Roxie Delux Dog Grooming

Canine massage is becoming more and more popular in the world of holistic pet care and more pet owners are consider massage therapy for their pets. But what is dog massage and how is it different from simply petting a dog? In this article we will exam what is dog massage, how it is different from simply petting your dog and under what circumstances therapeutic massage may be a good option for your dog.

What is Dog Massage?

Dog massage is deliberate and focused touching for the purpose of providing health benefits for the dog. Canine health benefits include increased blood circulation, increased lymph movement and stimulation of acupressure points. Canine massage therapy also helps maintain range of motion, tone and flexibility, which is especially beneficial for older dogs or convalescing pets.

How is Massage for Dogs Different from Simply Petting a Dog?

Therapeutic massage for dogs is different from simply petting a dog in several ways. First, canine massage generally follows a specific sequence to relax the muscles, to promote general well-being and to also help address any underlying health concerns.

A certified canine massage therapist is trained to assess and evaluate a dog. In addition to learning specific massage techniques for the canine body, certification includes coursework in anatomy, muscle function and holistic health.

While petting a dog is a very important bonding component for a healthy, happy relationship with your pet, it is generally less structured and usually lacks the specific intention of improving or maintaining a dog's health that canine massage offers.

Is Therapeutic Therapy a Good Option for My Dog?

Just like with people, almost all dogs can benefit from therapeutic massage. While massage should never be used as a substitute for traditional veterinary care, massage therapy is a complementary form of canine health care for dogs of all ages and breeds.

Can Puppies Benefit From Massage?

All puppies need touch to thrive and socialization to be a happy, confident member of the family. Canine massage therapy provides both for puppies. Also, puppies tend to be very stimulated by the world around them, so massage gives them the opportunity to calm down and relax.

In addition to socialization and general well being benefits, therapeutic massage is especially valuable for large breed puppies. Sprains are much more common in fast growing breeds, so regular massage therapy sessions promotes blood circulation, which in turn helps insure growing puppy bones receive the necessary nutrients to help prevent injury.

 Video - Massage For Bulldog

 Dog Massage Demonstration 

Aromatherapy traditionally enjoys a well-known history of treating various conditions that people encounter with mind and body ailments, but it's gaining a reputation for its effectiveness on pets as well. Arthritis starts gradually from a small pain that develops in one area of the body and travels to several areas of the body making a person wonder what is happening. A trip to the doctor confirms the standard diagnosis is "that's what happens when people get your age."

It may come as a surprise but even our pets can suffer from many of the same medical conditions including painful arthritis that can affect a Chihuahua the same as it affects its 55-year old owner. No one likes to see their pet suffer in any way and it is heartbreaking watching and wondering what you can do to help them. After all to most pet owners, their four-legged friend is a part of the family. An affordable remedy you may want to try to help your pet feel better and is non-intrusive is aromatherapy. When going to the veterinarian office or your own doctor affordable is important.

Not being an animal whisperer we may not be able to know the exact mindset of our pets. We do know that pets sometimes exhibit anxious feelings when they're feeling scared, intimidated, or unsure of their surroundings. A thunderstorm for instance can keep a dog panting and hiding for quite a while.

Just like humans the pet can let these feelings cause them to lose sleep and that edginess may cause them to snap at those they love. Each pet is different with some that will "voice" their frustrations out loud while others will be quiet and they show theirs by losing chunks of fur in their nervous state. Just like humans, aromatherapy can have a calming effect helping to calm your pet down to a certain degree and will work wonders when paired with positive training or when added to the medical treatments they're receiving from their veterinarians. It could possibly help the medical treatments work faster calming the animal down enough to have these treatments performed on them without any anxiety or fear.

Before you think the aromatherapy you find that relaxes your stress will work wonders for Rex or Queenie think again. Please educate yourself thoroughly first before applying anything to yoru pet because not all traditional aromatherapies that are safe and effective for humans are recommended for animals.

Essential oils are the best form of aromatherapy for animals. But, each animal may react differently to different smells or they can be sensitive to some aromas making it necessary to dilute oils before using on you or the pet. You should also watch that any candles that are used are not left unattended because they can be easily knocked over by the pet. The pet may even try to lick the hot liquid from the candle. The same being true with dried potpourri flowers and aren't recommended either because the pet could try to eat them. Keep the oils well away from the pet's reach. It is advisable to consult your vet before starting any aromatherapy program for your pets.