Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions
How does massage differ from simply petting your dog?
Canine massage is deliberate and focused. Each stroke is specific in pressure, direction and intention.
Intention + Technique = Healing.
How does massage benefit the body?
Massage benefits your animals in much the same way as humans:
- Blood circulation. Each cell and every fiber in the body must be constantly bathed in fresh, oxygen-rich blood. Blood flows around inactive muscles and through active muscles. As it circulates, blood brings hormones, nutrients and proteins necessary for normal cell growth, and removes waste products by transporting them to the organs that filters them out.
Massage opens blood vessels and improves circulation. “Oxygenation” of the muscles speeds up metabolism, leading to enhanced performance and shorter recuperation time.
- Lymph Movement. While lymph fluid contains white blood cells, the workforce of the immune system, the Lymph system does not have a pump to push along the fluid in the same matter blood has the heart, but relies on muscle movement. When injury or decreased activity results in reduced muscle movement, lymph circulation decreases, and white blood cells do not reach their intended target as quickly or easily.
Massage moves lymph fluid through the lymphatic system and enhances the flow of energy throughout the energy meridians of the body.
- Muscle Health. A difficult-to-break cycle occurs as a result of a muscle injury or other restriction of muscle function caused by injury or illness. Pain, stiffness and further decreased elasticity from the injury or resulting lack of activity causes further decreased in range of motion.
Massage relaxes tight muscles and joints and is an excellent remedy for joint afflictions that cause decreased range of motion. Massage has been shown to lower levels of muscle soreness by stimulating neutrophils (white blood cells that fight inflammation). Massage helps relieve pain caused by inflammation from constricted muscle fibers and helps reduce the formation of scar tissue thus reducing tightness, and restrictions in these areas.
- Structural Imbalances. Structural Imbalances can be genetic or caused by injury. A trained therapist, watching an animal move, may detect subtle structural imbalances that are causing joint or muscle tightness and formulate a plan to improve or sometimes correct those imbalances.
- Emotional Health. Massage helps animals deal with depression, fear, separation anxiety, trauma, grieving, shyness and aggression. The healing touch of massage calms and comforts, while promoting love, self worth, bonding and emotional well-being.
Does Massage benefit only older dogs?
Massage benefits all dogs, from puppies to mature geriatrics. Older dogs find relief from aging-related joint pain and the bones of growing puppies receive nutrients, especially calcium and phosphorus, through blood circulation. As bones grow from the ends near the joints, and because fast-growing breeds are more prone to sprains and strains, regular massage around the joints accelerates the rate of healing.
Puppies and older dogs receive internal stimulation from their external environment. Massage can calm them, and bringing awareness inward. Massage provides an opportunity for a puppy to become used to a human touching his or her feet and ears and an older dog to overcome anxieties caused by past experiences, helping them enjoy their owners and visits to the vet.
Massage lessens respiratory problems common in Shih Tzus, Boxers and Bulldogs, Pugs and Pekingese and other breeds, enhancing a dog’s ability to breathe.
Are there any negative side effects from massage?
Massage and acupressure are complementary modalities that have no adverse medical side effects.
You may notice a short period of detoxification when toxins are released and your dog needs to eliminate more frequently. Call your veterinarian with any questions or concerns related to changes in your pet’s elimination habits.
When should a dog not receive a massage?
Consult your therapist or veterinarian with questions about your specific pet, but follow these general guidelines when considering whether your dog should receive a massage.
A therapist should administer a massage one hour before and one hour after a dog has eaten.
Dogs with the following should avoid massage:
- Cancer, whether in treatment or not.
- Currently experiencing an elevated temperature for any reason.
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Sue Murphy
214.695.0498
sooziemurph@dallasdogmassage.com
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