By Kim Shotola, The Lightfoot Way

Massage can be an important part of your dog’s life. While many people enjoy the benefits of massage, your dog is no different. When the body is out of balance, injury and illness can occur. Massage helps to support the body’s natural balance.

Canine massage first became popular with racing Greyhounds, often giving owners and edge on the track. More recently, massage has become popular with performance dogs, especially those competing in flyball and agility. It can improve muscle tone and joint flexibility which is also beneficial to older dogs. Dog owners have realized that massage can help to prevent injuries and aid those that are recovering from injuries or have chronic conditions.

Massage can also help to provide relief from muscle soreness and atrophying muscles, reduce the recovery time from soft tissue injuries and relieve discomfort associated with conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia.

A massage given prior to a chiropractic treatment can help and adjustment be administered more easily and have a longer lasting effect.

Behavior and temperament problems can benefit from massage. It can strengthen the bond between you and your dog while increasing their level of trust. For a nervous or hyper dog, massage can help to calm them. A shy or submissive dog can feel more secure and an aggressive or dominant dog can become more relaxed.

Canine massage is meant to compliment and support traditional veterinary care, not replace it. Should you have any health concerns regarding your dog, please consult with your vet prior to offering massage. To learn how massage can help you check your dog’s well-being and some basic techniques, visit my web site at www.pet-health-advisor.com.