Pet Massage
Written By: Dr. Alison Seely (Part 1 of 2)It’s no longer just for humans
Massage increases circulation to muscles, skin and internal organs, decreases stress and makes you feel great – regardless of your species.
It’s true, humans are not unique in experiencing the benefits of massage. We already instinctively communicate our love for our dogs and cats by petting them, showing touch is a universal language , but it is also vital to healthy development. Numerous studies have established touch is of the most critical senses in mammal infancy – human or otherwise. If you deprive an animal of touch at a young age, you risk producing an antisocial adult.
Animal massage has grown popular concurrently with human massage. Many provinces are licensing animal massage therapists and creating guidelines and restrictions to govern their practices. Many schools are offering massage therapy courses or subspecialties in animal therapy. There are also many private courses uniquely dealing with animal massage springing up across the country.
The aim of animal massage is no different than human massage; it stimulates blood circulation, aids in lymphatic drainage, reduces scar tissue and adhesion and promotes relaxation. It can also alleviate nervousness, aggression and other behavioural disorders.
Massage can be very useful adjunct therapy to chiropractic care, as it can battle muscle tension and spasms and easier adjustments. It is also important component of rehabilitation following traumatic injuries or surgery.
It is not always necessary to seek the services of a professional animal massage therapist. Pets are quite tolerant of their owners massage skills. In fact they generally prefer to be touched by their owners.
They are also very clear in their feedback. If they move closer to the person petting them they are requesting more – and possibly deeper – massaging. If the move away, they are resenting either the massage itself or the level of pressure.
Touch is a key component in building trust and loving relationship with a new pet. In a younger puppy, for instance massage can have a desirable effect – an enormous bonus during those frenzied, shoe-chewing months.
One particularly positive aspect of massage is that it is symbiotic. Both the giver and receiver benefit. Studies have demonstrated stroking and petting animals will result in a drop in blood pressure, an increase sense of well being and increased self esteem in the person giving the massage. Programs capitalizing on those benefits have sprung up everywhere, with dogs regularly being bought into hospitals, retirement homes and children’s centres for touch-based therapy.
Dr A. Seely is a veterinarian and certified chiropractor.
