Dog massage is a good way to get your dog to relax and to build trust. Learn how to massage your dog to improve your pet's health. It's easy to do and you'll both enjoy it. Massage benefits dogs in the same ways it benefits humans.
There are professional pet massage therapists who have trained extensively in how to do animal massage properly. You should only give your dog a gentle relaxing massage at home. Only properly trained therapists should give your dog a deep massage.
You can use the same strokes that you use in human massage for dog massage. Strokes like effleurage and friction work well for dog massage. Here is a simple routine that you can use to give your dog a nice relaxing massage.
Make sure your dog is comfortable. If you own a hyper dog, you should take the dog out for a good long walk before the massage. Your dog will be calmer and more willing to sit still after a walk.
Massage your dog in a comfortable place, like the dog's bed. If you have a small dog, you can massage it on your lap. The dog can be sitting, lying or standing for the massage.
Start out with a basic stroke using an open relaxed hand down the length of the dog from head to tail, just like you're petting it but slower. This helps relax the dog even further. As you do this you should be noting the general temperature of your pet. Do any areas feel hotter or colder than others? Try to notice if you feel any knots in the muscles.
Once you do this you can hold your hand in a kind of claw shape and use your fingertips to do a board circular stroke similar to circular friction. As you do this notice your dog's reaction. If your dog jumps or gives you a look, you may be on painful area. If you find a painful area where the tissue is hard, you can do trigger point therapy on it. Just push into the spot and gently hold for 10 seconds than release for 2 seconds. Repeat that several times on the same spot.
Massage your dog's front, back, sides, neck and legs in this manner. You can even massage the face. End your dog massage with some more soothing effleurage strokes.
Don't massage any areas of unexplained swelling. Don't massage your dog if it has a fever or cancer.
Now that you know how to massage you're ready to give your doggy friend a special relaxing treat.
