There are many massage techniques that are healthy and enjoyable for your dog that are easy to do and sure to go over great with your furry pal. Here, I will share a few easy massage techniques that you can use on your dog to help relax them, make them feel great, and leave them begging for more!
Massaging your dog is a great way to calm them, ease their joints, and help them in their old age in general. You can ease your dog’s stress and anxiety and just make them feel better overall using simple massage techniques that your dog will enjoy. The first and easiest massage technique that I use on my dog all the time is to simply place your palm, fingers up, at the tip of your dog’s head (where it points) and gently yet firmly drag your palm down his head, all the way down his back between his shoulder blades, until you get to the base of his tail. Then, turn your palm into a gentle fist around the dog’s tail and stroke the dog’s tail all the way to the tip. Repeat this 4 or 5 times. This helps to stretch your dog’s back and get its body into a relaxed state, and can be done with your dog sitting or standing. Just be sure not to press too hard. My dog loves it and just sprawls out in a true, ahh moment.
Another easy technique to massage your dog is to face your dog and gently place your hands on either of your dog’s cheeks and gently run your fingers through your dog’s fur to his ears. Make a gentle fist and rub your knuckles in the outer ears of your dog and then gently rub their ears from base to tips. This stimulate your dog’s nerves and “feel good” endorphins and makes them feel great. Do this a few times, and then follow up with a gentle grip on your dog’s cheeks and slowly rock their head from side to side to stretch their neck. My dog closes her eyes and sighs when I do this. It calms her down when she is irritated from outside noises as well.
My favorite massage on my dog is one I do when she is lying down on her side, as I have better access to legs and stomach this way. Gently, palms down and relaxed, begin massaging your dog’s armpits and work your way down their front legs to their feet. If they kick at you, simply go back up the leg again. Massage the belly in wide, circular motions and them massage your dog’s inner thighs and all down their hind legs. Your dog should respond by stretching their legs out tight as far as they will go, lifting off the ground as they enjoy the leg massage. This is a great massage for arthritic dogs or dogs with an upset tummy, and helps dogs relax when you go near their feet.
Massaging your dog with a few simple techniques teaches them to trust your touch, allows them to relax, and purges stress and anxiety from their bodies. What a great massage does for people is the same for our furry pals, too!
