Dogs suffer from muscle stiffness and soreness just like humans do. As a dog gets older general aches and pains increase and they can suffer lethargy and fatigue, but unlike us, they can’t verbally communicate where the pain is coming from. By giving our dogs a regular all over body massage we get to know the animal’s body better and potential problems can be spotted before they become too serious.
It is also a good way of bonding with a dog, we all stroke our pets anyway, and it lowers the blood pressure of both the owner and his dog.
The main thing is to never force massage on a dog who does not want to participate and only practise on an animal that is very well known to you.
Always look out for signs that the dog has discomfort and take to a vet if a problem does arise.Other signs which may indicate a problem are:-
Sensitivity to touch
Skin temperature ie hot spots
Localised swelling
Muscle stiffness
Poor quality of coat
Just the act of massage has great benefits of its own. It can help to:-
Relieve anxiety, tension and fear.
Reduce pain from muscle stiffness and accelerates the healing process after surgery.
Aid digestion
Decrease blood pressure
Help kidney and liver function.
Aid circulation and helps to remove toxins.
Help the effects of ageing
Simple hand massage
By just touching the dog gently and moving your hands down his body you should be able to feel him relax. A tiny bit of pressure can be added if the dog seems to enjoy it.
Similar techniques are used as in human massage
Effleurage is slow steady strokes
Friction which is pressure without moving the skin.
Percussion which is drumming of the fingers.
Pertissage which is a gentle kneading action.
Everything should be done gently and slowly. The dog will be able to tell you if he doesn’t want to continue, simply by moving away. Usually, the dog will be so relaxed that he will fall asleep.
For a more complex massage or for specific issues, visit a trained therapist.
Darcy is a very anxious rescue dog who benefits from being massaged and as well as helping to relax him it builds up trust and helps me to bond with him. You can tell by his eyes that he is still a little wary of being handled but this is a dog who will bite instinctively if he feels threatened, (He wasn’t happy about being photographed either!). He also has fur loss on the tips of his ears , tummy and chest and massaging coconut oil has greatly helped and made his coat shine too
My rescue girl relaxes into massage too. She won’t fully let herself go because it does make her nervous to be touched all over, but she loves when I find those knots and other sore tense places and slowly work them out the way I have my wife do on my back and shoulders.
I’ve always given my animals massages, but it has certainly been the most helpful with her for the increased bonding as well as the stress and pain relief after 6 years having babies in a puppy mill.
Oh bless, she must have had very little human contact in the puppy mill so it is great that she lets you massage her. These places make me so angry, I’m so glad she found you. x
My rescue girl absolutely loves a paw massage by the fire before bed ❤
She sounds like a very lucky lady to have found you. There’s nothing like the love of a rescue dog. Thank you for your comments and welcome.