Many Health Benefits of Pet Massage
Massage techniques are frequently performed on animals, including dogs, cats, and horses for therapeutic benefits after injury or as a preventive wellness program. The specific techniques used will depend upon the goal of the massage and the receptiveness of the animal. Any indications of pain in your pet must be assessed by a vet before performing massage techniques.
The benefits of massage include reduced pain, increased joint mobility, improved circulation of oxygen-rich blood for tissue in healing and improved lymphatic flow to filter out waste products and destroy them via the action of white blood cells.
Certain massage techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system resulting in a “rest and digest” response in contrast to the “fight or flight” response of the sympathetic nervous systems. By allowing your pet to relax under your guided touch, you can strengthen the emotional bond ass well as maximize the use of touch as a an assessment tool to note any changes in your pets, such as lumps, pain or areas of warmth. Early detection on your part can lead to prompt veterinarian care for any potential problems.
Pet massage can also desensitize your pet to the fear response when they go to the vet.
The common strokes used for pet massage are the same as those used for humans, for example:
Compression – Direct pressure from the thumb, fingers or palm used to compress soft tissues against underlying bone. This technique releases muscle spasms, triggers points or adhesions.
Effleurage – long strokes applied superficially along the muscle, used for relaxation and improved circulation.
Joint Movement – Passively moving the joints through their available range of motion to improve and maintain flexibility and reducing pain.
Skin Rolling – Lifting the coat and skin away from the muscles and fat with the thumb and fingers, used to treat chronic pain and restore movement of the connective tissue.
Vibration – A rhythmic back and forth movement of the hands used to for relaxation and joint mobilization.
I have found several guides that can help you learn some of these techniques.
Camp Bow Wow in Carmel IN.
Originally posted 2009-02-01 21:10:37. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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