There are few things more satisfying to your dog than receiving a good rub from his favorite person a.k.a. you—or your friends, or your neighbors, or anyone who happens to be passing by. Your dog experiences bliss at the slightest pet, from an under-the-collar scratch to a luxurious belly rub. 

So can you imagine how relaxed and happy your furry friend would be with a canine massage? 

Yes, massages aren’t just for people—your dog can enjoy massages, too. Especially after a long flight or big move, dog massages are a wonderful way to care for and show love to your pet. Dog massages may also help improve the quality of your pup’s life—and it’s much easier than you think. This article will cover the benefits of dog massage as well as how to give your dog a massage he’ll love.  

If you do happen to be in the process of moving with animals, we’ve written all about how much it costs to fly a dog and how to move cats across the country. 

Benefits of Massaging Your Dog

If your dog becomes delirious with happiness at the smallest little ruffle of his ears, you might be wondering why dog massage is so important for your pet’s health. 

Here are just a few benefits your dog may reap if you become a pro at dog massage:

• Helps reduce anxiety – Dog massage can help reduce stress in dogs.¹ If your dog suffers from anxiety or has a nervous disposition, a little massage can go a long way.
• Improves circulation – Your dog’s circulatory system helps move nutrients, oxygen, and antibodies throughout the systems of his body. This keeps your pup’s brain, organs, skin, and even coat healthy and thriving. Massage helps your dog’s circulatory system move around those vital elements to maintain his health. It can also help carry metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs to keep them flourishing.
• Helps reduce anxiety – Dog massage can help reduce stress in dogs.¹ If your dog suffers from anxiety or has a nervous disposition, a little massage can go a long way.
• Improves circulation – Your dog’s circulatory system helps move nutrients, oxygen, and antibodies throughout the systems of his body. This keeps your pup’s brain, organs, skin, and even coat healthy and thriving. Massage helps your dog’s circulatory system move around those vital elements to maintain his health. It can also help carry metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs to keep them flourishing. Translation? Massage helps your pup’s body stay healthy from the outside in, and may even help reduce the risk of certain health conditions like high blood pressure and edema.²

• Promotes bonding – Dog massages can benefit your dog’s health as well as your relationship with your pup. Spending time helping your dog feel his best will deepen your bond with your pet, helping him feel safe, secure, and protected.³

• Keeps you in the loop of your dog’s health – Regular dog massages means lots of tail wags for your dog in the short term, but it may also help you identify potential health concerns in the long run. The more you rub your pet, the more you’ll get to know his body. That means you’ll notice even the smallest changes in your pet. You’ll easily spot anything from irksome ticks to tender areas that require a visit to the vet.
• Reduces your stress and anxiety – Yes, even you benefit from dog massages. Just ask Dr. Barrack, a certified canine massage therapist: “Studies have shown that petting a dog or cat can lower heart rate and blood pressure. Touching your pet will also cause your body to release oxytocin, a hormone that causes sensations of bonding and love.”⁴
  
  So really, it’s a win-win—your pup gets a massage that will keep him healthy and happy, and you get a wonderful dose of warm-fuzzies.

Dog Massage 101: Learning Massage Techniques 

By now you’re probably scheduling your furry friend for a nice long massage after his evening walk, but you might still be wondering how to give a dog a massage properly. We’ll start with the basic techniques and take you through a step-by-step guide to a relaxing massage for your dog. 

The basic massage styles for dog massage include:

• Effleurage – Effleurage is a fancy word for long, gentle, slow strokes made with the palm of the hand. This is a fantastic massage technique to improve your pup’s blood flow and help him relax. When you use the effleurage technique, be sure to start with light pressure and build up based on your dog’s comfort levels.
• Fingertip – Fingertip massage is a technique that utilizes small, circular movements of just the fingertips. Applying these circular movements can help ease stiff muscles after a long walk or trip to the dog park.
• Petrissage – A combination of effleurage and fingertip massage, petrissage (emphasis on pet) is a massage approach that focuses on a kneading-like technique and deep pressure. This approach is a bit more intense and is only recommended after speaking to a vet (and signs of enjoyment from your pet such as deep breaths, wags, and closed-eyes).

Important note: When applying any massage technique, do not apply pressure directly to your pup’s bones (and especially not the spine). Instead, focus on targeting important muscle groups and work around the bones as much as you can. When massaging an area like your pup’s legs, be gentle and stay focused on the flesh.

How to Give a Dog a Massage

With the above techniques in mind, here’s a fantastic whole body massage you can give to your dog once a week to keep him wagging for years to come.⁵

Here’s how to massage a dog from head to tail: 

Step 1: Help Your Dog Relax

In order for your dog to really enjoy his massage, it can help to coax your dog into a relaxed state before any rubbing begins. That means:

• Going out for a bathroom break before the massage
• Starting the massage at least half an hour after his last meal
• Choosing a quiet, non-distracting area of your home to do the massage
• Tuning into your dog’s behaviors and waiting until he’s feeling at ease
• Timing the massage when your pup is sleepy or before his usual snooze time

Step 2: Start with Your Dog’s Favorite Pet Spots

An easy way to help your dog melt into a happy puddle of post-massage pup is with a tried-and-true canine relaxation strategy—petting. Have your dog lie down on his side somewhere soft and pet him in his favorite spots to help him unwind. Move on from his favorite spots and pet your pup all over in gentle motions. 

Once your pet’s eyes are almost closed and he’s making his happy sighs, start adjusting your petting technique to a massage technique, specifically effleurage.

Flatten your palms and press against the skin lightly. Move your hands (always with the coat’s grain and away from the heart) in long, sweeping motions. Speak quietly and soothingly to your pup so he knows this massage is another fun activity with his favorite friend. 

Be sure to pay attention to your pup’s reactions. If he seems to be melting with every movement, keep going. If he starts to behave restlessly or whine with discomfort, ease pressure or hold off entirely. 

Step 3: Massage the Head and Shoulders

Now that your pup is ready for pampering, try using the fingertip massage technique at the top of your furry friend’s head and work down to his shoulders (especially under the collar). Be sure to avoid the spine and neck bones. 

Step 4: Work Down the Body

Using the effleurage technique, use long, slow, motions and stroke down away from the neck throughout your pet’s torso. Avoid pressing down on bones or joints. 

Step 5: Legs and Chest

By now, your pet should be acclimated to this amazing therapeutic experience. Work your way down to his legs using the fingertip technique. Once each leg has been thoroughly rubbed, give your pup a nice effleurage rub on his chest. 

Step 6: Don’t Forget the Tail

Gently, rub your fingertips at the base of your pup’s tail to finish off the massage and ensure he’s ready to wag at maximum cuteness. 

Step 7: Hydrate 

After the massage, make sure your pup’s water bowl is refilled. Why? Massage can work waste products out of muscles and into the circulatory system. Helping your pet stay hydrated helps to flush out these waste products and reduce the chance of post-massage soreness.

Area-Focused Massage Techniques for Dogs

We all have sore spots on our bodies that need a little extra love and care—whether we walk on two legs or four. Here are some focused massage techniques to help your pet feel his best:⁴

#1 Back Massage

Everyone loves a good back massage, especially your dog. Here’s how to give your dog a relaxing back massage:

1. Place your hands at the back of your dog’s head.
2. Gently pull your hands down along either side of the spine (being careful not to press on the spine).
3. Move your hands back up toward the back of the head. 
4. Repeat. 

#2 Forehead Massage

If your furry friend’s forehead is forever furrowed, he may appreciate a little forehead massage:

1. Place your thumb on the tip of your dog’s nose. 
2. Run your thumb from the tip of the nose up and over the head.
3. Repeat. 

#3 Ear Massage

Listening for the crinkle of an opened treat bag or the word “walk” is hard work for your pup’s ears! This easy ear massage technique will be a treat for you pet, whether his ears are floppy and fluffy or fuzzy and pointy: 

1. Hold your dog’s ear between your thumb and index finger, starting at the base.
2. Slowly pull your fingers toward the end of the ear.
3. Repeat.

#4 Neck Massage

The neck can carry plenty of canine tension, but this simple method will help melt away taut muscles:

1. Place your thumbs at the base of your dog’s neck. 
2. Move your thumbs in semi-circles. 
3. Continue along the base of the neck. 

Other Ways To Relax Your Pup

Showing off your new doggy-approved masseuse skills isn’t the only way to relax your precious pup. Along with massages, consider adding these other relaxing activities into your daily routine. 

• Cuddle – While a soothing massage can help promote bonding, so too can a little cuddle sesh with your fur baby. Cuddling can help ease you into your morning when you’re not ready to get out of bed, or act as a reward at the end of a long, dog-less day. 

• Listen to music – If you’ve ever felt moved by the sounds of peaceful melodies and delicate harmonies, you’re not alone. Music therapy can be beneficial to both humans and dogs. But not all music will relax your canine companion. Studies have shown that dogs prefer to relax to the sounds of classical music.¹ (Who knew your dog was so fancy?)

• Try Canna-Pet for dogs – Our line of natural and organic CBD pet treats can provide a range of therapeutic benefits to help your dog feel at ease, whether you’re helping him relax before a massage or manage stressful feelings before a trip to the vet.  

Treat Your Pup to Canna-Pet

By introducing proper dog massage techniques into your daily routine, you can continue to treat your dog like the canine king (or queen) they are, and help them relax after a long day of chasing their tails, playing fetch, or slobbering you with sweet puppy kisses (hey, that’s hard work, too). 

To further encourage relaxation, try Canna-Pet’s CBD pet treats. From Maple Bacon to Turkey Dinner, our natural and nutritional Canna-Biscuits are a safe and effective way to promote calmness and tail-waggin’ satisfaction. Try Canna-Pet today. 

Sources:

1. CCSPCA. 7 Proven Ways to Calm Your Anxious Dog. https://www.ccspca.com/blog-spca/education/anxious-dog/
2.  Top Dog Health. ​​THE BENEFITS OF CANINE MASSAGE: HOW AND WHY TO MASSAGE YOUR DOG. https://topdoghealth.com/the-benefits-of-canine-massage-how-and-why-to-massage-your-dog/
3. Cesar’s Way. Why You Should Give Your Dog a Massage. https://www.cesarsway.com/why-you-should-give-your-dog-a-massage/
4. Pet MD. 4 Simple Dog Massage Therapy Techniques. https://www.petmd.com/dog/pet-lover/4-simple-dog-massage-therapy-techniques
5. American Kennel Club. How to Massage Your Dog. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/massage-can-help-your-dog/