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How to Massage Your Dog: Technique, Video, and Canine Massage Schools

Dog massage has become increasingly popular as people realize that animals can benefit from massage as much as humans do. You can take your dog to a professional pet massage therapist, a good idea if the animal has a specific issue that needs to be addressed. However, learning how to massage your dog can help the two of you bond and lets you nurture your animal companion at home.

Massaging your dog is a great way to bond with your pet.

Canine massage therapy is especially good for older dogs or ones recovering from injury. Some of the many benefits include:

Improves the quality of movement by relaxing muscles and supporting the health and function of joints

Stimulates circulation
Improves coordination and athletic agility
Helps release restrictions such as adhesions and knots
Helps reduce the risk of injuries
Relaxes the animal, providing benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved digestion, and better immune system function

How to Massage Your Dog

The first thing to know about massaging your dog is to listen and never do anything to aggravate her. Here's a basic massage:

Lay your dog on her side. Stroke her lightly and gently in the direction of hair growth until she starts to relax. Keep one hand on your dog at all times, using your other hand to massage slowly down over your dog's head, face, body, legs, tail, and outside of the legs.
Gently massage up the inside of your dog's legs, against the hair growth.
Find tight spots in the muscles and use a firm circular motion on them. You can also gently squeeze and then release the muscle.

For more dog massage techniques, see Healing Touch for Dogs: The Proven Massage Program or Acupressure for Dogs.

You can also use essential oils with dogs.