Like humans, animals also require massages as part of their body maintenance. It can significantly help four-legged friends as well. Thus, dog massage benefits have gained more attention in recent years. Today, many people use it to help dogs rest well and improve their health. By reading this article, you will know the many benefits of dog massage and why this may be an excellent option to improve the pet’s health.
Why Consider Massage Therapy for Dogs
There are numerous benefits associated with the use of massage therapy in dogs. It helps them to be independent and lowers stress levels as well. Massage makes blood flow freely and also relieves muscle contraction. It also has aching properties and may, for instance, benefit elderly dogs that may be suffering from joint problems such as arthritis. Postoperative dogs benefit from massage since they take a shorter time to heal after the surgery. Massage can enhance the immune and digestion systems in the body. It is also important to note that having a dog engage in frequent massaging can ensure that it does not develop complications resulting from injuries. Other disorders, for example, behavioral issues such as anxiety, can also be enhanced. It enhances the relationship between an owner and an animal that he or she owns.
7 Benefits of Massage Therapy for Dogs
The benefits of massage therapy for dogs are:
1. Improved Relaxation for Dogs
Like humans, dogs also get stressed. Stress may be associated with any change in environment, such as loud noise, introduction of new objects, or even separation. Massage therapy enables the reduction of stress since it has a way of working on the nervous system of the body. Therefore, these hormones elevate a dog’s mood.
2. Pain Relief and Improved Mobility
It may also be essential to know that dogs develop complications like joint stiffness or arthritis if they are old. However, some of this discomfort can be eased through regular massage therapy. It increases blood circulation in muscles as well as in joints, making it an anti-inflammatory agent. This may prove helpful in dogs that are in pain and have limited possibility to move if they are old or have other diseases like hip dysplasia.
Notably, very playful and even young dogs will find something beneficial. Because massage increases flexibility and reduces muscle tension, it will help to eliminate muscle injuries. Swirling the muscles efficiently allows them to wash the lactic acid deposits away. Consequently, the fatigue that the dogs emulate leads to lesser stiffness in the animals.
3. Supports Post-Surgery Recovery
Just like humans, a general recovery period is required from every anatomical structure in a dog’s body after surgery. Massage therapy is generally believed to ease pain and speed up recovery. This helps improve circulation, bringing blood supply with oxygen and other necessary nutrients to the healing tissues. This, it is believed, helps to facilitate faster tissue regeneration.
Massage also assists in the breaking up or inhibition of scar tissue formation. Not less significant is the fact that formations of scar tissue may confine the scope of the patient’s movements. In addition, massage promotes muscle flexibility and proper healing and, as a result, improves the recovery processes in dogs. However, one must always seek a veterinarian’s permission before engaging in post-surgery massage to avoid complications.
4. Boosts Immune Function
Another less-known dog massage benefit is that it helps strengthen the immune system. Massage helps stimulate lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic systems filter out waste products from your body. Lymphatic systems assist your dog in fighting bacteria and viruses; thus, it is crucial that it functions appropriately.
The above factors apart, the right working of the lymphatic system makes the immunity system healthy. This may be of most help to those dogs that suffer from several terminal health complications. Massage makes sure that they keep their body in the proper condition as they should be.
5. Improves Digestion
Digestion is also another area that receives the dog massage benefits. Light patting on the abdominal area is advisable since this is helpful to encourage the digestion process. It can help relieve features such as bloating after eating and decrease the possibility of uncomfortable instances. Some dogs may experience difficulties such as constipation. A massage therapy session can prevent this problem and other disorders of the digestive system because increased mobility of the large intestine will support proper defecation.
This advantage is significant for canines with exceptional food sensitivity and unique feeding schedules. Combined with a balanced diet and water intake, massage therapy is instrumental in aiding digestion.
6. Strengthens Bond between Dog and Owner
This is one way through which massaging your dog can enhance the relationship between the two of you. Touching is an essential nonverbal communication that relays messages of love and care. Dogs are social animals, and they require to be attended regularly by their owners. Trust develops when people spend time together, especially in a serene and non-aggressive manner.
However, massage also enables you to understand the different parts of your dog’s body. Then, you could identify any changes in their muscles, skin, or joints as soon as they occur. They can be helpful in tracking their general health condition and state. Hand massage offers a chance to be in touch physically and emotionally; hence, it can also be friendly to the pet.
7. Enhances Sleep Quality
Relaxation for dogs isn’t just about reducing stress during the day. Massage therapy can also improve sleep quality. Many dogs struggle with restlessness or have trouble sleeping through the night. A calming massage session before bedtime can help them unwind.
Massage promotes relaxation for dogs by lowering cortisol levels. This hormone is associated with stress. When cortisol decreases, dogs are more likely to experience deep, restful sleep. Over time, improved sleep can positively impact their overall health.
Conclusion
Dog massage is not just a pleasure for the relaxation for dogs. It is advantageous to practice for the welfare of your pet, as increased blood flow enhances circulation, reduces pain, and increases motion. Likewise, it plays a crucial role in emotional welfare because it enhances relaxation and improves sleep quality. Therapy massage can bring lasting goodness to their little bodies, regardless of whether your dog has had surgery, suffers from anxiety, or needs extra TLC.
If you wish to introduce massage therapy to your dog, start with gentle techniques. You could learn the basics yourself or hire a professional canine massage therapist. Always check with your vet first when your dog has any medical condition.
Also Read: Breathing Exercises for Dogs: A New Relaxation Technique?