Massage for Pets

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

14 Oct 2006 10:49 AM

Don't laugh -- pets have stress too. Dogs and cats can suffer from anxiety and phobias just like people do! And pets are sensitive to their owner's emotions; your stress could be making your dog or cat feel unsettled and unnerved.

Your body, your dog's body, your cat's body -- they all work best through balance. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and everything you do helps to maintain or disrupt that balance. Massage is a great way to encourage balance in the body. Everything is connected -- muscles, bones, blood, skin. A massage can improve circulation, relieve pain, reduce swelling, improve flexibility, and promote healing.

Massage techniques to try on your pets:

1. Long strokes going from the back of the neck, down the spine, and along the length of the tail. Go hand over hand in a smooth rhythm. This works best if your pet is on her stomach, but can also work if she is on her side.
2. With your pet on her side, gently knead her side. Kneading and stroking help improve circulation.
3. If your pet will tolerate it, gently massage, squeeze, and stretch her legs. Stretching helps increase range of motion and flexibility.
4. Some dogs love ear massage! Gently rub each ear between your thumb and forefinger. Don't stick your fingers too far into the ear canal; only massage the exposed areas.

Always keep your touch light and gentle. Don't force your pet to submit to a massage if she doesn't seem to want or enjoy it. Making it into torture isn't going to help either of you! But if your pet tolerates or enjoys the attention, this is a great way for you to bond. This is also a chance for you to check her thoroughly for cuts, scrapes, lumps, mats in the fur, and other potential health problems.

You should not massage your pet if she has certain health problems, like fractures, open wounds, rashes, and other infections.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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