Explore Dog Massage Therapy and the Benefits It Brings to Your Beloved Pet
Find out if Dog Massage Therapy would be beneficial for your pet
Canine Massage Therapy is the application of a non-invasive therapy using manual hand techniques to manipulate soft tissue helping to increase blood flow and keep the dog flexible and mobile at any age. This directly addresses the muscular issue rather than just masking it. Just like massage for humans, massage for dogs can be very helpful and beneficial.
Massage Therapy for dogs is a complementary treatment to veterinary care and although it does not cure any ailment, it will improve their mobility, and range of motion and help relieve pain or discomfort. Canine massage is often used for warm-ups, relaxation, injury prevention and even rehabilitation post-surgery. When this modality is used in conjunction with your dog's current wellness plan, it can enhance recovery speed.
Massage is important to your dog's overall physical and mental wellness.
5 Benefits of Canine Massage:
Decreases stress and anxiety: Incorporating regular massage sessions in your dogs wellness plan can help alleviate stress and anxiety over time by teaching the dog to relax, trust and help build their confidence. It not only decreases the sympathetic levels (stress) but also induces the parasympathetic response (relaxation).
Helps alleviate pain and discomfort: Senior dogs may suffer from joint issues such as arthritis causing decreased mobility and flexibility. Massage will help improve muscle tone, and movement and ease discomfort. Dogs in palliative care can also benefit from massage as it releases endorphins to help reduce the feeling of pain.
Improves circulation and lymphatic flow: Good circulation and lymphatic flow promote healthy blood flow, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. The body expels any metabolic waste away from muscles and organs. This helps your dog avoid certain health issues like hypertension or edema.
Aids in the recovery and healing process: With dogs that are recovering from injury or surgery, massage helps the rehabilitation process, aids in preventing re-injury and decreases associated pain. It’s not only the injured area that needs extra care but also the overcompensating muscle groups throughout the body that have taken on the excess stress and strain due to the injury
Helps find abnormalities to potential issues: A canine massage therapist will thoroughly go over your dog's body recognizing what’s normal and what’s not. Regular maintenance massage sessions help determine if there are any physical changes as well. This allows you as the owner to bring up these concerns with your veterinarian for further investigation. Regular monthly massage can be a part of early detection for your dog's health and longevity.
Which Dog Can Benefit From Massage?
All dogs can benefit from massage therapy!
Puppies: Sessions for helping young puppies with handling skills and cooperative care can be beneficial by setting them up for success when and if they require special care when they’re older. Teaching them to trust the touch of a stranger will relate to service providers such as veterinarians, bodyworkers or groomers.
Senior dogs: Massage for senior dogs is especially good for those who may suffer from arthritis, muscle soreness or muscle atrophy. Senior dogs may have trouble getting up or laying back down due to muscle stiffness, massage can help address these troublesome areas and provide relief when done so regularly.
Sport dogs: Dogs that are very active or competing in sports gain all the advantages that massage can provide them by warming up the muscles, increasing blood flow and enhancing their performance. These superactive dogs can be especially hard on their bodies and massage can greatly help determine any possible muscular issues as well as maintain healthy, flexible and supple muscles.
Post-Surgery: Massage therapy can be especially helpful for dogs post-surgery by improving muscle tone, reducing pain & and inflammation and helping bring their range of motion back to its full potential. A massage therapist can help with the exercise plan provided by the surgeon while directly working with the areas of the body needing more attention.
Ready to help your furry friend with the benefits of dog massage therapy? Schedule a session today and treat your beloved pet to the relaxation and rejuvenation they deserve. Your dog will thank you with tail-wagging happiness!