Guest Blog Post by Kate Titus of A Loyal Companion

If you haven’t considered massage as an alternative and cooperative therapy for your aging dog, it’s time to take a closer look. Canine massage offers physical and mental benefits. Like you, your dog’s behavior and emotional state are directly influenced by how s/he feels physically. Massage programs help maintain muscle tone, range of motion and flexibility while decreasing the atrophy of muscle tissue and relieving the pain and discomfort of aching muscles. Massage can also address a dog’s emotional adjustment to declining ability to perform normal dog activities.

Structurally, a dog’s muscles are 95%+ similar to that of humans and the literature on human massage shows a clear connection between touch and healing. So what are the benefits?

1. Increasing blood circulation: Cells and fibers in the body rely on fresh, oxygenated blood for hormones, nutrients and proteins to support cell growth. Blood flows around inactive muscles and through active muscles. Massage activates muscles, opening blood vessels and improving circulation. This increases metabolism and the removal of waste products from the muscle fibers. That waste can cause inflammation, which results in pain.

2. Increasing lymph movement: Lymph is the clear fluid that carries white blood cells, the immune system’s ground forces. Although similar to the cardio-vascular system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump (like the heart) and relies on a dog’s movement to keep the lymph flowing. Older dogs tend to be less active and lymph is more apt to become stagnant. Massage helps release lymph log jams and get the white blood cells moving again. Once the lymph is moving, it can deliver fresh white blood cells to fight toxins that eventually cause pain.

3. Muscle health: This is a no-brainer and what most folks think of when they think of massage. What some don’t consider though is the impact tight muscles have on joints and how limited range of motion can cause referred pain. Massage helps identify those areas of tight muscles and associated restrictions and helps lower levels of muscle soreness by stimulating white blood cells that fight inflammation.

4. Emotional health: While science is still unraveling how and why, dog owners know their dogs experience human-like emotions such as depression, grief, anxiety, trauma, shyness and aggression. Massage performed with love and a healing intention promotes comfort, love, self-worth, bonding and emotional well-being.

There are numerous other physical benefits of massage, but don’t underestimate the power of the emotional bond-building that happens during massage. Whether you learn to do it yourself (yes, there is a technique and it is important), being present for a canine massage can be a magical experience for you and your loyal companion. Knowing that you’re easing pain and creating a comforting experience is nearly indescribable.

What do you think? Is massage just a luxury reserved for celebrity pooches? Is it worth it? What’s been your experience?

About A Loyal Companion:

Kate Titus believes that one of life’s greatest pleasures is living with a dog. It can be one of the longest relationships we’ll experience and one with many challenges, including the language barrier. She reminds us that our responsibilities to our dogs include love, structure, and the highest quality of life we’re able to provide.

Harley is the inspiration for A Loyal Companion. A handsome and stubborn hound mix, he has a mind of his own and isn’t afraid to use it. His loyalty, trust, respect and never-ending supply of silly grins adds an element to Kate’s life that nothing else could. It’s a feeling everyone should experience and the reason she launched A Loyal Companion; to help others to build deep and meaningful relationships with their dogs.

Although Harley provided years of unofficial training, Kate’s formal training was completed at the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage (www.rmsaam.com) in Littleton, Colorado. This nationally-recognized program is fully accredited and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools. Because education is a life-long process, she dedicates at least 5 hours per week to learning more about massage techniques, canine learning, canine communication and other dog-related subjects.

Harley and Kate visit the Pima County Juvenile Detention Center on behalf of Gabriel’s Angels (www.gabrielsangels.org, twitter: @GabrielsAngels or @TherapyDogGabe). Their work with this great non-profit provides healing pet therapy to abused, neglected and at-risk kids with a goal to break the cycle of violence by helping kids experience trust, feel empathy and show compassion.

You can find out more information on Kate’s wonderful world of canine massage at www.aloyalcompanion.com or follow her on Twitter @aloyalcompanion

When the idea of a wheel chair for dogs was first mentioned to me I immediately saw the sense in it. In fact, most mobility devices designed to assist humans can be adapted in some way or form to dogs, i.e. dog strollers, wheelchairs, harnesses, carriers etc…The selling point for me in any of these products has always been its functionality. In other words, its purpose must be practical not some superficial reason.

To me, carrying a healthy dog in a front baby carrier is not only confusing but also serves to undermine to intention of the product and subsequently prevents potential buyers from considering it as a useful tool for dogs with mobility issues. It’s easy to understand why a pet owner might consider these products for their aging dogs and nothing drives the point home more than actually seeing one being used properly.

Just yesterday I saw an older dog using a wheel chair and while it saddened me to see that it had lost the use of its hind legs it was really uplifting to see how excited it was to be outside actively engaging with other dogs.

I believe that it is our responsibility to provide the best quality of life for our dogs and denying them there natural right to an active life is not only unfair but also abusive.

This is why it is important that these devices be marketed in a manner that promotes practicality rather than as an extension of someone eccentric personality.

The Guinness Book of World Records claims “Chanel”, a 21 year dachshund owned by Denice and Karl Shaugnessey, became the oldest dog alive after a 28 year old beagle passed away in the spring of last year.

Despite having to wear special goggles for her cataract eyes and being limited to a strict diet Chanel is a very healthy and happy dog. I know that for any dog to live this long there has to be a lot of love between the owner and pet.

This is something that I feel should be promoted more when selling the idea of owning a pet. Not to sound like a financial advisor here but in order to maximize your investment you want to create an optimal environment in which it will prosper. I know in our family, in addition to proper exercise, diet, and regular trips to the vet, we have always shown a lot of love towards our pets and each one has gone on to live beyond their expected lifespan.

So while it may be an obvious statement it is still worth reiterating if for nothing else but to get your dog in the record books! Hahaha. Remember….health and happiness are intimately linked and best sustained in loving environments.

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Come along as I show you the ins and outs of the Pet Gear AT3 all terrain dog stroller which is perfect for one or two dogs and ideal for older dogs that need some help to get around. This sturdy and versatile dog stroller allows you to ride smoothly on multiple types of terrains with its front wheel that locks in place for those rugged areas. For riding in the city I recommend letting the front wheel stay in swivel mode so you can easily take those corners.

Your senior dog will love this ride which gives them amazing visibility and space as they once again come on long walks with you. I love the freedom that a dog stroller gives you and as an owner of a senior dog I can tell you first hand that a dog stroller can give your dog his or her second wind in life. Let the adventure begin with this high quality and reliable product from Pet Gear.

Ann-Marie Fleming is the Founder of www.DogQuality.com, a site focused on products that help older dogs enjoy life.