Who Can Benefit?

Dogs Slated for Orthopedic Surgery

When your dog is awaiting surgery your veterinarian might prescribe a pre-surgical plan. The benefits of massage for a pre-surgical patient are helping to maintain existing muscle tone, promote joint flexibility as well as range of motion on the unaffected limbs. Massage can also aid in decreasing pain, discomfort and increase his/her state of relaxation. 

Dogs in Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

A massage regimen administered in coordination with your veterinarian's instructions can actually result in a shortened recovery period. Gentle sessions may decrease issues with muscle atrophy, reduce scarring and adhesions and aid in the increase of blood flow to the affected area. The ultimate result is that your pet's discomfort might be minimized.

*photo courtesy of www.handicappedpets.com

Dogs Suffering from Arthritis and Various Joint Disorders / Geriatric Dogs

Dysplasia and arthritis can rear their ugly faces at any stage in your dog's life. Some dogs don't show signs of the disorder until the muscles which support the joints become weaker. There are cases where puppies or adolescents are already exhibiting symptoms of a problem prior to reaching adulthood. Mobility can be severely limited when these problems occur. Weight management coupled with a massage plan designed to keep the muscles and joints healthy will help to maintain their tone for as long as possible.

Massage can improve mobility simply by increasing and maintaining range of motion and flexibility. Consult your veterinarian about supplements and a diet and exercise plan. This combination can play a significant role in keeping canines with joint disease moving and comfortable.

Our geriatric friends can benefit from the above regimen as well. As our dogs age, their joints stiffen and they slow down. This can result in atrophy and musculoskeletal degeneration. Common problems include pain, muscle stiffness and cramping. Massage increases circulation carrying vital nutrients and warmth back to the extremities. It also aids in keeping muscles toned and decreasing the impending degeneration. Additional problems include digestive disorders and the inability to receive adequate exercise. We would love for our dogs to be with us forever. While this is not realistic, a regular massage program coupled with a sensible diet & exercise program has been known to result in an increase in energy and better quality of life for the geriatric dog.

Pregnant Dogs

Carrying a belly full of pups can be an extremely stressful as well as painful process for your dog. The added weight can put a tremendous amount of strain on a female's musculoskeletal system. Massage can reduce some of this discomfort while serving to relax the dog. Massage in the days following whelping can ease some of the issues associated with displaced bones, loosened joints, taxed muscles, stretched ligaments and damaged tendons.  A relaxed mother will be more likely to have a positive whelping experience, resulting in healthier mom and pups. 

Puppies or Growing Adolescents

It is never too early to start massaging! When a mother is stressed and having problems caring for her pups it is imperative to provide assistance. "Hands-on" care can provide a healthy foundation to your puppies socialization process.  When you are faced with the challenge of having a runt who is developing at a slower pace than his/her littermates you will find that the pup can benefit tremendously from early massage. Massage can ease growth stages by increasing the circulation to those fast growing muscles and bones. Studies have shown that when properly applied, passive range of motion exercises and stimulation of the pads promote motor development.

* If you are experiencing problems with the mother or any of the pups remember that massage is not a substitute for veterinary care. Please consult your vet immediately.

Adolescent dogs sometimes experience "growing pains" just like our human children. Massage can reduce pain and carry some of the stress away from the affected areas. Like younger pups, the result is increased blood circulation to the rapidly growing muscles & bones keeping them flexible. Your "teenager" will experience less tension through this sometimes painful stage of his/her life.

Dogs With Behavioral Or Anxiety Issues

I have experience first hand how therapeutic massage can help a dog with behavioral or anxiety issues (see Greta's Story). There are times when a dog exhibits undesirable behavior just because he/she has no way to release energy. When massage is administered, the "calming effect" relaxes the animal and enables it to release tension and anxiety just as it does in a human. A dog who is caged all day or an animal who receives little exercise is a perfect candidate for massage. Perhaps the dog isn't used to human touch. A consistent massage regimen will introduce the animal to the fact that all humans are not bad. The results can be astonishing. When trouble shooting your pet's behavioral issue, never lose sight of the job your dog was bred to perform. A working dog needs to work! A scent hound needs to track! Being "in touch" with your dog's "purpose" coupled with a consistent "mental health" plan will provide your pet with the tools needed to have a happy, healthy life.The animal with a behavioral problem requires added patience as this problem might take months to overcome but the rewards can be amazing.

Working Dogs and Therapy Dogs

What a blessing these animals are to our lives! They work tirelessly to protect and serve. Their work is physically demanding as well as stressful. The goal of massage with the working dogs is to condition and optimize their health and performance. Massage relaxes and stretches the muscles. Increased blood flow “warms up” the body, preparing them for the active day ahead. It is imperative to provide these animals with every “tool” imaginable to maintain their focus, mentation and over all well being. When the day is done a “rub down” will relax and loosen the muscles, preventing stiffness and pain.

Show Dogs

Ask any handler about the hazards of taking a nervous or stressed dog into the ring. This behavior could end their show career. The obvious short term benefit to a pre-show massage is the ability to relax and focus the dog prior to entering the ring. However, a dog who receives maintenance sessions will experience improvements in posture and overall body balance. Top line movements are achieved through flexibility and the attitude of the dog. Massage is one more tool enabling your dog to become “Best In Show”.

Timid, Under- Socialized or Newly Adopted Dogs

When a dog is timid, under-socialized or newly adopted it is imperative that the dog be handled with patience and care. Sometimes the dog is simply not used to the human touch. Not only can the touch act as a catalyst to relax the dog but the improvement of posture and body balance will give the dog an added level of confidence. The results from consistent massage sessions can be heart-warmimg. Some dogs respond almost immediately while others might require months of therapy. Don't give up! The rewards are priceless! Please refer to "Greta's Story".

Agility / Performance Dogs

These are our “Star Athletes” or “Canine Olympians”. Physical and mental fitness is the key to their well being. Canine athletes compete in agility, field trials, fly-ball and a myriad of sporting events that require them to maintain peak performance. The goal of massage with performance dogs is to optimize or improve current performance while preventing injury. Prior to the event, massage serves to reduce the stress of the dog which results in an increased level of focus. Muscles are “warmed up” releasing endorphins and increasing the blood flow throughout the body. Muscle tone and range of motion are exercised, allowing the dog to achieve maximum output. The soft tissues are now flexible and the muscles are relaxed and ready to go. When following a regular massage program these dogs are able to maintain good posture and body balance. Post event, the “cool down” massage soothes the worked muscles preventing edema and stiffness.