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Massage for Dogs? Really??
I know, it seems a bit over the top but lets think about this a bit.
Those of you who have had dogs in your life for awhile know that they can be pretty stoic about
pain or discomfort. They might get up a bit slower, chase the ball with a bit less enthusiasm or
just spend more time sleeping than usual. You also may notice a change in your dog's gait-favoring
one leg or preferring to walk rather than trot. As you pet your dog, you may notice that one area
is warmer than another area. These symptoms can be concerning and may need to be checked out by
your veterinarian but they are also signs that your dog may benefit from a visit by a massage
therapist.
Canine Massage — why?
- Exercise-massage can help remove the byproducts of heavy exercise-in particular lactic
acid which increases the soreness. Exercise can be anything from Frisbee catching to hiking to
just playing with you or another dog. If the dog twists or turns the wrong way, a muscle or
tendon may be injured.
- Working-many of us have working or performance dogs. These are dogs that are active in therapy,
service or competition (show dogs, agility, herding, police work). The repetitive motions that occur
in the training or the work can be a problem by overusing some muscles causing other muscles to
overcompensate. This can result in discomfort and pain.
- Arthritis and other chronic problems — while massage cannot cure a disease such as arthritis,
it can play a major role in increasing the dogs comfort by reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Injury-many veterinarians recommend massage to help speed recovery after an injury or surgery.
Other benefits of massage —
- Regular massage helps a dog understand touch therefore increasing tolerance of a physical exam.
Touch is extremely important for a dog-in the same way that it is for us. It enhances trust and
strengthens the connection between human and dog. The repetitive movements of massage are relaxing
to high drive dogs and increase the comfort of the less secure dogs.
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Massage also gives us early warning for problems that may not have otherwise been noticed by the owner.
During a massage the dog is examined in a gentle, comforting way from head to tail. Joints are carefully
manipulated and stretched-any deviation from normal will be noticed.
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Post surgery or post injury massage is similar to a gentle physical therapy. With veterinary approval,
the specific area is gently manipulated and stretched, moving through a range of motion to help bring
the dog back to normal function as soon a possible.
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Massage helps to increase circulation benefiting the dogs in many ways. As the blood moves through
the kidneys and liver, the waste materials are removed and the immune system is stimulated.
A relaxed healthy dog will have better movement, attention and learning ability. They simply
feel better — coping skills are increased. We all want to be the best we can be — dogs
want that too. We can do it for ourselves — dogs try their best to also achieve that, but
sometimes need our help to become the best they can be.
My Qualifications:
I am licensed by the State of Washington to do small animal massage.
I graduated from the Northwest School of Canine Massage after completing over 200 hours of training.
I also have over 30 years "in dogs" doing training (obedience, herding, agility), breeding and competing
in AKC obedience and conformation.
Bearded Collies were my breed for more than 20 years but now I am loved by 2 wonderful German shepherd dogs.
Please feel free to call 360-440-1004 or email me with any questions.
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