Dog's Like A Good Massage, Too.

Chance says "I get a weekly massage and I love it!"

Did you know that giving your dog a light massage increases circulation and aids the nervous system? Here is the technique to give your dog a light massage in the comfort of your own home. A deep massage must be given by someone that has been certified in dog anatomy and trained and certified in canine massage.

To start your dog's relaxing, light rubdown, have him/her lie on a soft, but firm surface, such as their favorite rug. If you have a small dog, the massage may be done sitting or crouching on your lap. First start with several soft, slow strokes from head to tail. When you feel your best buddy relaxing, scratch gently behind the ears, moving to the cheeks, under the chin, over the nose, between the eyes (known as the stop) and over the head. Then rub each ear several times between your thumb and forefinger, working from the base to the tip of the ear.

Now, using 3 fingers, move slowly over the neck, shoulders and the chest in small, circular patterns, gently pinching folds of any loose skin in these areas. (If you have a Shar Pei, you will have a lot of loose skin to massage.) Then, lightly squeeze down the length of each foreleg. Placing 3 fingers on each side of the leg, softly rub in opposite directions several times.

Now, if your dog is comfortable having their feet worked with, use your thumb and forefinger(index), give the feet a couple of light, soft squeezes. While doing the body massage, take the time to look for any burrs, ticks or skin irregularities. Avoid any lumps, sore spots and rashes. Have these checked by your vet.

For the second phase of the full body, light massage: Place your thumb and forefinger(index) on each side of the spine and like you are "walking", go down the spine (If your dog has arthritis, be extremely careful not to press hard) to the base of the tail and then move to the outside of the thighs. And, you can also squeeze the length of the tail and move down the rear legs of your best friend, in the same way as you did the front legs, if your dog doesn't protest it. Always respect your dog's wishes. If they start to get uneasy about the massage, go back to the last area or technique they enjoyed. To finish, give several soft, slow strokes from head to tail.

******Remember, only a trained, certified practitioner can do the deep muscle massage. Keep everything light and gentle.******