Looking After Pets

Dogs are indeed man’s best friends as they love unconditionally, remain loyal and protective and have been a constant source of joy because of their amusing and affectionate ways. There is no doubt that dogs have given pet owners invaluable companionship thus a massage is the least an owner can do to pamper the pet. Dogs would appreciate all the attention and petting from its human family as these are social animals. Dogs are similar to humans in a lot of ways thus these animals will get loads of benefits from massage as well.

It was proven that dog massage have improved the health of dogs suffering from a variety of medical conditions. The services of a well trained massage therapist are necessary if the objective is to improve the health of a dog with a serious medical concern. Aging dogs weighed down with joint and muscle pains will be given a new leash to healthier life as regular massage improves blood circulation and better functioning of all the systems of the body.

Massage relaxes the muscles and consequently relieves physical and emotional stress. The comforting touch of an owner’s hands calms a highly dog stressed dog during a thunderstorm or during a 4th of July fireworks display. Massaging is quality time that will enhance the bond between owner and pet.

A pet owner should not be daunted with the task of massaging the pet as it can be learned . Bear in mind that the goal of the massage is to give the pet relaxation thus a pet that is not comfortable with being touched must not be forced. Dogs that hate to be petted and touched are mostly mature dogs adopted from animal shelters. To massage a small dog, you simply let the pet lie in your lap. However, bigger dogs would need a firm but well padded surface like a table or a couch. Start the massage with slow stokes from the head to the tip of the tail. Gently scratch the area behind the dog’s ears and apply light pressure on the cheeks, chin and on the area between the eyes.

Use the hell of the hand to make circular motion on the neck of large dogs. Massage the shoulders and the chest with circular motions using the heel of the hand. Massage technique is a bit different on smaller dogs thus instead of the heel of the hand you can use three fingers. Be sure to follow the hair growth direction so as not to cause the dog discomfort. Stroking against the direction of hair growth must be done only on the inside of the legs.