In the same way, therapeutic massage can affect mood, anxieties, and body aches in humans; massage therapy can have profound effects on dogs.
One of the most important lessons you can teach your dog is to train him to be comfortable with physical interaction. If Fluffy becomes injured, you will need to be able to calm your dog, evaluate the injury and safely avoid further injury. Therefore, conditioning your dog to be comfortable when you examine him/her, it is essential. Also, by teaching your dog to be calm when you examine and massage her, you are gaining the dog’s complete trust.
Therapeutic massage can have many benefits.
🐾 It can facilitate a better connection between you and your dog through non-verbal communication.
🐾 It can assist with recovery from illness or injury.
🐾 It can enhance the quality of your dog’s life.
🐾 It helps with stiffness, pain, and arthritis.
🐾 It can help dogs get used to physical examination and manipulation. This will be of great help at the veterinarian’s office and when grooming.
The first step to getting your dog accustomed to general massages is to practice and spend some quiet time with your dog every day.
Start by massaging the back and abdomen with long gentle, smooth strokes with your palm open and your fingers slightly spread. Also massage the legs with long, smooth strokes. Massage the toes and between the toes, separating and lifting each toe.
Reduce the intensity and invasiveness of the touch if your dog becomes mouthy or pulls his foot away. Do not stop the massage altogether. You do not want to encourage the dog into thinking that she can make you stop by biting. Of course, pay attention to your dog’s body language. This exercise should be a pleasant experience for both, you and your dog. If Fluffy is not used to this, do short sessions. Start by massaging the belly. Then, the following day, rub the abdomen and legs. Every day add a little more.
If you want to learn more about therapeutic massage and techniques that can benefit your dog, I strongly recommend the book “Getting in Touch with Your Dog: A Gentle Approach to Influencing Behavior, Health, and Performance” by Linda Tellington-Jones. I often use her techniques to calm both Emma and me.
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