Canine Massage Therapy – Helping Dogs Feel Better
If you’ve ever experienced a therapeutic massage, you know how good it can make you feel. Whether it’s for relaxation or for the overall healing effects, a therapeutic massage can do wonders for both the body and the mind.
What is Therapeutic Massage?
Often referred to as therapeutic touch, therapeutic massage utilizes a variety of techniques. From manipulating muscles and surrounding soft tissues to ease pain, soreness and stiffness. It also assists in healing. By applying various hand, finger, and forearm pressures on areas of the body, along with other actions such as kneading, tapping, circular motions and cupping, a therapist is able to ease muscle tightness, relieve stress and pain around joints, stimulate blood and lymphatic flow, and provide relaxation – all of which can improve ones’ mobility, health and sense of well-being.
History of Massage on Animals
Since therapeutic massage has many benefits for us humans, it makes sense that these same benefits could also help our pets. The good news is there is a body of research and many years of anecdotal accounts to support that it does.
Interestingly, the practice of massage on animals is not a modern concept. Historical evidence indicates that ancient cultures were aware of the benefits of massage. It was used to help the animals they relied upon for survival, including their domesticated dogs. The various forms of therapeutic massage seen today still utilize many of those early techniques.
More recently in the mid 1970’s, therapeutic massage gained popularity in equine circles after it was tried on an older horse to help it regain its mobility. The horse’s improvement was so dramatic that the use of massage became well-accepted at equestrian events and in professional horse racing. Today, therapeutic massage plays a predominant role in treating a variety of soft tissue injuries in horses and improving their athletic performance.
A Natural Alternative for Dogs
Canine massage therapy has been a common fixture at dog shows and dog sporting competitions at both state and national levels for many years.
With the growing interest in natural alternatives to prescription medications for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis and anxiety, as well as recovery from injury or illness, therapeutic massage provides a non-invasive option for any dog –athletic or not – to help them to live more comfortably.
The Many Benefits of Canine Massage
Therapeutic massage for our canine companions offers many unique benefits that can make a big difference in their quality of life. They include the following:
- Eases muscle tightness
- Increases range of motion
- Balances muscle tone
- Enhances mobility
- Helps recovery from illness
- Promotes healing after injury or surgery
- Reduces stress
- Strengthens the immune system
- Improves mental well-being
- Helps anxious dogs to relax
- Can produce quick results
- Useful for dogs that resist handling
Massage Process
Typically, a canine massage begins with the dog in a seated position. While closely monitoring how the dog is responding to being touched, the therapist may start by gently massaging small areas along the spine. Areas that feel tight will receive extra attention. As the massage progresses and the dog becomes more relaxed, it is not unusual for a dog to voluntarily lie down. With the dog lying on its side, the therapist may start working on the shoulder, hip and leg areas.
If there is a specific trouble spot the therapist knows about ahead of time, this will also be addressed once that area is easily accessible and the dog is receptive to being touched there. Ideally, the therapist will be able to work the dog’s body on both sides. However, the progression of the massage will depend largely on the dog’s response throughout the entire process.
In most cases, once dogs experience a therapeutic massage and know that it tends to feel good, they relax more easily during the next massage. This allows the therapist to focus on specific problem areas or work areas more deeply. An experienced therapist will be able to assess how receptive a dog is and adjust the massage accordingly.
The Gift of Feeling Better
At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, dogs can experience the wonderful gift of canine massage therapy. Our certified and licensed canine massage therapist with over six years of experience with dogs of all ages and breeds.
Massages are 30 minutes long and available on Wednesdays by appointment. Your dog’s massage will be customized to its specific needs. You can be present with your dog during the entire massage appointment.
Book Your Dog’s Appointment
If you want a massage for your dog to relieve pain, ease soreness, promote relaxation, or reduce anxiety while boarding with us, we can help. Give us at 303-708-8050 and we’ll schedule your dog’s session. We love making your special friends feel better!
