Powered by Blogger.

Wednesday, 4 July 2012

How to massage your dog

By Jerry Welsh


It is not surprising for dogs to be viewed as man's best friends because these animals have proven their worth as affectionate, loyal and protective companions that have also provided the family with an unending source of joy. A massage is one of the ways by which a dog owner can pamper the pet to repay the dog for the difference it has made on the quality of people's lives. A dog is a social animal that would love to be petted and to receive attention from its master. Dogs too will get the same benefits humans get from massage.

The therapeutic benefits of a dog massage have helped a lot of dogs with various medical conditions. This kind of deep massage though is best conducted by well trained massage therapist using a variety of techniques. Nonetheless a short daily massage session can improve the flexibility and reduce joint and muscle pains associated with aging.

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 the dog is a great way to establish pet-owner and pet friendship.

A good massage that will pamper the pet can be learned easily . One of the objectives of massage is to calm a highly stressed dog thus dogs that are not accustomed to being touched should not be forced to submit to being rubbed down. Dogs adopted from animals are kind of aloof and refuse to be touched as they are either abandoned or abused. To massage a small dog, you simply let the pet lie in your lap. To massage a large dog, you have to make the pet lie in a firm well padded surface like a couch or a padded table. Give the dog soft slow strokes from the head to the tail. Using light pressure, gently scratch the dog behind the ears, the cheeks and the chin taking extra care in rubbing the area between the eyes.

On large dogs, you can use the heel of the hands to make circular motions on the neck. Applying a little more pressure, move the heel of the hand in the same circular motion down to the shoulders and to the chest of the dog. For smaller dogs, you can use three fingers instead of the heel of the hand. This light touch should follow the hair growth direction. Stroking against the direction of hair growth must be done only on the inside of the legs.




About the Author:



0 comments:

  © Blogger templates The Professional Template by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP