Many people look forward to a massage because we know we will enjoy it while it’s happening, and we’ll experience its glow for some time afterwards.  In addition to the feel-good effect however, people who regularly have massages are likely to attest to their positive healing benefits, both physical and emotional.

However, there seems to be reluctance, even scepticism, to acknowledge that massage could have the same sorts of benefits for animals, including dogs. People who aren’t dog lovers are more likely to see dog massage as a luxury indulgence for spoiled pooches.  Even some dog lovers express surprise and cynicism at the suggestion that a massage may help their dog’s health.

One of the benefits of massage is that it increases circulation.  It helps restore muscle tissue health, improving the ability of blood to perform its tasks.  The flow-on benefits of this are increases in nutrient uptake and lymphatic flow, improvements in the detoxification process, and maintenance of blood vessel integrity.

Massage improves the flexibility and smoothness of muscles and tendons, increasing the elasticity of connective tissue and improving range of motion.  Working the muscle fibres during massage also removes and prevents muscle knots (spasms), sticky adhesions and the build-up of fibrosis (e.g. scar tissue).

At a broad level the basic roles and compositions of muscles, bones and tendons are similar between people and dogs.  Therefore, the benefits of massage apply equally to people and to dogs.

As with people, the pain brought on by musculoskeletal problems can affect all aspects of a dog’s life, including their willingness to play, to take walks, to eat, and to socialise.  In short, it can negatively impact their overall quality of life.

A professional massage applied to a dog will have definite physical benefits for the animal.  Dog massage has the same range of potential benefits for dogs as those experienced by people who receive massage.

Massage for humans or dogs is not a luxury, it is a very beneficial exercise with great powers to heal damaged tissue, repair damaged muscles, increase overall health, and provide relaxation.