If you have an old dog, you know the signs of age; he’s slow to stand up or lay down, not running around like he used to or finding it too difficult to jump up on the couch or bed. Dr. Karen Becker of Healthy Pets recommends that you massage your dog to help ease the aches and pains of age. In a recent article, she outlined five health benefits of a good canine massage.
Pet massage, especially for older furry friends, is a different animal (pun intended!). As you can see from this short video, the technique for dogs is one of slow, gentle strokes and stretches, combined with light, rhythmic tapping.
1. Regular massage can help keep your senior pet’s muscles toned and reduce the slackening that comes with aging.
2. Massaged muscles are looser, which makes it much easier for your pet to move around comfortably.
3. Massages improve circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage.
4. Regular massage also eases the stiffness of arthritis, which can help your pet maintain his normal gait and active lifestyle.
5. Massage loosens the muscles around joints, which also helps promote ease of movement.Read Dr. Becker’s entire post about anti-aging for pets here.
Dr. Becker isn’t the only Vet that endorses massage for dogs. The New York Times reported on dog massage. In that article they stated:
Narda Robinson, a veterinarian at Colorado State University in Fort Collins who established a canine medical massage course at the university in 2008, believes that massage, properly administered, can help dogs recover from illness, injuries and stress.
Veterinarian and animal psychologist Dr. Michael W. Fox believes so much in the benefits of massage that he’s written a book about it
Do you massage your dog? If so, have you found it to be beneficial for your old dog? Please share your story below.
