Massage for Dogs: 4 Rejuvenating Techniques to Try at Home

The words “dog” and “massage” together probably conjure up a pretty funny mental picture. If you’re imagining your rambunctious Lab stretched out on a massage table at a luxurious spa with cucumbers over his eyes, we can’t blame you. But pet massage is more practical than plush. It helps reduce stress (yes, your dog gets frazzled, too) increases flexibility and movement, improves circulation, reduces pain, decreases recovery time after surgery or injury, removes toxins from the body and accustoms dogs to all-over touch.

For dogs with medical conditions like hip dysplasia or those recovering from orthopedic surgery or injury, it might be best to leave massage therapy to a certified professional (don’t be shy about asking for references or proof of training). But if your pooch just loves a good belly rub or needs a little extra TLC, take matters into your own hands by trying one of these at-home techniques. The rub down will give you an opportunity to bond with your pup and check for bumps, cuts, scrapes, matted fur and burrs.

If your dog resists any of your touching or appears to be in pain, move on to another part of his body or try a different technique. Massage isn’t for every dog, and if yours doesn’t love it, hands off.

Effleurage

The first step to an enjoyable dog massage is getting your pup relaxed and adjusted to your touch. The use of long, slow strokes will stimulate blood flow throughout his body and warm up his tissues in preparation for the rest of the massage.

Have your pup lie on a soft surface, like a rug. Smaller pups can stay right in your lap. Glide your hands gently and rhythmically over your dog’s body from head to tail in the direction of hair growth. Then use the same stroke down the outside limbs and up the inside of the limbs. The repetitive movements will have an almost hypnotic effect on your pup as he settles into relaxation mode. Here’s what it should look like:

When he’s calm, scratch gently behind your dog’s ears, moving to the cheeks, chin, nose, between the eyes and over the head. Now move on to the next technique.

Petrissage

French for “kneading”, this technique involves using semicircular strokes over your dog’s muscles to stimulate nerve endings, skin and coat and continue to increase circulation.

Give it a shot by rubbing each of your pup’s ears between your thumb and forefinger from base to tip. Next, using three fingers, move slowly over your dog’s neck, shoulders and chest in small, circular motions. Lightly squeeze down the length of each arm and leg as well as his tail. Then, using your thumb and index finger, give each foot a few gentle squeezes. This is a good time to check for burrs, splinters or cuts on your pup’s paws. Here’s what we’re talking about:

Vibration & Friction

These two techniques may sound a little rough and uncomfortable, but when performed correctly, they help flush out waste from your dog’s body and stimulate his ligaments and tendons. For vibration, quiver your fingers or hand lightly over large muscles. This relaxes the nervous system and calms muscles spasms. It may also jumpstart the digestive system when performed on the abdomen. Friction involves the same type of movement, but on a smaller scale. This technique helps break up old scar tissue and loosen up stiff joints and tendons. It’s done a little something like this:

Percussion

Just like the name implies, this move involves lightly tapping or drumming your fingertips over your dog’s body. Use this technique, also known as tapotement, as an ending massage stoke to wake up your dog’s nerves and muscles. Place your thumb and index finger on each side of dog’s spine and gently walk them toward the base of the tail. Or try a massage tool like this one:

Alternate back and forth between percussion and effleurage to re-alert your dog to his senses.