each side is treated equally before switching back again.
Waving Down the Neckline Massage Technique
This technique is excellent for dogs with neck pain and stiffness. It is also good to use when your dog has arthritis in the neck or if she’s had an injury that caused some sore muscles or joints. The waving down the neckline massage can help get rid of any tension that might be present in your dog’s scar tissue and soft tissues by working out kinks in these areas.
A good thing about this massage technique is that it helps promote flexibility across your dog’s vertebrae while simultaneously relieving any pain he may be experiencing in his back or anywhere else along his spine.
Combining this massage with medication like Rimadyl (Carprofen) can be the best arthritis pain reliever for dogs. You can get this medication at your local pet medication store or buy it online at a discounted rate from suppliers like PetCareRx or others. These online suppliers take bulk orders, which reduces the price significantly, allowing them to offer a discount.
However, while looking for medication online, ensure purchasing from someone like PetCareRX, certified and accredited by the best organizations. This will ensure that you are buying the medicines from the right website and that they will be safe for your dog.
Chin-Ups Massage Technique
The Chin-Ups technique massages the dog’s chin and neck and then moves down to his chest. The circular motion used in this massage helps relieve muscle soreness and stiffness while increasing blood flow. You can do this technique for about five minutes on each side of your dog’s body.
As you move down from his neck to his chest, use a kneading motion with both hands to apply pressure along the length of your pet’s spine until he rolls over onto his back so you can work out any knots in his lower back. Finally, reach under him and massage each paw to have better circulation all over his body!
Before You Massage Your Dog
The above benefits can be tempting enough to start massaging your dog immediately. But before you get started, there are a few things to consider. You need to ensure that:
- Your dog is relaxed and comfortable. If she’s standing on all fours, ready to pounce on something or anything that moves, this isn’t the best time for a massage.
- You have the right tools handy. These tools include a few towels, coconut oil, groom brushes, and baby wipes in case your pup gets excited during her massage session.
- You take as much care of your own comfort as possible. Wear loose clothing that doesn’t restrict movement or hamper access to your hands. Make sure you have enough space around yourself so that if your dog jumps up and down while being massaged, it won’t be dangerous. Also, turn off any potential distractions such as the TV, music, or other animals.
- You find the right spot where your dog feels comfortable for a massage.
- You get your dog comfortable with the massage with a few touches and gentle rubs.
- You are not applying too much or too little pressure during the massage.
- You examine your dog carefully before beginning massage to ensure no injury or soreness.
Give Your Pup the Spa Treatment With a Canine Massage!
As a dog owner, you know your pup is your best friend. You spend time with them daily and want to ensure they can feel their best, and there is no better way to do this than by giving them massages. Massages are good for dogs for several reasons.
If the dog does not like what you are doing, he will let you know. Do not press hard on his spine; for some dogs, it is best to avoid massaging their lower legs. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about any specific areas of concern before proceeding with the massage. Follow the tips mentioned in the article, and you’ll be ready to give your dog his canine massage.
