When we were younger we were able to run, jump, and play, the same as our pets.
We wanted to be moving all the time, wanting to play all the time.
When you first heard the word "massage," what do you think of? Did you ever think it could be for your dog? In some respects, your dog is just like person.
I say this because they can experience the injuries, trauma and age just as we do.
However, after their injuries are treated by a veterinarian, your dog may continue to experience negative side effects of the injury or even the medication itself.
Any and/or all of these effects can include a loss in their mobility, a decrease in muscle flexibility (tightness), or an imbalance in the blood circulation.
Eventually, any of these negative effects can accumulate to cause a decline in your dog's overall health, energy, and zest for life.
There are different types of massage depending on your intent for your pet.
For wellness and therapeutic, it massage should be a part of the lifestyle.
As previously stated massage can offer many benefits.
A couple of those benefits include physical and emotional.
Massage improves and enhances a large number of functions in the physical body.
Two of the most important functions are: oBlood circulation - Massage helps to increase blood circulation.
Better blood circulation means more oxygen and nutrients can be moved and distributed throughout the dog's body.
Movement of the blood also assists in the removal of toxins in the body.
oMuscle health - to move properly muscle control is essential.
Massage will help to loosen tight muscles, increase range-of-motion, and restore muscle tone.
If muscles remain tight for a long time, a dog's body feels tension/stiffness/pain; less blood will be able to reach these muscles, and the dog may start to stand, walk and run incorrectly.
If you dog stays stressed for a long period of time it will begin to affect their overall physical health and mental wellbeing.
It is also helpful for those pets that are constantly wearing a collar and are tied on a dog run.
Think of how much they are walking and running back and forth.
I also have to think of all the pets that are found in the rescues.
How much stress are they in? A very important aspect is of those that have been in a stressful situation there comes a time when they may not trust very easily.
Such as those that have been abandoned.
Just the simply movement of minor massage techniques, circular movements and providing the relaxation may help to assist to bring owner and pet together into a "trust" situation.
Even if your dog has never suffered an injury that has been obvious to you, they will get older, and chances are that it has jumped off of your bed the wrong way or was in a fight with another family pet or chased one too many squirrels.
For the aging dog, massage can bring back some of the flexibility back and help them feel younger.
But you don't have to wait for them to be injured or old to provide them with massage.
Massage will help with longevity of movement, awareness and overall muscle health.
If you ever started to pet your dogs head and just squeezed and rubbed around his ears, all you had to do was look at their face to be able to tell how they felt about what you were doing.
The truth is, by massaging your dogs' ears, from the base to the tip, you are helping them to relax.
But that is only the beginning...
Please be aware that massage does not replace regular veterinarian care.
If any pre-existing conditions exist please consult the veterinarian for advice, as some conditions may exist when your pet should not receive a massage.
Factor may come into play where massage may aggravate a situation.
If that is the case there are other techniques available they may be provided.
Canine massage is never a substitute for licensed veterinary care.