We all love a good deep tissue or relaxing Indian head massage. Massage has been improving human comfort, medical conditions, and performance for centuries, with the earliest reference dating back 5000 years to India. But have you ever considered it as an option for your dog?
In this article, you will learn what dog massage is and when and why you should give your dog a massage. You will discover some canine massage techniques, and find out about an at-home massage tool that anyone can use to support their dog’s health, mobility, and wellbeing.
Why should you massage your dog?
As with humans, canine massage has many uses: both physical and psychological.
Some of the benefits of massage for dogs are:
To improve or support medical conditions
To strengthen muscles and improve joint range of motion
To build on your bond with your dog
To reduce anxiety or stress
For pain relief (learn more about easing your dog’s pain at home here)
As a warm-up or cool-down, before or after exercise.
Therapeutic massage is usually undertaken by a qualified canine massage therapist or practitioner, but you can use some dog massage techniques at home yourself.
Can I massage my dog at home?
Absolutely! Massaging your dog at home is a great way to build your bond, especially if you have an anxious dog or know they become stressed in certain situations. You can support them with a calming massage.
If your dog has a long-term mobility condition, such as osteoarthritis, regular massage will support the management of their condition and can help reduce pain and inflammation.
However, if there is a clinical need for massage, or you don’t feel confident in massaging your dog yourself, contact a professional canine massage therapist directly or by a referral from your vet.
All canine massage therapists will require veterinary permission to treat your dog if there is a medical condition, but RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) regulations have recently changed, so you no longer require permission if you are looking for a "maintenance” massage.
When should I NOT massage my dog?
Your dog will enjoy you massaging them at home, but before you start, it's important to know when you shouldn’t massage them as it could cause problems rather than help alleviate them.
Don’t massage your dog…
When they’re ill or have a fever
When they have any infectious disease, particularly skin conditions
If they have cancer (unless recommended by your vet)
Straight after an injury or during periods of acute inflammation (this can actually make the situation worse)
Around fractures or open wounds
If your dog is particularly aggressive or known to be reactive.
There are many more situations when your vet might not recommend massage, so before you start, check your vet is happy for your pet to receive a massage.
How to massage your dog
Therapeutic massage manipulates your dog’s soft tissues using specific techniques, and a professional canine massage therapist will use various strokes to mobilise muscles and apply pressure for the best effect. Many of these are specialist strokes that should only be performed by a professional. However, here you can learn how to massage your dog with some simple techniques you can use at home.
Prepare to massage your dog
Prepare a comfy, relaxing area for the massage with a comfortable surface for them to rest on in a quiet area of their home.
Some incredible tools are available for safe, at-home massage, such as a Canissage Pulse bed. Use this alone for a massage that is proven to support rehabilitation, and improve performance and pain management. Or use it while you massage your dog to elevate their hands-on experience.
For a deep tissue massage, we would always recommend consulting a professional, but let's look at some simple dog massage techniques or “strokes” you can use at home and how they can help your dog.
Effleurage
This is a gentle stroking technique that will help your dog to feel calm and relaxed. Using the palm of your hand, gently stroke down their body, working from head to tail. Try to mobilise the skin over the muscle. Start with a very gentle pressure, and increase the pressure if your dog responds well. This technique increases circulation and encourages relaxation.
Fingertip massage
A more focused technique, this applies slightly more pressure to the muscles.
Using your fingertips, apply gentle pressure in a circular motion over their muscles. This can start just behind the head, working down either side of the spine before moving to other areas of the body. Never apply pressure directly over bony areas such as the spine. Only massage the muscle.
Experiment with the size of your circles and the pressure applied. Monitor your dog’s response throughout to ensure they are comfortable.
Petrissage – hind leg massage
For those with age-related mobility problems, hind leg weakness and stiffness are common (read more about limb weakness here). Although a professional should undertake clinical massage, you can use some gentle compression strokes to help keep your dog’s muscles loose and prevent stiffness day-to-day.
With your thumb and fingers forming a c shape, apply gentle pressure in a kneading action, moving your thumbs towards your fingers. This increases circulation and mobilises the skin over the muscles, helping free tight connective tissue. Petrissage is particularly soothing if you wrap your fingers around their thigh to gently massage thigh muscles and glutes. Continue down their leg, taking care around the joints and bony areas.
Monitor your dog
Monitor your dog’s behaviour and responses throughout the massage. If they show any signs of discomfort, stop the massage immediately and always be aware of areas you know your dog doesn’t like being touched. It’s supposed to be relaxing, so don’t push them out of their comfort zone.
Can I massage my dog to sleep?
Anxious dog or excitable puppy not giving you a moment’s peace? Massaging your dog to sleep is a fantastic way to develop your bond, but it’s also a great way to help a wired puppy relax before bed, encouraging them to sleep through the night.
Expecting fireworks or thunder? Dog massage for anxiety can help your dog through these stressful times. Perhaps build them a safe den on nights you know they are likely to suffer from anxiety – then help them relax with an anxiety reducing massage.
Can Canissage help your dog?
Cycloidal Vibration Therapy, which is incorporated into a Canissage Pulse massage bed, is used by hospitals, therapists, doctors, vets and nurses across the world. It is clinically proven to work in four ways:
Increasing circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Relaxing muscles.
Increasing joint mobility and wound healing.
Relieving musculoskeletal pain.
Using a Canissage bed regularly makes the massage process more effective for your dog. It is simple and stress-free, even for dogs that are nervous about hands-on massage.
Cycloidal Vibration Therapy penetrates much deeper into the muscle than could otherwise be achieved with at-home massage, increasing blood flow around your dog’s body. This increased circulation supports healing, reduces inflammation and ensures your dog’s muscles and connective tissues are able to function correctly.
Built on 50 years of experience and scientific study, the Canissage Pulse bed helps to enhance your dog’s performance and improve their quality of life.
Order your Canissage Pulse today and deliver a therapeutic-quality massage at home – for a more comfortable canine companion.
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