Why Massage Your Dog?

Have you ever had a massage? If so, I bet you felt wonderful afterward! Even if you haven’t had a massage, chances are you know what it is; the manipulation of skin, muscles and joints for the purpose of affecting physical or emotional changes in the body. While massage for humans has been around for millennia, canine massage as a practice is relatively new. The benefits of massage on humans are well documented, so why shouldn’t the same benefits apply to dogs as well?

Studies show that consistent massage will enhance your dog's comfort, emotional stability, general fitness, and overall health. Massage on a regular basis may add years to any dog's life and delay the onset of old age. It is an effective tool to improve the physical, emotional, and mental health of your dog. Massage is focused time with your animal, completely different from casual petting, and has the proven ability to reduce stress and promote a feeling of calm in both you and your dog.

Massage is easy to learn, and becomes easier the more you practice. So how to you learn? You can buy a book, such as “Healthy Dogs, Your Loving Touch: Acupressure Massage for Your Dog.” You can buy a DVD, or you can take a class if offered in your area. Or you can simply try it. Just by gently stroking your dog focusing on helping him will give him some of the benefits of massage. Give it a try today!