Dog massages can work wonders for the canine on various levels. Read on, to know the why you should consider giving your dog a rejuvenating massage therapy.
Quick Tip
If it is your dog’s first massage, it may suffer from separation anxiety. Hence, it is advisable that the person your dog is most comfortable with, should accompany it.
Massage parlors and packages exclusively for dogs do sound more like a pampered-outing than something that’s a necessity. But vets suggest treating your dog to a massage therapy as it has numerous health benefits associated with it, and let’s face it, your furry friend enjoys it too.
Such a therapy not only helps on the physiological level, but also aids in preventing the onset of conditions that may affect them psychologically. To draw a parallel, dogs benefit from a massage session as much as humans do. In this DogAppy article, we tell you exactly why you should seriously consider arranging the same for your canine.
Eases Muscle Tension
Just like humans, dogs (especially active breeds) too experience muscle ache due to extreme fatigue. Massage helps loosening of tight muscles, allowing better blood circulation to that particular area, and thereby, easing the pain. It also tones the muscles and increases flexibility, particularly around the joints where muscle wear and tear occurs the most. A regular massage is also known to reduce the occurrence of muscle spasms, soreness, and numbness in active dog breeds.
Improves Blood and Lymph Circulation
The main techniques used in canine massage therapy stimulates the circulation system, thereby causing healthy circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. The improved blood circulation aids in an increased flow of oxygen, along with flushing out of toxins and other waste. This is particularly helpful in managing the weight of overweight and obese dogs.
Reduces Stress
As small as it may seem, one of the most stressful areas in dogs is around near their neck; this is because they often have to look at objects, things, and their owners, above their normal eye level. Hence, there are certain massage techniques that aid in the release of endorphins. These endorphins relax and rejuvenate the dogs―both mentally and physically―and prevent the possible onslaught of health problems that are caused due to excessive stress.
Improves Mobility and Endurance
This is highly beneficial for athletic breeds. Agility, flyball, and disc dog or Frisbee dog are some popular dog sports where dogs are seen actively indulging in running and sprinting. This, of course, takes a toll on their health, and hence, a massage has been suggested by vets to solve problems that athletic dog breeds face. A regular massage increases flexibility in not only athletic dogs, but also those living a sedentary lifestyle.
Aids During Rehabilitation
Be it relieving them from boredom, illness, or post-surgery recovery, a soothing massage has proven to accelerate the convalescence period. Active dog breeds are prone to ligament tears (knee joint) and luxating patella (dislocation of knee cap)―the surgeries of which can have a prolonged recovery time. Thus, vets suggest that massaging before and after the surgery often promotes faster healing. Since a dog is inactive after a surgery, massage therapy helps in stagnation of any bodily fluids, preventing probable digestive disorders.
Other Benefits
★ Maintains posture and balance
★ Alleviates chronic pain from arthritis and hip dysplasia (especially in older dogs)
★ Improves health of the skin and coat
★ Reduces hyperactivity and anxiousness
Giving your dog a massage should definitely top your priority list. So, what are you waiting for, consult your vet and book an appointment today!
