10 Benefits of Therapeutic Canine Massage

If you are like me who patronize spas regularly, you will know how relaxed you feel each time after a good massage? Well, a good massage for your dog can be equally soothing and healing.

Surprised? Well, don’t be. Humans are not the only ones that deserve to be pampered. Your dog equally deserves a good massage once in a while, preferably on a regular basis.

A good massage for your dog doesn’t have to be just because he needs to relax. It can also help him when healing from certain illnesses.

10 Benefits of Therapeutic Canine Massage

1. Calms the Dogs

It has been proven by experts and dog lovers alike that dogs bark and make noise more when they are restless, tense, hyperactive or aggressive. A good massage therefore helps them relax and ultimately makes them quieter.

Without a regular dose of massage there is a tendency that your dog can be harsh and aggressive to people, especially when the children play with the dog too much and too roughly.

2. Eases Aching Muscles

Just as humans feel a lot of relief to their aching muscles after a good massage, the same happens to your dog. Extremely beneficial for athletic dogs; even for pet dogs who workout of a regular basis as massages strengthen your dog’s muscles.

3. Increases Immune System

Gentle massage triggers the chemicals called cytokines. These chemicals affect the dog’s hormonal system which brings down the level of stress hormones that weaken the immune system.

4. Improves Blood and Lymph Circulation

It stimulates blood circulation which then increases the amount of oxygen that reaches tissue and flushes out toxins and waste. Great on dogs suffering from obesity.

5. Disperses Pain

At the spot of the massage, it induces cells to release cytokines and then instructs the brain to release pain-killing endorphins.

6. Releases Stress

When adolescent dogs are introduced to routine massage experience less stress when they become older therefore increases his immune system to fight some common aging aliments.

7. Aids Injuries

Certain injuries that your dog has can be treated effectively with a good massage. For examples, injured tissues or arthritis tissues. It restores mobility and flexibility.

Please note: Recovering injuries should only be administered by a registered dog therapist. Do not attempt to administer it without any knowledge of canine anatomy.

8. Builds Trust

It helps to build trust and makes you aware of subtle changes in your dog’s physical conditions that maybe overlook during regular grooming sessions.

9. Heightens Concentration and Alertness

It helps to improve your dog’s performance and concentration during obedience training or tricks training.

10. Promotes Longevity

Don’t we all want our best friends to live a longer and aliment-free lifestyle? Not only it improves and maintains his overall health, it also invigorates all dogs to want to stay longer with their caring owners – You.

A Brief Introduction of TTouch Therapy

Other than recovering injuries, you might want to try your hands on one of the best dog massaging techniques – TTouch Therapy. A professional therapist is not necessary needed for this treatment. Neither it is difficult to learn. There are books and videos available that explain the technique.

TTouch Therapy (also known as The Tellington Touch). This type of massage is used mostly to ease dogs with behavior problems like aggressive or frightened dogs. One of the techniques of this massage method is by making certain tiny circles on the dog’s muzzle and its jaw with your fingers. Then you tenderly move the skin of your dog in a certain clockwise direction beginning at the six o’clock position and completing a circle and a quarter finishing at eight o’clock. Pressure is adjusted for different dogs and different parts of the body, depending upon what is comfortable and non-threatening to the dog. Doing this tenderly and repeatedly will greatly aid your dog’s focus during their training sessions.