A relaxed dog is a healthy dog, and a healthy dog will be a happy dog. And massage is an excellent way to make your dog healthier and more comfortable. So now we come up with a guide on how to massage your dog correctly.
Getting Started to Massage
Begin with a relatively calm animal. Try to pick a time when your dog is already relaxed and allow your dog to calm down as much as possible before massaging. The best time is when you and your pet are already in a relaxed state of mind, like at the end of the day after dinner. It is easier for your dog to relax under your touch at this time. Remember not to do massage after a vigorous play session.
Besides, you should give your dogs massage on their terms. Your session can last anywhere approximately from ten minutes to one hour, but ultimately your tiny friend will let you know when he or she has had enough.
Let your dogs decide what position is most comfortable with them. They might lay down, sit, or even stand up again many times. This behavior is supposed to be pleasurable and relaxing, so don’t try to pressure them. You can check on how to train your dog to sit to massage your dog easily.
Unless you have a skill in massage, experts recommend that you should avoid complicated techniques. They include acupressure and range of motion therapy. You should focus on the basics. Moreover, talk with your veterinarian before you massage your dog, especially if your best friend has health problems.
Last but not least, animals are experts at masking pain, so recognizing the signs are extremely necessary.
Massage Your Dog Correctly
Start with gentle petting. Pet your little friend in the spots that you know he likes best. This action will help him get relaxed enough and settle down to enjoy massaging. You can pet him on the head, back, tummy, and other spots using gentle strokes.
Firstly, massage the dog’s neck. Use the tips of your fingers to make a circular motion just below your dog’s head. You can apply gentle pressure but not so much to make your dog comfortable.
Secondly, move down to the shoulders. Slowly lower your hand down the neck and to in between dog’s shoulders. It is generally the dog’s favorite spot because it is one of the places he can’t reach himself, so you should spend extra time there.
Next, move to the legs and the chest. In general, some dogs don’t like being touched on the legs. So if your dog flinches, you should remove your hands and move to the next part of the body. If your dog likes it, see if your pet wants a paw massage, too.
Massage your dog’s back. Move your hand to between the shoulders and slowly travel down the back of the dog. Use your fingers to make small circular motions on either side of the spine.
Finish with the back legs of your dog. Continue to massage your dog until you end up at the base of the tail. Then gently massage down your dog’s hind legs. In the end, you can continue to the paws if your dog enjoys having the feet picked up.
Stop if your dog doesn’t like it. The goal of massage is to help your dog feel relaxed and happy, so don’t try to do it if your dog doesn’t like it. If your tiny friend is pleased to be massaged, he will stretch out and breathe easily.
