Puppy Love
This week we are participating in a Pups & Pints event to benefit the Asheville Humane Society. In addition to donating 10% of all proceeds from the event to the Humane Society, we will be offering complimentary canine massage for any of our furry visitors. Dog massage is a growing segment of the animal wellness industry. Although many human massage techniques can be adapted for pets, there are specific training processes to become certified in animal massage therapy. Here at RU Social Spa, we are dog lovers, but not certified animal massage therapists. We highly recommend utilizing the skills of a trained professional when your dog requires deeper pressure, injury recovery or an increase in mobility. Check out Waghab for a local option for dog massage experts. As for us, we utilize simple massage techniques that anyone, including you, can use at home for dogs of all sizes and breeds.
Touch is healing, both for us and our pets. Within minutes of a massage the body begins to calm, improving blood flow, digestion and lymphatic fluid movement which leads to a decrease in blood pressure and enhanced immunity. Dogs benefit greatly from even a gentle massage. It does wonders for anxiety, helping those who have survived traumatic experiences or have been newly adopted. In fact, massaging your dog is a fantastic way for you to bond with your new pet. Massage can also improve flexibility, reduce pain, and offer relief for arthritis.
Did you know that giving your pet a massage lowers your stress and blood pressure too? It’s true. Studies have shown that petting an animal can lower your blood pressure by as much as 10%. In these interactions, both species experience a release of oxytocin, a feel good hormone that we could all use a little more of in our stressful lives. What are you waiting for? Find a quiet location that is free from distractions and give your pup some therapeutic love. Pro tip - be sure to take him out for a potty break before you begin!
As you are massaging your dog, watch them closely for reactions. Their body language will tell you whether or not they are enjoying the experience or if you need to make adjustments to your technique or pressure. Some things to consider before you begin:
adjust the size of your motions to the size of the dog, ie smaller motions for smaller dogs
massage toward the heart for blood and lymphatic movement
make it a ritual so your dog can become more comfortable with each session
have treats on hand in case bribery is needed
Some of our favorite dog massage techniques.
Start with gentle petting to promote a calm demeanor. Use a continuous motion with the palm side of your hands, one after the other. Focus on areas you know your dog loves.
Stroke the head beginning at the top of the nose and running up to the cranium. For larger dogs you may be using the width of your hand, or for smaller dogs, as little as one finger. Repeat multiple times.
Use your fingers to make semi circles at the neck.
Gently stroke the ears while holding them lightly between your thumb and one or more of your fingers.
Massage in circles in an outward motion along both sides of the spine moving from the head down to the tail
Use semi circles around the entire thigh muscles of both legs.
Massage the area around the tail bone using small circular motions.
Give a little extra love to accupresure points on your dog using a small circular motion with light to moderate pressure:
one point at the center of the forehead
two points at their temples, on either side of the eyes where the skull indents slightly
one point just below where the skull attaches to the spine
one point at the sacrum
one point on each side at the space where the front leg and body meet
three points at the lowest leg joint of the front legs
multiple points along center of abdomen
multiple points along the joint regions of the hind legs near the hip and knees
Dog tired from giving that massage? Treat yourself to a pick me up at Recline & Unwind Social Spa. Each or our services is only 15 minutes in length and is designed as a targeted massage, right where you need it most. Book online and come see us soon.