How to Massage a Dog

Who doesn't like a good massage every once in a while? And that includes canines. Aside from being a great way to calm and relax a dog, a gentle massage can increase circulation, ease the pain of arthritis and aid their nervous system--not to mention increase your bond with your dog and gain trust. So, why not reward your furry friend after a rough day at the "dog office?" The following are steps to a good home doggie massage.

Instructions

1. Have your dog lie on a soft, firm surface such as a rug or mat. You can place a small dog on your lap. Start with several soft, slow strokes from head to tail. When your dog begins to relax, scratch gently behind his ears and move around the face, under the chin, over the nose, between the eyes and over the head. Rub each ear between your thumb and forefinger.

2. Straddle your dog by standing over her, but don't sit on her. Using three fingers, move slowly over the neck, shoulders, and chest in a small, circular motion.

3. With three fingers, softly massage from the buttock to the thigh and down the leg all the way to the paw. Do the front and back of each leg, working your way from top to bottom and then bottom to top.

4. Place your thumb and index finger on each side of the spine and "walk" toward the base of the tail and then the outside of each thigh. Finish up with several soft, slow strokes from head to tail.

5. Massage the muzzle to help a restless dog who barks and chews to relieve tension. Sit on the floor or on a chair and have your dog sit in between your feet. Support the dog's jaw with one hand while making small circles on the muzzle and jaw with the fingers of your other hand. Gently move the skin in a clockwise direction to form a full circle, then take your hand off and do another circle next to it.

Tips & Warnings

• Tell Rover not to be modest; a towel isn't necessary.

• For a dog with arthritis, massage around the achy joint and on the surrounding muscle with a gentle kneading motion to ease some of the pain.

• Talk to your dog in a soft, sweet voice to add to the calming effect.

• If your dog resists a techique or a particular spot, move on to something he likes.

• If your dog starts to snooze peacefully when it's over, pat yourself for a job well done.

• Pet spas offer massages for dogs by trained canine bodyworkers.

• 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, which includes the location and function of muscles and the movement of joints.