by Lisa Thaxter

Created on: June 09, 2008

The power of massage in a Dogs World

Do you suffer with high blood pressure? Are you in need of some relaxation and do you

own a dog? If the answer is yes and yes then read on. There is one way of enabling a

relaxed state of mind, which involves you treating your dog, be it large or small, to a

massage. This gift will not only benefit your pet, but will bring a sense of calm to your

whole body.

If your beloved pooch could talk, he/she would no doubt ask for a nice soothing massage.

Let us think about it. When a dog injures a paw for instance, what do they do? They lick

at the area in question, and will continue licking until you, the owner are left trying to

prise your dog's mouth away from the soggy matted mess, otherwise known as a paw.

Maybe you have had a relaxing massage at some point. Can you remember how

relaxed and calm you felt afterwards? Well, dogs react exactly the same way as us, if not

better, for they do not judge.

It is something that your pet will benefit from. Something which is not difficult to do

and you will no doubt continue as part of your dog's weekly treat. No fancy

lotions or potions are needed. Just a tablespoon of sunflower oil or olive oil is all that's

required. A massage can benefit all age groups. From the youngest puppy, in need of

relaxation after a mad spell in the park, to the geriatric with arthritic hips.

Find a quiet time, sit your dog down and start by massaging his back area.

The size and hairiness' of your pooch will determine how much oil is needed.

For example, a boxer a large breed but with very short fur, will need approx 20ml or two

small handfuls. Use light sweeping movements along either side of the spine, from the

neck to the base of the tail.

You will notice that even the bounciest of pups immediately calm down and enjoy the

massage. Continue with these movements as long as is comfortable for you. This could be

ten seconds to ten minutes, it is entirely up to you. Next move onto the hindquarters.

Starting at the hip, massage down the leg to the paw. Continue to the next leg. By this

time your pooch will no doubt be snoring his head off. Move onto the front legs, again

using strokes from top to bottom. Always remember to incorporate the paws. Continue to

massage the abdomen, use circular movements and gentle pressure. Massage up

towards the heart and back down again to the abdomen.

The full massage can take anything from five minutes to fifteen. Only you as the owner,

will know how long your dog will sit before becoming irritable. Even five minutes

can be beneficial, and it is a proven fact that even your own heart rate will lower, making

you the masseuse calmer, relaxed and all helping to lower blood pressure - can't be bad,

can it?

On average, try to aim for a weekly massage if time allows. If you have an older pet with

arthritic hips, for example, then there is no problem increasing this to two or even three,

massages a week. Remember if you are increasing the frequency then keep the actual

massage short and sweet - ten minutes maximum is sufficient.

The main thing to remember is that both of you will benefit from this wonderful gift.

Something your pooch will love and you can treasure. After all the joy he brings to you

isn't it nice to repay his loyalty?

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