Massaging an Elderly Dog

Video: dog massage tips & techniques : how to massage older dogs
Video: how to give a dog a massage on the hips

Upgrade from Petting to Massage

by Xiomara Iraheta

Massaging your dog can be beneficial for various health reasons- it can increase blood circulation, help relieve aches and pains, reduce blood pressure and even soothe away fears. But massaging an elderly dog can really tune you to your dog’s evolving body. Best of all, it will make you two feel closer than ever before knowing that you enjoy caring for one another.

It’s best to establish a routine for massage time with your dog, try doing it once a week and gradually doing it daily but don’t let it become a chore- it should remain a pleasant experience for the both of you.

First, you want to ease them into the massage by setting the mood or calming them down with Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer all you have to do is s pray the product into your hand and let your dog breathe in the soothing aroma of lavender and chamomile essential oils and they’ll be enchanted. Spray it on their coat and you’ll have a well conditioned and detangled coat to run your fingers through. If you’ve got more of an anxious or nervous dog you may want to try Sleepytime Tonic that will nourish their physical nervous system and set them to enjoy the pleasures of massage.

If you’re living with a city dog, you’re probably used to leaving them home alone for the majority of the day-so the next time you call out, “Honey, I’m home” why not rekindle your love with a massage using some of the following techniques.

Palm Strokes:

Video: Dog Massage Tips & Techniques : How to Massage Older Dogs

Take your palms and slightly cup them. Place them face down on a large part of your dog’s body, like the back. Working your hands in a breast-stroke-like motion (or wax- on wax-off motion) massage your pet outward. Stroke heavy on the way up and lighter on the way down. The variation in the pressure makes it more pleasurable for your dog.

Thumb Strokes:

Draw tiny circles with your thumbs, using both simultaneously. Apply a good amount of pressure, slowly in circular movements to produce a tingly sensation. Beware not to apply this technique directly on the spine because it’s painful so do it on each side which feels great.

Quack Strokes:

Take your hands and form duck beaks or bills facing each other, have both slightly open and motion so that the bottom part of one goes inside the other. Work diagonally on your dog using a rhythmic pattern. Apply more pressure on the hindquarters than the abdomen area.

Factors to consider with Joint Mobility

· Hindquarters – since they’re using their back legs a lot less the circulation to their kidneys get reduced. Gently massage their back legs with thumb strokes and feel out their stiff and tense muscles. Only begin to press a little deeper when his muscles relax.

· Weight – a recent study published claimed that half of pets are overweight. Carrying around extra weight makes mobility even harder on your aging dog. If you’re not sure whether your dog’s weight is affecting their joint mobility make sure to ask your vet for more specific diet advice.

· Exercise – he may not be as mobile as before but taking more frequent walks for shorter distances can help keep your dog active and healthy as he ages.

· Collagen – is the most abundant protein found in joint cartilage and New Bio Cell Collagen Type II helps build new cartilage and reduce further damage to the joints. This patented, all natural ingredient is extremely absorbable so more of the formula gets to the site of the problem. Joint Resolution by happytails helps improve joint mobility and flexibility, promote healthy strong connective tissue, is easy to administer and is organically grown and ethically harvested herb.