Healing Paws

The benefits of massage for humans are obvious—increased blood flow, decreased anxiety and pain relief—but what about dogs?

Being warm-blooded mammals prone to aches and pains just like humans, your dog could probably benefit from the same treatment that feels so good to his or her owner.

While a deep-tissue treatment should be left to the professionals, soothe your dog with a relaxing puppy massage to promote joint and muscle health. This is especially effective on high-strung breeds.

• Find a soft, firm surface, like a rug in a quiet corner of your house. Avoid distractions that will make your dog anxious. Give yourself about 20 minutes.
• Begin with slow, relaxing strokes from head to tail. Speak softly for comfort.
• As your dog relaxes, start gently working the skin around his neck in a soothing circular rhythm.
• Begin working outward toward the head and back with the same relaxed motion. Avoid any wounds or sore spots.
• Gently rub the muscles on each foreleg.
• Place fingers on each side of his spine and work back toward the tail.
• Again, use circular rhythm pressure on the outside thighs working down the rear legs. If your dog protests, move to another area.
• Finish with several more long strokes.
• Your dog should be relaxed or snoozing by this point.