Massage: A healing touch for your dog

AP photo/The Enquirer/Patrick Reddy

For centuries, massage has been practiced as a holistic approach to wellness and healing. The ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Romans practiced it; a nineteenth-century Swede named Per Henrik Ling revived the art, developing techniques we know now as “Swedish massage.” Hospitals sometimes use it to relieve patients of pain and hasten recovery, while the healthy often avail themselves of massage sessions less as a luxury than as a means of staying fit and dealing with stressors. In a city like New York, where hectic schedules and overcrowded venues don’t exactly encourage a healthy lifestyle, a surprising number of people can recommend a great massage therapist for you-- and now, for your dog.

Why try this kind of therapy? Massage stimulates the immune system, improves circulation, reduces tension and nervous attacks, and can lower levels of chronic pain. It addresses the causes and effects of repetitive stress injuries, works on joint stiffness, and increases the range of motion of muscles. With all these benefits and more, massage is a generally safe and noninvasive method of health care. It is probably the oldest type of bodywork in human history. It stands to reason that it can help animals as well.

If you’re interested in finding out if therapeutic massage is appropriate for your dog, arrange for a consultation with an alternative vet or holistic expert with certification in pet massage. During your consultation, ask about the various types of massage techniques used on animals. Some are more vigorous than others, and these may not be suitable for all dogs.

Although only certified massage therapists should perform deep-muscle massage, simple home massage is an option for pet owners on a budget. This involves slow, light manipulation of the animal’s muscles, centering on stroking the head and torso, including legs and feet in dogs that are not over-sensitive to touching in those areas. You can get training in the proper techniques so that you don’t risk hurting your pet.

There are a number of sources you can investigate if you’re interested in setting up appointments and/or learning how to give your dog a massage. In the tri-state area, check out the Beacon Barkery in Beacon, New York, or Manhattan’s The Dog Run, a Chelsea facility that offers hydro-massage.New Jersey dog owners can contact caninekneads.net for a consultation and appointment. There’s even an online course in pet massage offered by the Northwest School of Animal Massage. (See the links below.)