Is it only two-legged animals who suffer from pain and need therapy? No, it’s not, it can be beneficial for our four-legged friends as well. They get pains and aches in their joints and muscles as humans. Thus, dog massage is a complementary therapy that helps treat health issues from arthritis to certain injuries.
Dog Massage Therapy: What You Should Know
Dog massage is not a normal therapy. It has certain strategies and uses intense pressure to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Thus, it’s a must that you take your dog for professional guidance.
From puppies to seniors, all dogs can benefit from dog massage therapy, says Dr. Barrack.
“When you’re getting in and working with muscles, you want to work with someone who is trained and understands the anatomy and how much pressure is safe,” says Brandenburg.
If you’d like to try therapeutic massage for your pet, you may ask your veterinarian to refer you to a certified animal massage therapist.
Simpler Dog Massage Techniques
Here are some simpler, less intense dog massage therapy techniques that are safe and can be tried by yourself along with your pup.
Backstroke
To introduce your dog to massages, Brandenburg suggests starting with a simple, gentle backstroke.
“You can do this while sitting with your dog and watching TV,” she explains.
Begin at the base of your dog’s head and use light pressure to stroke up and down on either side of the spine, avoiding the bones.
According to Brandenburg, this kind of back rub is soothing and can be especially beneficial for anxious dogs, particularly those who are nervous about human contact.
“For rescue dogs, touch can be therapeutic,” she says. “Massage helps them rebuild trust—it’s beautiful to see.”
Forehead Rub
For a soothing massage option, consider giving your furry friend a gentle head rub.
“Your pet’s head has many calming points,” explains Dr. Barrack.
Begin at the top of your dog’s nose, where an acupressure point linked to relaxation and healing is located, says Dr. Barrack. Apply gentle pressure and slowly glide your thumb from the top of the nose over the head, moving back and forth.
Thigh and Glute Rub
Many of Brandenburg’s clients are senior dogs dealing with mobility challenges due to age.
“Dogs are like us—they’re living longer,” she explains. “While aging brings certain inevitabilities, we can still help our dogs feel more comfortable.”
According to Brandenburg, it’s a must to seek professional assistance if your dog suffers from arthritis while massaging. However, gentle compression can be applied at home to help maintain muscle flexibility and looseness.
This massage technique targets the dog’s back legs and glutes. Using gentle pressure, place both thumbs on the thigh or glute muscle and trace a backward “C” shape. Gradually move across the entire muscle with these clockwise thumb circles.
The thumb-circle method can also be used at the base of the neck, according to Brandenburg. “Dogs love this because they can’t reach that area themselves,” she adds.
Ear Rub
Most dogs enjoy even the simplest ear rubs, but with some basic techniques, you can provide your pet with a soothing, therapeutic ear massage, according to Brandenburg.
To perform this massage, place your thumb on the inside base of your dog’s ear and your index finger on the outside. Apply light pressure and gently stroke from the base towards the tip of the ear, finishing with a gentle pull.
Stay Calm and Monitor Your Dog’s Reaction to the Massage
You must maintain a calm and soothing demeanor when your dog is in one of these therapies as sudden disturbances make your pup react awkwardly. It’s also important to observe your dog’s body language. A dog who is enjoying the massage will stretch, lean into your hands, and be calm while falling asleep, says Brandenburg.
On the contrary, if your pup is uncomfortable with the therapy, it will watch you closely or try to escape and may even growl, says Brandenburg. If it misbehaves thus, stop the massage and give your pet adequate space.
Over time, you may be able to communicate with your dog through your hands. “With massage, eventually your hands do the talking,” says Brandenburg. “It’s a very cool thing when that starts to happen, and that trust builds.”
In conclusion, incorporating massage therapy into your dog’s routine can be a wonderful way to enhance their well-being and strengthen their bond with you. Whether you opt for professional sessions or try simpler techniques at home, paying attention to your dog’s comfort and reactions makes them feel more concerned and adored.
With patience and care, you can provide your pup with the relief they need from aches and stress, helping them live a happier and healthier life. As you continue to explore these therapeutic methods, you’ll find that the connection between you and your pet deepens—proof that healing can be a two-way street.