How to give a dog a massage

How to give a dog a massage

Just like us, dogs are not immune from the effects of ageing. Seeing your dog suffer with arthritis and stiffness can be distressing. But through massage therapy, you can help to relieve your dog’s discomfort. Massage can also help reduce nervous aggression and other behaviour problems.

Vet your dog

The most important thing to do before giving a dog a massage is to see a vet, says the Institute for Complimentary Animal Therapies (ICAT). This is to determine if your pet has any underlying issues you’re not aware of.

Find a dog masseur

One-day workshops in dog massage are available through ICAT. If you’d prefer to leave it up to the experts, you can find qualified canine masseurs in the UK through the Association of Complementary Animal Therapies (ACAT).

DIY dog massage techniques

A simple, effective massage is called ‘effleurage’. This classic stroke mimics the circulatory system, flushing fresh oxygen and nutrients into the blood and removing toxins and other waste. Effleurage also warms the dog’s joints, which is important for improved performance and prevention of injury. It’s a good massage to do about 20 minutes before exercise and is ideal for convalescing dogs.

Natalie Lenton of the Canine Massage Therapy Centre explains what to do:

• Stroke your dog from the neck to the back area, following the line of fur
• Flip your hand over and follow the underside of the dog from the groin to armpit area. This is known as enhancing venous return – bringing oxygenated blood back to the heart.

Can massage work for any pet?

Massage is not just something for elderly dogs. Young puppies, for example, can potentially benefit from an improvement in balance as a result of massage therapy. ICAT also teaches massage for horses, bulls, sheep and pigs. Search online and you’ll even come across books dedicated to massaging cats and rabbits!

Dog yoga and placid pets

It may be the latest fad but DOGA – the canine equivalent of yoga – uses massage and gentle stretching of the limbs to (allegedly) create a more placid pet!

Look after your dog’s health with these exercise tips from Direct Line. Many alternative health practices, such as osteopathy and acupuncture, are now available for pets and some may be covered by Direct Line Pet Insurance – check your policy for further details.