Though it sounds silly, a dog massage is an effective way to relieve stiffness and discomfort. Whether your pooch is a young pup or a senior, massaging their muscles and joints benefits them at any age. Canine massages have not only health benefits but also psychological benefits. Follow along to learn more about dog massages, their advantages, and when they are necessary. After all, a massage is more than a way to relax!
What Is a Dog Massage?
A canine massage includes kneading, pressing, and tapping soft tissues to relieve stiffness. Similar to humans, there are many different massage techniques you can incorporate in your furry friend’s massage. Typically, dog massages focus on muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. These areas of a dog’s anatomy carry the most weight in their daily functioning, and therefore need the most relief.
Physical Benefits of a Dog Massage
There are a multitude of physical benefits to dog massages, ranging from the nervous system to the lymphatic system. When you give your four-legged friend a massage, you increase their blood flow, allowing nutrients to reach their cells more efficiently. This results in a lymphatic flow that aids your pup’s mobility. Furthermore, massages reduce muscle tension in dogs, which can cause significant pain. By massaging your furry friend, you are improving their joint health and circulation. With your care, your pooch will have long-lasting mobility well into their senior years.
Mental Benefits of a Dog Massage
The advantages of dog massages extend to improvements in your pup’s psychological and hormonal balances. While it is well known that massages are calming, there is ample scientific evidence to support this! Just like humans, when dogs receive a massage, their serotonin levels, the feel-good hormone, increase. This hormonal improvement not only calms your pooch but also reduces their cortisol levels, the stress hormone linked to serious health issues. If your furry friend is particularly anxious, regular dog massages may help!
When Does My Dog Need a Massage?
While all pups benefit from a dog massage, some canines medically need it more than others. If your furry companion recently had surgery, it is likely your veterinarian recommended dog massages to keep blood flowing to the surgical area. Regardless of the area, surgeries can temporarily stiffen joints and weaken muscles. By giving your pup a massage, you are helping the healing process proceed smoothly. Further, a dog massage helps relieve any tension that may have built up post-surgery. Another dog demographic that requires massages more is older canines. As your furry friend matures into their senior years, it is natural for their joints to stiffen. Regular massages can help enhance mobility in this period.
With all of these benefits, it makes sense to start incorporating a massage into your pup’s routine. At the end of the day, a dog massage allows you the chance to share quality time with your pooch. While they will benefit from the physical and mental advantages, your furry friend will enjoy your company the most.