How to Massage a Dog or Puppy

Many pet owners feel that petting and brushing provide their dog or puppy with adequate attention, but dogs can benefit from touch just as humans do. For a dog, massage can relax, soothe and ease pain. Massage also helps dogs gain trust in an owner. Massage your dog or puppy for 5 minutes a day to raise a healthy, happy pet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Rub into your hands a dime-sized drop of light oil such as baby oil or light sesame oil. Gently rub the dog beginning with his head and ears and ending at his tail. Use slow strokes along the back. Repeat the massage 3 to 4 times.

2. Pay special attention to the dog's tail. Squeeze the base of her tail quite firmly for a few seconds, then move your hand down the length of the tail all the way to the tip. Maintain a firm grip as you slide your hand.

3. Place one hand on each side of your dog's head, with your palms on the cheeks and your fingers beneath the ears. Rock the head gently from side to side. Use your thumbs and forefingers to massage the inner and outer flaps of the ears, being careful not to reach into the ear canal.

4. Massage your dog's eyelids lightly with your thumbs. The dog's eyes close naturally as you touch the eyelids. Stroke your dog's nose from top to tip, and gently pinch his lips and cheeks. Finish the face massage by stroking his chin and neck.

5. Put another drop of oil on your hands and rub from the dog's armpits across to her chest and belly. Move on to the legs, stroking from the top down to the feet.

6. End the massage by holding each paw for a few seconds and squeezing gently.

[AuntPhyl]

on 4/11/2008 How easy! Thank you!