Pet Massage Tricks for Dogs

 

Ask any Pet Parent what they want for their furry kids and you get the same basic answer: a happy, healthy and long life. These beloved family members bring so much to our lives. In turn, we supply specialized pet foods, toys and treats, play dates, sitters and so much more. When the tell-tale signs of aging begin to emerge, many of us feel sad and helpless. 

The signs start slowly – Max isn’t as eager to go for walks as before or Abby doesn’t get up from her naps quite as quickly as she used to. While many of us are concerned, most of us try to ignore the signs since nothing can be done to help. But, the process of aging doesn’t mean an immediate debilitated state or shortened life span.  Along with the advancements in the quality of food, pet care and veterinary services, there are other tools to help fulfill the lifelong goals we have for our pets. 

One of the best “new tricks” for handling age-related and degenerative conditions is massage therapy.   The modality of massage for animals is not new, but is now more readily available for companion animals in North Texas. Massage has been practiced on animals for centuries and in the US since at least the early 1900’s. The primary reason that this may seem like a new concept is that the practice has primarily been limited to Equestrian Centers, Zoological Facilities and Agility/Event trials.

Massage is a gentle, non-invasive form of complementary health care focused on optimizing how your pet feels and functions every day.  Massage therapy is the manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues to improve their overall function and flexibility. The result is an overall improvement in your pet’s quality of life. Like massage for people, animal massage is grounded in real science – anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and psychology.  Certified animal massage practitioners study all of these concepts and learn to correctly apply them to dogs, cats and other animals. Some specific benefits of massage include reduction in pain or discomfort from inflammation, stiffness and spasm; promotion of blood and lymph circulation throughout the body; reduction of anxiety and depression and heightened immune system function.*

Senior pets are among the most ideal candidates for massage therapy. Their progress is typically the most profound and noticeable. In addition to relief from pain and reduction in joint stiffness, regular massage sessions can aid in the early detection of more serious conditions by recognizing superficial abnormalities and reporting them to your veterinarian. Massage plans for geriatric pets are especially focused on problem areas as reported by Pet Parent or Veterinarian or areas that typically show signs of wear first such as hips and knees.

Massage therapy is a perfect complement to routine veterinary care. Keeping pets healthy and mobile is the overall goal. Plans are customized, affordable and the sessions take place in your pet’s own home. Best of all, many massage strokes are simple enough that they can be performed by the Pet Parent at any time.

Find a qualified animal massage practitioner near you and try this new trick on your old dog today.