Guest Post by: Melanie Amarosa
While to some it may seem frilly or a new trend in the pet care industry, canine massage is a valuable tool. Canine athletes have long been enjoying the benefits of canine massage. For me, the most endearing is massage for our senior canine companions.
In the Beginning
In 1999, I became a licensed massage therapist. My specialty was working with pregnant women, fascial unwinding, and teaching infant massage classes to new parents. I saw first-hand the benefits of massage and fascial release on the human body.
As my dog, Emma, aged and her arthritis worsened, I explored canine massage as a way to help her.
Understanding Fascia
Massage all starts with fascia. Within the last 10–15 years, we have come to understand more about fascia. It is connective tissue that supports joints, protects organs, and is part of the communication system in the body. Fascia is innervated! That discovery brought greater awareness to the complexity of what was once thought of as simple connective tissue of little significance.
There are several types of fascia, depending on the job it is doing:
- Some are squishy and resemble a honeycomb.
- Some look and act like I-beams to support layers of tissue.
- Some are long, stringy, and stretchy with high levels of hyaluronic acid.
- Others are dense networks with limited ability to stretch.
When fascia becomes injured, constricted, or loses its lubricity, it affects the body. Fascial restriction can even alter the direction of a dog’s coat. I have become fascinated with “reading” a dog’s coat.
Senior Dogs and Joint Health
Take, for instance, the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) in the knee – the same as the ACL in humans. CCL tears are more common in dogs that have been spayed or neutered, especially those altered prior to full maturity. These issues increase the risk of arthritis in the knees, which often progresses silently until symptoms become noticeable.
As the hind end weakens, the rest of the body compensates. Muscles of the low-to-mid spine and opposing leg work harder, the psoas muscle strains to support the spine, and the shoulders overcompensate. Tension builds in the neck and jaw, creating a body-wide issue.
Brandy: A Memorable Client
One canine client, Brandy, will always hold a special place in my heart. She was sweet and happy but had severely compromised mobility. After several sessions, she finally laid on her side, allowing me to work deeply on her shoulders. With the tension and blocked energy released, she relaxed and fell asleep. Watching her at peace was a joyful experience for everyone.
Dogs with Hyper-Arousal
My own dog, Dash, is a zoomy dog with a low threshold for stimulus. He holds a lot of tension in his shoulders, neck, and head. Massages for Dash can be stimulating; he may move around several times during a session. Working on his head, jaw, neck, and ears first helps him relax, allowing me to continue to his shoulders and the rest of his body.
With hyper-aroused dogs, start slowly, build up the massage, and stick with strokes they enjoy before introducing new ones. Patience and presence are key.
Being a Test Subject
Before massaging your dog, try a few simple moves on yourself:
- Do small circles with your fingertips, at the joint where your upper and lower jaw meet, (about an inch in front of your earlobe).
- Over the same jaw joint area try horizontal and vertical linear strokes. If you find a sore spot, experiment with pressure and direction of the strokes.
- Starting at the top of your ear, roll the ear between your thumb and fingertips working your way down to the earlobe.
- Using the pads of your fingertips experiment with linear strokes and circular motions over your scalp and forehead.
Once you understand pressure and speed, you’re ready to massage your dog.
Preparing for a Canine Massage
Before starting, consider the following:
Take a pee break
This is the first order of business.
Avoid mealtime
Don’t massage your dog just before meals, as their attention may be on food rather than relaxation.
Choose a quiet spot
Limit distractions, both visual and auditory.
Ensure comfort for both of you
Select a space where your dog feels comfortable, and make sure you have a comfortable place to sit. Keep in mind that your dog may start standing and later lie down during the massage.
Optional relaxation aids
Parasympathetic soundtracks can help your dog relax, and a single drop of organic lavender essential oil on a cotton ball nearby may be soothing. Use oils sparingly and never apply directly to your dog.
Connect with yourself
Take a moment to notice any tension or distracting thoughts. Take a few deep breaths and release any distractions before starting the massage.
Basic Head and Neck Massage Steps
- Start with light strokes over the head, ears, and sides of the face.
- Lightly stroke the groove between the eyes, over the forehead and top of the head.
- Cup the cheeks and stroke with your thumbs from the tops of the eyebrows down to the cheeks.
- Use small circles with fingertips over the cheeks and top of the head toward the back of the head and base of ears.
- Stroke the sides of the muzzle and cheeks.
- Gently stroke the ears from base to tips.
- Run your hand over the top of the head.
- At the top of the neck, gently knead both sides using a wringing motion.
- Finish with gentle strokes from head to neck, down shoulders, spine, and tail (if the dog is comfortable).
The wonderful thing about massage is that it is not a rigid process, you do not have to do all of the steps listed above in the exact order, they are just some guide lines. In the video I will demonstrate the strokes, but not the exact order, by reading Dash’s cues I will alter my approach based on his feedback.
Reading Your Dog’s Cues
Signs of relaxation:
- Deep breath or sigh
- Slowed respiratory rate
- Softening or closing of the eyes
- Slow blinking
- Yawning
- Licking lips
- Pressing into your hands
Signs of distress:
- Round (hard eyes)
- Stiffening or twitching of the lips
- Moving away from your hands
- Side eye
- Rapid Blink
- Over all stiffness of the body
- Leaning away from you
- Hard staring
- Tensing of the body
These could be indications of several things:
- Area of discomfort or held tension
- Discomfort with the speed or pressure being used
- Discomfort with you being closer to their face, or “staring” at them
Honoring Your Dog’s Comfort
It is important that your dog feels HEARD and HONORED! By being sensitive to their signals, you are honoring their preferences and this helps to build trust. IF your dog is intensely displaying one or two of the signs like hard round eyes and stiff or twitching lips, stop the massage! They are clearly not interested or comfortable with the process. Dogs displaying these signs may take steps to “protect” themselves and their space. This is not a position we want either of you to be in. While these signs are more common with newly adopted dogs, dogs in a new situation, or dogs with abuse histories, they can also be seen in the dog you have had for years and know inside and out. Respect their limits.
Responding to Softer Signs of Discomfort
If your dog is showing softer signs of being unsure or uncomfortable, take note of what you were doing – the pressure and speed. Stop the movement and just gently hold your hand over the area without moving. Slow your breathing and relax any tension you may be feeling. Stay present with your dog and watch their eyes and breathing; you may see them soften and relax. If this happens, gently run your hand over the same spot, and if they tense again, you know that area may need more professional attention. Return to massaging the areas they prefer. Never force the massage! Today just may not be the day they are interested.
Being Present
Being fully present with your dog and sharing a moment of connection is a special gift. At times, we may find ourselves absentmindedly petting our dog while preoccupied or distracted. Massage helps you focus on your dog and truly connect. It provides an opportunity to step away from the demands of the day and reconnect with nature and the animal kingdom.
If you find it difficult to let go of daily stress, take a few minutes to ground yourself. Sit comfortably in a quiet area and:
- Focus on your breathing, taking deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Repeat several times.
- As you exhale, follow the sensation down to your abdomen, through your hips, down your legs, and into your feet. Visualize this energy extending into the earth. Feel the cool, dense energy of the ground.
- As you inhale, draw that dense feeling back up through your legs, hips, abdomen, and around your shoulders.
- Feel the weight of the earth holding you peacefully, still and grounded.
Take this calm, present state with you and enjoy this special time with your dog!
Notes:
**Dog’s sense of smell is much more sensitive than the human sense of smell. Even if you can’t smell the lavender your dog can, so less is best! Be careful not to get oil on your hands, essential oils that come into contact with the eyes and nose or other mucus membranes will cause irritation.
Disclaimer:
Massage is not intended to treat or diagnose illness. If you have any concerns regarding your animal companion’s health or condition contact your Veterinarian. If you find any lumps, bumps or swelling in your animal companion, make note of their location and contact your Veterinarian.
About the Author
Happiness 4 Dogs LLC is Melanie’s tribute to her senior dog Emma aka Happiness. Melanie wanted to share all she has learned helping Emma navigate the aging process and all that it entails with others. This journey led to Melanie becoming Certified as a Canine Hospice and Palliative Care Provider, Canine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist, MagnaWave PEMF professional, and Animal Reiki Master. She enjoys learning about canine health and has taken a variety of classes covering health, movement, injury recovery, food energetics and their effects on health and behavior. Melanie lives with her husband and their 3 dogs in New Hampshire.
Questions? Please reach Melanie at Happiness4dogsllc@gmail.com
