From puppyhood to the golden years, Therapeutic Canine Massage (TCM) is a great way to help keep your dog fit.
Who wouldn’t love a massage after a long day of running up and down the stairs a zillion times, sliding on the floor and crashing into walls, leaping in and out of cars, wrestling with a bunch of friends, a hearty round of catch, a couple of face plants, and hours of zestful chewing? Since our dogs are made up of the same stuff as we are – bones and muscles, ligaments and tendons – they can get hurt the same way we can. Active dogs often get bruises, strains, and sprains.
The difference between us and them is that while we’ll take some aspirin and lay on the couch with an ice pack, they’re hard-wired to not show any discomfort, so you may never know something’s not quite right. And while healthy dogs will recover from these minor injuries quickly, a massage can help shorten the recovery time and get them back on all of their four feet sooner. In case there’s a hidden or lingering problem, massage is a great way to detect, alleviate, and prevent it from becoming something more serious later.
What about later in life, when bouncing off the walls is no longer on your dog’s agenda? The aging process works on animals in similar ways it does us; the metabolism slows, there’s some weight gain, stiffening of the joints, less strength and flexibility in the muscles. All this adds up to less activity, which leads to weight gain, stiffening of the joints…you see where I’m going here. Even though this is a normal process and can’t be reversed, it can be slowed down and its impacts reduced. Massage can help circulate fluids that build up from lower activity levels; reduce stiffness, pain and inflammation; and stimulate muscles. This can mean a more comfortable maturing dog, whose activity level and quality of life can stay high longer.
And speaking of bouncing off the walls, why would anyone possibly massage a puppy? You might think those wiggly worms made of rubber and fur should be last on the Who Needs A Massage list, but I actually recommend regular massage for puppies, not so much because of injury, but because they have a need for touch. Most of that need is fulfilled by play with litter mates, puppy pals, and cuddling with their human families. But the need doesn’t stop there.
To make sure puppies grow into healthy, well-balanced dogs they should be exposed to a variety of things, such as other dogs, skateboards, vacuum cleaners, and different forms of touch. Puppies who receive massage from a professional get used to a stranger touching them in a pleasant and non-invasive, yet therapeutic way. This prepares them for a lifetime of happily being handled by medical caregivers, groomers, walkers, or sitters. Imagine a dog who sits contentedly while his teeth are cleaned and nails trimmed. This dream can be yours!
“My dog isn’t active, so he doesn’t need a massage.” I hear this all the time, and it’s an understandable conclusion. But a bulging belly and thick thighs aren’t just problems for us humans. Our dogs can get overweight, too, and it’s no surprise given that they’ll eat anything not nailed down, and some things that are, with limitless gusto. And the problems associated with extra pounds are the same too – as the weight piles on there’s increased pressure on joints and organs and stiffness sets in, along with aches, pains, and reduced desire and ability to climb the stairs, chase a ball, or wrestle with friends.
A therapeutic massage can’t make the bulge disappear, but it can help by relaxing overstretched tissue, easing stiffness, stimulating muscle, and moving stagnant fluids. This will help decrease discomfort and encourage more activity. Along with a sensible exercise plan and appropriate diet, it can help your pudgy pup slim down and enjoy a better quality of life and overall health.
And that’s what it’s all about – enjoying a great quality of life with your best furry friend, whether she’s a puppy, young adult, or senior citizen.
Shelah Barr, SAMP/CMT/ABW, provides in-home therapeutic massage services to dogs and cats of all shapes, ages, and sizes in San Francisco and beyond. Shelah holds certifications in Small Animal Therapeutic Massage and standard and advanced certifications in Massage and Corrective Bodywork for humans. Her academic background includes studies in Western and Eastern medicine, Holistic therapies, and Shamanic Healing techniques. For more information, visit www.happyhoundsmassage.com or call 415-864-6756.
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