Massages for Dogs – Help Your Dog to
Relax
Good massages will work wonders for your dog, and the good news is that you can do it yourself. Although you
should leave deep massage for the experts who are skilled in anatomy, you can perform a light massage on your own.
This will enhance your dog's circulation as well as the nervous system. Here are useful steps to help you out.
First Phase
Let the dog lie on a firm surface that is also soft. If the dog is small, however, you can let it crouch on your
lap.
- Begin by giving a number of soft strokes in slow motion, starting from the head to its tail. The dog should
start getting relaxed.
- Scratch it gently behind its ears, and continue to its cheeks, chin, nose, between its eyes, and then over
its head. Use your forefinger and thumb to rub the ears gently, going from the base to the tip.
- Use three fingers in a circular motion to rub gently from the neck to the shoulders and then the chest,
pinching loose skin in the process.
- Give a light squeeze along each foreleg. Then rub opposite sides of each foreleg using three fingers of
each hand, working in opposite directions. You may also use your forefinger and thumb to give gentle squeezes
on its feet.
In the process of rubbing your dog, look out for anything unusual and take appropriate action.
Second Phase
- Place your index finger and thumb on both sides of the dog's spine. Move them towards the tail before
working them on the outward part of each thigh.
- Depending on how welcoming your dog is, you may squeeze along its tail. Whenever the dog shows disapproval,
stop what you are doing and return to the last action that it enjoyed.
- Before you complete this phase of massage, give a number of soft strokes in slow motion from the dog's head
to its tail.
- Do not forget that massages for dogs at your own home should be relatively gentle and light. Do not attempt
anything deep by yourself. The home dog massage will be enough to relax your dog to sleep. Don't be surprised
to find yourself relaxed as well.
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