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#1
03-09-2005, 06:33 PM
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Massaging your dog
MASSAGING YOUR DOG
Massaging your dog has many benefits: *Relaxes your dog. *Soothes tired or sore muscles. *Eases pain from surgery or other injuries. *Helps your dog suffering from ailments caused by old age to feel better. *Gains your dog's trust. Noticeably increases the bond between you and your dog. Many people hardly ever touch their dogs any more than just petting or an occasional brushing. I believe dogs feel love and affection and need to be touched by their loved ones just like humans do. Take 5 minutes a day and massage your dog on almost every part of it's body from his head to his toes and you will not only get to know your dog better, but your touch will also stimulate something in your dog that will make your dog respond to you in ways I cannot explain. I guarantee you will notice the change in your dog's attitude within as little as 2 - 3 days!!!! Instructions for dog massage: By Kimberly & Bruno(Boonie) CGC, NJC & 1/3 AD. GardenGrove, CA Use a very light oil. (I recommend Neutrogena Light Sesame Body Oil but baby oil is O.K.) Rub a very small amount (the size of a dime) into your hands and start at the top of the head and slowly stroke down the back to the base of the tail 3 - 4 times. Do an additional 2 - 3 times including the tail this time all the way to the tip. Use a very gentle but firm "squeeze-grip" on the tail as you slide your hand down to the tip, starting with a pause as you squeeze at the base of the tail, keeping your grip all the way to the tip of the tail. Next, gently rub the back of the neck behind the ears with your forefingers for a few seconds. Then, hold your dog's head in your hands by the cheeks and under the ears (with the dog facing you) and rock the head gently side-to-side 4 - 5 times. Massage the ears, taking care when you finish by inserting the tip of your thumb into the ear (about 1/8") and rub the ears between your thumb and forefinger. Massage your dog's eyes (they will close automatically) very lightly with your thumbs and stroke your forefinger down the nose, starting between the eyes. Gently pinch your dog's cheeks and lips several times and finally stroke the throat and chin. Add a drop more oil to your hands and massage the chest (while the dog is standing), moving your hands under the armpits and rubbing gently. Allow your hands to slide from the armpits to the forelegs. Slide your hands down the forelegs (like you did for the tail) with a soft but firm grip all the way down to the paws. Gently hold the paws (one at a time) and squeeze gently for a few seconds. Repeat this procedure, starting with the chest, 2 - 3 times. Note: It is best to straddle your dog standing over him like you would sit on a horse when you start with the chest massage (don't sit on him!!!). Then turn the opposite direction and massage the buttock, sliding your hands down the hind legs and massaging down to the paws. (Just as you did for the forelegs.) You can also massage the chest, armpits, legs and paws while your dog is laying down, either on his side or on his back. During the whole procedure, speak to your dog in a sweet, soft voice. from: http://66.227.115.200/pet-resources/...g_your_dog.htm Last edited by Dax; 03-09-2005 at 06:44 PM. 
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#2
03-09-2005, 06:44 PM
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From Purina's site: http://www.beneful.com/smartspa/care_massage.aspx
A massage (touch) is a healthy indulgence both you and your dog can enjoy. Best of all, it's an excellent way to strengthen the loving bond between you. Here's how to make massage part of your daily routine: Massage has tremendous therapeutic value. Just the same, it's better to treat it like a special indulgence instead of a "procedure." Your dog will sense your spirit of fun, and it will arouse his curiosity. 1. Have your dog lie down on a comfortable surface, such as a favorite rug. Gently hold your dog still with one hand, stroking with the other until he relaxes. 2. Before you begin the massage, make sure your hands are clean and dry, free of any lotions or creams. 3. Gentle stretching may be a great preamble to a good massage. Try stretching your dog's limbs, one at a time, for just five seconds. This should be pleasurable, so if your dog flinches or tries to run away, you're stretching too hard. 4. Start the massage at a spot where your dog loves being touched — behind the ears, under the chin or on the tummy. Using three fingertips, gently massage in a circular motion (about the size of a dime) over a muscle. 5. Avoid massaging near open wounds or near the site of recent surgery. It's okay to massage outside of these regions, because it will stimulate circulation, which may encourage healing. Watch your dog's cues to make sure you aren't getting too close to a tender spot. 6. Again, if your dog tries to flee, you're being too aggressive. Pay attention to your dog's reaction and read those signals. If your dog is enjoying the massage, he will linger in hopes of getting more. Your dog may even fall asleep, a sure sign that he's happy and content. 7. In a soothing voice, reassure your dog and praise him for holding still throughout the massage. Keep sessions brief at first, lengthening massages over time and extending them to include hips, paws, ears and chest. 8. Use massage as a treat before outdoor exercise or as a post-event cool down. It's also an excellent way to examine your dog for cuts, lumps, burrs or ticks. 9. If one is available, enroll in a canine massage class to learn more about the fine art of dog massage.
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#3
03-09-2005, 06:50 PM
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I have a book on dog massage and my dogs love it.
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#5
03-10-2005, 06:40 AM
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I massge my 11 year old, cheyenne and she loves it. i read a little about the benefits of massage for arthritis and tried it out on her. I'm not sure it eases her aching bones but it makes her happy so what the heck.
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#6
03-10-2005, 08:56 AM
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Quote:
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#7
03-10-2005, 01:34 PM
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Thanks for bumping this up for me Dax!!!Excelent~~
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#8
03-11-2005, 11:30 AM
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My book has some different sections I'll post the one on Spine, Back, and sides. There are also sections on top to tail, head and face, neck and shoulders, chest and belly, legs, paws and claws and tail. If anyone wants to know about any of the other sections just let me know.
Spine, Back and Sides Cautions: Never work directly on the spine Never work too deeply If your dog is very sensitive in this area move on To gain your dog's confidence and to establish contact, start wiht a simple head to tail strok. Using the palms of your hands, place them on either side of the dog's spine and starting at the top of his head, slowly strok along the length of his back to the base of his tail. Make sweeping strokes with even pressure so that the dog can differentiate between a massage stroke and a casual, affectionate gesture. Do not massage directly on your dog's spine. When massaging with you fingers and thumbs, position them carefully on either side of the spin, and work on one small area at a time. Working in the same area, use two hands in an alternate, continuous movement. As you lift off from the base of the tail with one hand, make contact at the head with the other hand. Next, position your finger pads on either side of the dog's spine, to the side of the ridges that you can feel. Then, covering only a small area at a time, rub wiht your thumb pads. Repeat this action all the way down the spine to the base of the tail, and return. As you work in this area, you will feel the thick muscles an either side of the spine that are so important to your dog's range of movement. It is very important to keep these muscles relaxed and toned. Make small circles with you finger pads, over and along these muscles, first clockwise and then counterclockwise, without lifting your fingers. Use more pressure if your dog is happy. Your dog's size and reaction to this stroke will set you know what is comfortable for him. The more you massage, the more sensitive your touch will become. As a variation, use a light, rhythmic tapping action along the area with the tips of your fingers-but not if you have long fingernails. This is a good way of releasing muscle tension. If your dog seems well relaxed and is happy for you to continue, take a roll of skin between each of your thumps and your first two fingers and lift and knead it at the same time. This stroke can be highly invigoration and enjoyable for a dog.
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#9
03-11-2005, 11:32 AM
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The book also has a section on special treatments for aging dogs, behavioral problems, puppies, large dogs, pregnancy, post injury and illness, pre-event, post event. So if anyone wants me to post any of these just let me know.
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