The Benefits Canine Massage: Soothing Successes

The Benefits Canine Massage: Soothing Successes

  • Kirsten Thornhill - 12.04.2021

Dog Massages: What to Know


Does your four-legged companion love a good scratch and belly rub? Do they do that cute thing where they close their eyes and grin ear to ear?


Touch is so important for our furry friends - for us humans too! Researchers have suggested that physical contact is crucial for both ours (and our puppers) mental and physical health and well-being. 


When it comes to the health of your pooch, a belly or head rub may be one of the best ways to share love between you and your pet. It builds trust as your pet ages, the ‘feel-good’ hormones that you both experience over time create an unbreakable bond.


So why not take your special cuddly relationship up a tad with a dog massage? This really is becoming a hot topic in the world of holistic and therapeutic options. 


Let’s take a dive into the benefits of canine massage and the different techniques that your pooch may melt away loving.


What are the Benefits of Dog Massage?


As you’ve surely picked up on, massage is quickly becoming a bonding ritual bringing together dog and paw parent. When you know you’re doing something that your doggo likes, this also allows you to feel reassured that you’re doing the best you can to meet fido’s needs.


Beyond the beautiful and comforting relationship that you can provide to your dog, massages can also help alleviate their stress and health concerns. 

 

 

Here are 8 ways in which dog massage may be helpful to your canine.


1. Relieves Pain


When your pup inevitably begins to age, they’re more than likely yo experience joint pain and may even develop arthritis. Some breeds are more prone to having joint problems, like hip dysplasia. A soft and concentrated rub down of their muscle and joints may help them with their joint pain and stiffness. 


2. Promotes Deep Breathing


A calming massage can help your dog’s breathing slow down and be more regular. Deeply breathing may promote a feeling of relaxation as well as support healthy lung function for your doggo. Sounds like a deep sigh of relief to me!


3. Moves Fluid


The lymphatic system is a major role in filtering blood and draining fluids from body tissues. Massage therapy can help keep lymphatic fluid going, keeping their lymph nodes healthy and functioning. 


4. Reduces Anxiety


Some dogs may be naturally more anxious than others. That’s okay! The ones who may hide when the weather gets bad or reacts timidly when they get in the car may benefit from massage treatments. Massage can help calm dogs down, especially when they’re feeling stressed. This may help them remember that there’s nothing too scary to worry about. 

 


5. Assists with Digestion


Whether it’s a perfect time or not, our dogs experience stomach issues time and time again. However, a quick dog massage can help with bowel movements. 


6. Supports Overall Well-Being


Animal massage has the ability to restore balance and energy in your dog’s body. You may even see your dog being more youthful the day after a relaxing massage.


Massages and CBD Oils for Dogs


If you’re in the market for holistic options to help or relieve some health concerns you may have for your four-legged friend, CBD products and oils may be an option you should highly consider. 


CBD is rapidly becoming more popular than ever, with more and more pet owners turning to this natural alternative to support their dog’s overall health, well-being, and joint and muscle support. 

 

 

CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, works by interacting and aligning with your dog’s endocannabinoid system. This endocannabinoid system (ECS) works with other major organ systems to support cardiovascular, immune, and nervous system health, promoting relaxation and calmness in dogs. CBD may be able to help with occasional dog discomfort and may even support overall joint mobility. 


The best part of CBD for dogs is that it can come is so many different forms! For instance, here at Petly CBD, we carry a wide array of CBD Oils for Dogs and Cats and Pet Chews to meet your pet’s relaxation needs. 

At Petly, we treat our four-legged friends as members of our family. Our mission is to help our beloved companions live the happiest, healthiest lives possible. This is why we only offer all-natural certified THC free hemp CBD products. Our proprietary veterinarian formulated soft chews are carefully crafted ensuring every ingredient is of the highest quality, and always free of preservatives and pesticides. These tantalizing CBD treats not only host a wealth of health benefits but will have your pup begging for more. Veterinarian Formulated. Dog Approved.


How to Massage Your Dog Yourself


If you’re convinced now that massage may be therapeutic and beneficial for your dog, are you truly ready to try it out?


There’s no pressure to take your pup in to see a massage therapist just yet. You can read up on and learn some simple techniques yourself that you can practice on fido right in the comfort of your own home!


Massage therapist meets paw parent soon to be!


Find a Quiet Area


Find a comfortable place in your home that you know your dog would enjoy and be able to relax in. Pick a place that’s large enough for your furry friend to stretch out on the floor. Plus, you’ll want plenty of space so you can move around while you’re giving the massage. 


Keep close attention to the room temperature, what your pup is lying on, and whether or not there are distractions or entertainment nearby. 


Try and get them as comfortable as possible before you start, this will help get them to be more receptive to your generous dog massage. Also, choose a good time of day. If your dog is more naturally calm and relaxed in the morning, and you have the time, do it then.


Get Calm and Relaxed


Once your dog is settled, calm, and seems ready for ultimate human pets, take a few deep breaths yourself, grounding your intention for the dog massage. As I’m sure you want this to be a positive experience for your pup, it could also be a therapeutic experience for you too! So reduce that stress, stretch those fingers, and prepare for your first dog massage. 


Keep in mind that you’re learning techniques as you try, you’ll soon find out if your dog likes or dislikes certain movements. 


Cuddles First


Before you dive right into the massage part, give fido pets, love, and cuddles that they’re used to! The act of slowly petting them will help them calm down and get ready for the relaxing massage. You can even use your most soft dog parent choice to help them relax into the abyss. 


Touch the Ears


If your doggo is used to ear pets and rubs, this is a great place to head to next before the massage. Place your thumbs at the base of their ear flaps, just inside their ear while your index fingers are on the outside of their ears. Slowly rub away from the base of the ear with the most gentle pressure. Repeat this until you’ve covered the entire surface of the ear.


Head and Shoulders


With flat hands, lay them against your dog’s head. Move your hands back in soft strokes down to their shoulders. Since your dog can’t really touch their shoulders themselves, your therapeutic touch may feel very relaxing to them.


Back


Slowly caress down your dog’s back. Continue to massage their soft fur with circular motions, applying very light pressure as you go down. 


Chest, Legs, Paws


Focus on their chest, using that same circular motion with light pressure. Carry on down massaging to their legs and cute paws, making sure your touch is uber gentle. Your pup may initially pull their paws away as you make your way down, so proceed with softness and support. 


Focus on their muscles, we highly recommend avoiding applying pressure to their joints or bones. Finish their massage by allowing your pup to stay lying down. 


Canine Massages: Final Thoughts


Giving your dog love, cuddles, and massages are great ways to spend some quality time with your furry companion. You already spoil them with lovely walks, delicious treats, night time cuddles, and feed them a top-of-the-line diet. 


If you’ve experienced having a massage before, you may remember the massage therapist encouraging you to take your time getting up slowly. This can also be said for fido. After their massage, they may be even more relaxed than you’d think, a nap may be in order. 


Bringing dog massage into their daily routine may help them ease some pain or discomfort they may be experiencing. You may even be able to develop a stronger bond between you two, one you’re sure to both benefit from for the long haul. 

 

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