Dog Massage!

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/pets/6978438.html

This article appeared in the Houston Chronicle this morning.  I've performed massage on my horse and my dogs, and it really does work wonders.  If you decide to try it out, go very lightly at first - particularly if your dog has arthritis.  

The reactions can be really funny too.  Most of my dogs loved it immediately, but one took a while to accept it.  She would look at me like, "What on EARTH do you think you're doing?!"  You know you're doing it right when they relax, drool, and even better when their sinuses let go.  The runny nose was particularly true of my horse.  He showed tension between his ears and down his neck through the shoulders.  I learned to massage him before riding to get him relaxed and feeling good first.  Within 5 minutes, his nose would practically be on his knees, with his lips loosely dangling and and a steady light stream running from his nostrils.  

As your dog gets used to it, you'll probably find that as even a quick, casual neck massage with your fingers results in the dog leaning into you and instantly relaxing into readiness for the full-body treatment.  If you have a very active, hyper dog, massage is a great technique to calm them down.  Massage also creates a unique bonding experience for both of you.  Enjoy!  :-)
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Aaaah, that's the spot
By LANA BERKOWITZ Copyright 2010 Houston Chronicle
April 27, 2010, 5:47PM

When it comes to canine massage, the more drool the better, an animal chiropractor says.

Drooling is a sign of relaxation in dogs, said Maryann Lopez of Houston's Paw Prints Animal Chiropractic. Other indications a dog is relaxed include lip licking, a lowered head, yawning and a dreamy-eyed look.

Therapeutic massage can aid in socialization and help with ailments by increasing blood circulation, range of motion, endorphin release and sense of well-being.

Sylvia Chavez Sitters of EquiSol in San Antonio works with dogs and horses and says it takes training to know how to manipulate an animal's muscles. It's not the same as petting.

But pet owners can learn basic massage techniques, she said.

“It's a great way to balance out two- and four-leggeds,” Chavez said. “If the animals feel your heart and the love in your hands, they will definitely benefit.”

Lopez, who conducts workshops at Omni Houston Galleria, tells beginners to check with their veterinarians before massaging a dog, especially if the animal is on medication, recovering from surgery or has tumors.

She begins with such techniques as rubbing the chest in a circular motion or rubbing where the dog's front legs meet its body.

“In my experience I have never come across a dog that did not like his armpits rubbed,” Lopez said.

Lopez says owners should watch their dogs' movements and expressions during massages:

“Are they moving into your hand? Are they moving away? Maybe you are applying too much pressure. Is it something that you need to change or need to stop?”

Lopez then checks the animal's body, looking for lumps, cuts or other problems.

Then she starts effleurage, or light strokes over the dog's body.

“You want to make sure your hands follow the contours of the dog's body. Kind of keep a flat hand but a little bit curved. When you get down to the bottom towards the tail, don't take both hands off. Keep one hand on and bring the other hand back up so that you constantly have contact with the dog,” she said.

After a few basic sessions, the dog will learn that your touch is something good. Then you can work on other strokes, Lopez said.

An active, young dog may relax for only five minutes of massage, Lopez said. She also has seen canine massages last for 45 minutes.

“We all like our massages, and dogs are same way,” Lopez said.

lana.***@****

[ginger899]

Thanks Jaybay. This is really great info. Massage is really beneficial for our pets.
I give Misty a body massage, quite often. She loves it. Her way of appreciation is a big long squeaky yawn! and a big grin.

[Jaybay]

Isn't that hilarious when they do that?!  Our Dal still can't quite figure out what I'm doing, but once he chills out he can't decide where he most wants to be rubbed.  I pretty much keep my hands in one place and he rotates under them - all the while with a huge grin and his tongue hanging out.  :-D

[ginger899]

They get knots in their muscles just like we do sometimes. I've often felt a 'knot', worked on it, and it's melted away! Then she's stretched that leg, so I can immediately see she feels something has freed up.