Does My Dog Need A Massage?
Just as humans do, dogs enjoy a massage to relax, but there are times when a massage is necessary for the health of your dog.
“My vet says Bogey has arthritis.”
Here are a few of the benefits of massage for senior dogs:
pain management
reduced swelling in joints
increased blood flow and oxygen to muscles
increased range of motion, flexibility and mobility.
helps maintain muscle mass.
“I think my dog has anxiety. Would massage help?”
Massage helps relieve anxiety by releasing oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. But what does anxiety look like? Sometimes what we think is poor behavior or normal dog behavior is actually anxiety.
Some of the ways anxiety presents:
panting
pacing or restlessness
excessive barking, howling
shivering, cowering
destroying things
digging
excessive licking or grooming
not eating
resource guarding
depression
aggression
Anxiety in dogs can be treated. There are options-medications and holistic treatments like massage and Reiki (which is also one of our services.) Your dog deserves to be happy.
“Sugarpie is recovering from surgery and my vet said a massage could help her recovery.”
After surgery, with the vet’s approval, massage can help your dog in several ways:
reduces pain
reduces swelling
increases circulation
minimizes scar tissue
stimulates lymphatic system to remove toxins
reduces anxiety
Massage for Working and Sporting Dogs
These are police and service dogs, show dogs, therapy dogs, search and rescue and comfort dogs, and athlete dogs, to name a few. These dogs have stresses that most dogs do not have.
Physically these dogs benefit from a pre-work or competition massage as well as an end of day massage to loosen tight muscles and stimulate the lymphatic systems to release toxins.
Some dogs work in crisis situations, some are there to search and rescue, or to offer comfort in tremendously difficult times. Massage helps these dogs release the energies and traumas they’ve absorbed.
When Not To Get A Dog Massage
There are times when a massage could be dangerous for your dog. Do not get your dog a massage if s/he has or is
overheated
in shock
when there is initial swelling
tumors, cysts or cancer
fungal skin problems
So, whether your dog is recovering from an injury or celebrating his Gotcha Day, canine massage benefits the entire dog, physically and emotionally.
All massage clients must have veterinarian release for care. As a regular client please inform us if the health of your dog has changed.
