Anyone who has had a massage can attest to the fact that it provides relaxation, relieves muscle tension and relieves pain. The same holds true for our dogs. Massage and acupressure can really help your arthritic dog by releasing endorphins and stopping muscle spasms. You don’t have to be an expert to help your dog. Take a look at the above video to see how simple it can be.
Benefits of Massage and Acupressure:
- Reduces muscle spasms and cramping.
- Relaxes and softens injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Releases endorphins which work as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Stimulates lymph flow which enhances the body’s immunity.
- Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and organs, improving circulation.
- Releases numerous balancing hormones, neurochemicals and other substances into the bloodstream.
Here is a great list of videos for massaging arthritic dogs.
Best of all, massage will give you quality bonding time with your furry friend and will relax you as well.
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Is there a massage therapy certification that will let pet owners know that the therapist is a trained expert to help their pet?
pet medical insurance´s last blog ..Lifetime Pet Insurance
Yes, there is Canine Massage Therapy Certification. Here it is….
CMT Certification Program
I massage my English Mastiff’s legs regularly to help him with arthritis and then, I let him take some Pet Bounce.
This is wonderful to watch the video and good to read the benefits of massages.Thanks for the link for list of video.
Looks like that dog is really enjoying that massage. Also thanks for the links to the list of dog massaging videos. :)
dave@Dog Training Books´s last blog ..Crate Training a Puppy
A morning massage will help ease the stiffness from the night’s activity while an evening massage is beneficial to relieve muscle and joint tension resulting from the day’s activities. Massage is not a cure for the said degenerative disease but it sure is an effective arthritis pain relief for dogs and if done on a regular basis, you can prevent the disease from further advancing.
Sergey@ Painkiller Addiction´s last blog ..How People can Become Addicted to Painkillers?
Good post. Deep massage to relieve pain or help heal an injury should only be performed by a certified professional who has knowledge of a dog’s anatomy.
Thanks for the video. Very useful. What breed is the dog in the video?
Definitely looks like a black lab to me. Beautiful dog.
Hey this video is really cool to watch man…the dog is getting the nice massage from doctor…thanks for the post….
This is a great post and video – a lot of people don’t realize that you can give your dog a massage like this and let’s face it – your dog likes ‘em as much as you do!
My dog has arthritis and she isn’t walking on her front left leg is there anything I can do to help her pain?
Wow. I must admit this is not something which immediately springs to mind but as the video shows the dog is really enjoying the treatment. As you say if it works on us why shouldn’t it work on dogs.
If she is in so much pain that she is not walking on the leg then you should see a vet about some pain medication such as Rimadyl. That will provide immediate relief.
Then you should definitely find a glucosamine supplement and begin treatment for long term comfort and support of that joint.
arthritis in dogs is triggered by an injury or poor nutrition.
This seems like a good idea. would you recommend any spray also like deep heat or a cold spray?
Heat, not cold, is definitely good for arthritic joints.
However, I would stick to a heating pad that you can lay on the dogs joints if they will tolerate it.
I would avoid any chemical sprays or lotions because it’s almost guaranteed that a dog will lick it off. Also, you never know – what is safe for humans can easily be toxic to dogs.
Nice idea though. I used to apply a heating pad to my Jack Russells arthritic leg when he got cramps in the winter.
My dog’s hind legs shake after exercising, but recently they have been shaking while she is at rest. She seems to feel fine otherwise. What could be causing the shaking in her legs?
Aw. That is sweet. If there was a strong market for it I would offer if in my business.
I believe alot of owners were practising massage therapy way before people knew what they were doing. How often have you just set with your pet and gave them a good back, shoulder and tummy rub. I know mine enjoy every massage they “think” their getting.
Good post. Thanks
Thanks for the tips :D I will definitely give my 3 year old puppy a tibetan terrier a massage tonight after I got home from work. I am sure she will be delight and relaxed but right now she is taking a bath of course my mom’s help :D
I always massage my dog for relaxation especially his hind legs because of his arthritis problem and it helps a lot.
Muscle tone will also be improved by giving dog massage.
This can be great tactic, especially for older dogs. It hurts watching them limp around.
I’ve got a dog with arthritis and I never once thoguh tof doing this – thanks!!
I am a beginner in terms of raising pets. I just started having a pet when my sister who has asthma got married and moved. I never thought that massage will also be a great help for them just like us. This something new. I will surely give my dalmatian puppy a massage. Thanks for the information.
This, this video looks amazing. It’s good to find informative read like this that discusses about the importance and benefits of massage to pet dogs. Dogs are really wonderful pets. They deserve to take relief when they get old and sick. Thanks for this video.
Inactive and overweight dogs are the most likely candidates for this health concern.
Exercise is very important for dogs with arthritis. While exercise forces your dog to move and possibly worsen the condition of the cartilage, it does them good
I have a weekly massage and sauna. It is the best relaxant and is so good for your body. I can imagine our canine friends loving it too.
We buy a massage cushion for our dog… He really onjoy this. I will buy now another one for me to.
Great Video! Dogs just like humans needs to be cared for too when having problems with arthritis. Get the dogs to keep exercise as well it will do you and your dog both good
Thank you for this video, very useful, I also massage my dog everyday to help him with arthritis.
Early morning and evening are the most beneficial times to massage an arthritic dog. A morning massage will help ease the stiffness and soreness from the night’s inactivity. The evening session will relieve muscle tension and soreness resulting from the day’s activities. Exercise in moderation is excellent for any arthritic condition. Follow your morning massage session with mild exercise such as a short walk, but avoid a strenuous workout.
Massage can be very helpful as part of your management plan for dogs with arthritis. It’s important to make sure that your pet has been diagnosed by your veterinarian and that an overall management plan has been instituted. This should include weight control, exercise restriction and consideration of specific medications. Then include massage too as part of the whole. More at arthritisdogs.net
Amazing what a massage can do for the body. Not only us but animals as well. Thanks for sharing and adding the video.
My dog has been suffering for a while from arthritis and I never thought of this as an option. If I like them, why wouldn’t my dog? Something to think about!
Your veterinarian or the veterinary staff can show you how to perform physical therapy and massage on your dog to help relax stiff muscles and promote a good range of motion in the joints. Remember, your dog is in pain, so start slowly and build trust. Begin by petting the area and work up to gently kneading the muscles around the joint with your fingertips using small, circular motions. Gradually work your way out to the surrounding muscles. Moist heat may also be beneficial.
i have used message for my lab for years and she loves it. a message in a dogs eyes is much more primal and they seem to treat you more like one of their own. after all dogs dont have fingers.
Great article! Thanks for sharing…This technique is great way to massage your dog!
I just really know now that dog can also have an arthritis. This blog is really a big help. I learned a lot from it. Is it the same with the human regarding on what you feel when you have an arthritis?
What a wonderful way to help relieve your pet from pain. Especially arthritic pain because anyone who has had or still has arthritis knows of the daunting pain day after day that has to be endured. Any kind of relief is fantastic. Loved the video. Excellent technique. Thanks for sharing. Cheers! Jasper Hotels | Kindersley Hotels
Each dog with arthritis will need to have a management program specifically designed for his needs. What helps one dog with arthritis may not help another. Work with your veterinarian and watch your dog carefully so that between you, your dog, and your veterinarian you can determine what is best for your dog. Realize, too, the program may need to be changed as your pet ages, or if symptoms improve. Exercise in moderation is excellent for any arthritic condition. Follow your morning massage session with mild exercise such as a short walk, but avoid a strenuous workout.
I would love if my dog could give me a massage after a hard day at work :) Well, until that day i will start giving him massages. Great idea and video. Cheers.
This is a very useful post. I am an absolute animal lover and dogs always have a special place in my heart. It hurts me so much to see them in pain. The video was very clear and explained everything very well.
Thanks for a great video. I massage my German Shepherd’s legs regularly but the video has shown me in great detail exactly what I should do.
I have a question about the use of valerian. I would like to use it but I understand that it can have a few side effects like headache, drowsiness, dizziness, itchiness and even, rarely, liver damage. Can anyone who has used valerian regularly on their dog comment on this?
The goals of pet massage are to relieve your dog’s pain and stiffness; the goals are not to rip and tear your dog’s soft tissues and cause more harm and pain. Many people, especially the one’s who fancy the painful, deep, digging-types of massages, get carried away while massaging their dog and start acting like they are in a contest to see who can squeeze or pinch the hardest. Don’t do that! Think soft, easy, delicate; no rough stuff! The best time to perform dog arthritis massage therapy is in the morning and the evening. Morning dog massage therapy helps relieve the stiffness and pain that develops overnight. The evening dog massage session will help reduce the muscle tension and soreness that develops during the day’s activities.
I will surely apply this to our 3 years old dog names Sofie. I am pretty sure that she will love it. Hmm.. She is like a little baby to us so spoiled but we love her so much :D
This is a good new for dog lover. Work with your veterinarian and watch your dog carefully so that between you, your dog, and your veterinarian you can determine what is best for your dog. Realize, too, the program may need to be changed as your pet ages, or if symptoms improve.
I agree that messaging is beneficial for a dog with arthritis. I regularly message my 6 month old Labrador dog who had a broken his leg last month .It greatly reduces the pain of the dog and relaxes him