What could be better than a blissed out dog, who's fully bonded with you?
Massaging your dog is one way to help you dog feel relaxed and cared for. It's also likely that you'll feel the same while you are giving the massage. This is one of those activities that benefits both the massage giver and the receiver.
Pet massages are gentle and promote relaxation. They are not a deep tissue massage, which would require training and special skills.
This type of gentle rubbing of your dog in an organized fashion is easy to learn, and can do your dog a world of good.
Physical Benefits
Physically, massages can help your dog decrease muscular tension and increase blood circulation, which increases the removal of metabolic waste and promotes nutrient delivery throughout the body. Your dog's health can improve by acting directly on the muscular nervous, circulatory and immune systems.
If your dog is sensitive about being touched, a weekly gentle massage can really help your dog begin to feel more comfortable in his/her body. This means visits to the vet can become easier, as well as grooming and handling.
Emotional Benefits
Emotionally, the very comforting relaxation that results from a massage can provide a special bonding between you and your dog that can help improve your quality of life together.
It's entirely possible that your dog can also gain more self-confidence and become easier to handle at home and on walks.
Some people may wonder what a dog has to be tense about. Think about your own situation, are you or a member of your household under stress? If so, your dog is probably picking up your stress and living it as well. Dogs do that.
Or, perhaps the dog came from a shelter and is dealing with his/her issues from life before becoming a member of your household. Or maybe a new puppy misses his/her mom.
Whatever the reason, massages can really help. Your dog will regard it as a true treat, loving the way it feels. Especially loving the time and special attention their favorite human shares with them.
The next two articles have simple step-by-step instructions on how to easily give your dog a head massage and a lower body massage—hopefully providing relaxation and happiness for both of you.
Related Articles:
Give Your Dog A Relaxing Head Massage
Give Your Dog a Lower Body Massage and See the Difference
Copyright 2008, All rights reserved. HappyDoggies.com, Kaye Swafford.
My husband thinks I'm silly to do this, but I will give our boxer/mutt mix (Bear) massages. We found him as a little pup not quite weaned from his momma and he's stayed with us ever since. He loves the massages and they calm him down so well. It does create a certain kind of bond between us and afterwards you can tell he is so happy, that is makes me happy.
Posted by: Jen | June 17, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Jen,
Thanks so much for sharing how much massages are helping your Bear stay calm and happy. As far as I'm concerned happiness is what life is all about. Thanks again, Kaye
Posted by: Kaye Swafford | June 18, 2008 at 11:24 AM