Guide to Dog Massage

Sure, you love your dog; but do you give him that much-needed massage? If not, then both of you are missing many things. Dogs love a massage to soothe their tired and sore muscles. Your gentle touch will assure him of your love and friendship, which he badly needs. Touch will say it all for your pooch. Settle him comfortably and massage him gently. A daily five-minute rubdown calms his nerves and tones his muscles. He will get the enviable Mr. Muscles title in the neighborhood.

Why You Need to Massage Them

There are valid reasons for massaging the family dog. One is to relax him when he is on edge or tired, ease his post-surgical pain or healing injuries, and for an old pet—ease his old joints and muscles. Every time you massage your pet, you deepen the existing bond and assure him of your love. Dogs are like people too. They need assurance and need it most during the difficult stages of their lives. You and your family are all they have to sustain them through their lives.

The usual walk-around-the-block is no longer enough for your pooch and you. Dog owners and trainers are recognizing the importance of daily massage. It strengthens not only the dog’s muscles or improves his blood circulation. The contact between dog and owner deepens which is important for both. Dog massage is getting the attention of dog trainers as they are observing that dogs that are massaged daily have better dispositions and musculature.

The more you touch your dog, the more he becomes self-assured. The hugging is all right but the massage will send the message better to your dogs. In massaging your dog, gently massage all the part of his body. You can start with the head down to his paws. Use a small amount of hypoallergenic body oil to massage his body parts. Before you do the massage rub the oil between your palms until it generates heat. Then stroke the top of his head, going down to his nape and between his ears. Observe your pet for a curled lip, or struggles to get away. That is a cue for you to stop.

How to Properly Do It

Use a firm but gentle grip as you massage down to his tail. You can soothe his neck by holding his face towards you and rock his neck gently. Rub his ears gently and when you are through, insert the tip of your thumb into the ear and rub it gently using thumb and forefinger. Don’t forget to massage his eyes with your thumb. A facial massage will also do wonders for your dog. The lips and the cheeks should not be left out. You pinch them gently. All the while, your touch should be gentle yet firm.

The gentle massage will continue to the throat and chin, to the pits of his forelegs. Add more oil as you think best. It would be good to give a smooth massage throughout the procedure. Your instinct will guide you in massaging your dog. Of course, you wouldn’t do to your dog what you wouldn’t do to your wife, right? You and your kids can do this daily routine on turns, and you will be pleasantly surprised at the attitude your dog will display towards you. The amazing result will surely have you loving your dog all the more.

Know Your Pet’s Body

To make sure that you appreciate your massaging techniques, it would pay well to understand the anatomy of your dog, its quirks, and imbalances. If you are uncomfortable about giving the general massage, a professional can do the job without harming the dog’s musculature or nerves.

A certified practitioner will be required if your dog is recovering from surgery, and will avoid contact with wounds, lumps, sore spots or rashes. Observing a professional will help you get more ideas, but the best you can do for your ailing or recuperating dog is to give him a professional massage.

The Paraphernalia

Of course, you will have to start the routine with a spa treatment and indulgence; after a massage, your pooch will drift into easy sleep. If he needs a brush, then go ahead. Brush his hair two to three minutes daily if his hair is long to prevent matting. Your spa kit should have the appropriate brush, grooming table, a vacuum cleaner for stray hair, a comb, and a hair dryer.

For his nails, invest in a good nail clipper. This is especially contoured to the shape of your dog’s nails. When doing his nails, choose a quiet spot. If the exercise is new to your dog, allay his fears by gently massaging his paws. This is better done after a bath. The nails are softer. Have on the ready, some antiseptic in case you hit a vein. To accustom him to the treatment, you can do the nails one paw a day until both of you get the hang of it.

In a spa, you are given the works from head to toe. So for your dog, the pampering will include giving him a facial. Sounds fun. A dog will not run away from a warm wet face towel. Wipe his face with the towel to remove clinging dirt from hair and eyes. Please do not entertain the thought of using use or shampoo. You can get disposable wipes without needing to rinse your pooch’s face.

A flea comb can smooth out the stubborn tangles on his facial hair. Please do not think of getting sharp pointed scissors to do the job. A miscalculation on your part may harm your dog. You would not want that, of course. A blunt instrument is safer if any procedure is done near his eyes.

After all the long hours in grooming and caring for your dog, it would be best to enroll in massage classes to handle your dog’s massage at home. Get a professional, if you are not yet sure yet of the procedure. After all, a happy dog has a loving master, and that is you.