Canine Massage

Interestingly the first known documentation of canine massage dates back to 2700 BC in China. 

Clinical Canine Massage is a non-invasive therapy for dogs that rehabilitates them from muscular injury and helps to support orthopedic issues such as arthritis. It is also suitable for sporting dogs and senior dogs, and, depending on the condition, improvements will generally be observed in your dog after one to three sessions of treatment.  

Massage Therapy involves the direct and skilled manipulation of the muscles and their fascia using only the hands of the practitioner. The effects of the massage, in combination with a real hands-on working knowledge of the canine muscular system, including fibre direction, muscle isolation, the use of origins, insertions and actions in addition to palpation skills for tissue assessment, promotes health and well-being in the animal.  

Movement in the dog is achieved through the muscles exerting and releasing pressure on bones throughout the skeleton – and without muscles there would be no movement - so it is little wonder that clinical canine massage promotes such benefit in dogs. 

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Is your dog showing any of these common signs of Musculo-skeletal discomfort? 

• Stiffness 

• Soreness 

• Unable to go up/down stairs 

• Unable to get in/out of car 

• Mobility issues 

• Lost their ‘sparkle’ 

• Depression 

• Posture changes 

• Coat changes 

• Uneven nail wear 

• Skin twitches                                              

• Old before their time 

• Unwilling to go for walks 

• Back/neck/hip issues 

• Agility or performance issues e.g., pole knocking or measuring. 

 

Benefits of Canine Massage  

Some of The Benefits of Canine Massage Therapy: 

 

• Improves or reduces lameness 

• Pain management for orthopedic conditions by targeting areas of protective muscular splinting 

• Directly addresses the muscular issue rather than masking it 

• The ability to go on longer walks/enjoying walks again 

• An excellent therapy for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) intolerant dogs 

• Improved performance e.g. agility – no pole knocking/improved jumping/contacts  

• More sprightly 

• Return to normal activities e.g. up/down stairs, in/out of car 

• Improved temperament 

• Better movement, gait and posture 

• More sociable with dogs/humans 

• Addresses the whole body and patterns of overcompensation, not just one limb or the back 

• Assesses and addresses the dog as an individual and each massage is bespoke to their individual needs 

• Resolves or reduces soreness/stiffness 

• Reduces anxiety by decreasing sympathetic levels (stress) and inducing a parasympathetic response (relaxation) 

• A younger feeling, more active dog 

• A dog who is engaging confidently with their surroundings again 

• No dangerous equipment used e.g. wobble cushions/balance balls  

• Addresses muscular imbalances 

• Rehabilitates muscular injury e.g. strain 

• Resolves or decreases sympathetic activity associated with trigger points and myofascial pain 

• Improved proprioception through myofascial release work and targeted sports massage. These techniques actively address dysfunctional areas by directly manipulating the full muscle from origin to insertion to stimulate the Golgi tendon organ and muscle spindles (held in tendon and muscle respectively) which provide information on position, tension, movement and force in the body. 

• Reduces irritation to sensory nerve endings found in fascia resulting in a dog more willing to be groomed/examined/petted 

• Provides a good hands-on check for all dogs 

• AND it may even help dogs with anxiety, nervous behaviour and/or depression. 

 

Additional Things to Know: 

 

Your dog will usually let you know whether they agree with your decision to use a Canine Massage therapist or not - if your pet seems happier again you will know you made the right decision. 

 

Your dog might demonstrate improvement following the first session however provided they are not showing any sign of distress after the treatment it is worth persevering because following treatment the body goes through several physiological changes - for example the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and immune systems can all be affected. Massage therapy will help relax and relieve pain in these systems, but it may take a little time for the benefits in these areas to show through in some dogs compared to others. 

Massage is not only for emotionally sound dogs, but it can also help comfort a recently adopted rescue animal that had previously been feeling lonely, neglected, or abused – and it is known that psychological health is correlated with physical health. 

 

Stress is a common factor that allows illness and disease to encroach on a dog when their immune system is unable to defend itself from bacteria and viruses. Massage helps the body feel balanced and rejuvenated, by working on both physical and mental components. Even if a dog doesn't seem to be imbalanced, sometimes it takes a massage to find out that they actually weren't necessarily psychologically sound. 

 

By improving physiological issues, the psychological aspect will benefit as well. For the dogs that need pain reduced, when they begin to have better range of motion and strength, they will feel rejuvenated. Having energy return is a sign of a healthier dog, and this health can cause such happiness to a both of you.