Petting & Massage for your pet(s) is more beneficial than we give credit. We, humans, like a good massage every now and then. So will your pet(s). You don’t need to be a massage therapist however, you want to be attentive to your pet’s needs. And like us, animals do build up lactic acid which causes muscle fatigue and soreness. Before I go on, I did complete a full-time Massage Therapy Education. And we did learn how to massage dogs and cats.
Our Pet’s Needs
Being human, we have the capability of telling someone where we hurt and how much it hurts on a scale from 1 to 10. Our pets, while they can’t speak words, tell us in other ways that something is wrong, be it visual or emotional. It’s up to us to be aware of these to be able to care for our pets the best we can.
For example, maybe your pet (dog or cat) jumped from too high up and landed wrong. They may have sprung their leg. With that, they may whimper or limp and in a few minutes they appear to be okay. But are they?
Begin Petting & Massage Will Follow
If you’re like me, I love when my Vizmaraner lays beside me. I pet him all the time. Champ doesn’t need to be hurt to have my attention. Animals love to be petted because they can sense our love for them. Not to mention it comforts them and feels good. To get started, first, begin petting your dog or cat just as you normally do and the massage will follow.
Now, while you’re petting and you get around the joints, use the tips of your fingers (not your nails). This is when you’ll use a little more pressure, no more than the weight of a nickel. Gently move your finger(s) along the muscle. This is when I take notice of Champ’s reactions.
For example, if there’s some discomfort he will normally move my hand and start to nip the area like it itches. That’s when I know to pay a little bit more attention to that area. And then, when he starts licking my hand, I know it feels better. Of course, when he’s really enjoying the massage, his eyes start to close and I know he’s in heaven.
Petting & Massage For Gut Health And More
Massage is great for our digestive system, which means it works for our pets too. Why do you think they love to have their bellies rubbed? Maybe not cats as much. But keep in mind, petting & massage are great for our pet’s gut health just the same.
There is a specific way to massage the belly, this goes for us as well. For humans, we start at the top of the belly button and massage in a clockwise motion going outward to just under our rib cage. For pets, they don’t have a belly button. So you want to find the intestines region and again, with the pressure being no heavier than the weight of a nickel, rub in a circular motion.
Another great benefit of petting & massage for your pet is the relief of arthritic pain. When we brought Champ home, I started giving him messages. For me, this is preventive maintenance. I also include gentle leg pulling, he loves it!
I must warn you, after massaging your pet for the first time, don’t be surprised if they throw up. That’s because you’re breaking up the lactic acid I mentioned above. It happened to me when I was petting & massaged my friend’s dog. The important thing is to get them to drink some water. Also, you don’t want to massage directly on the crown of their heads.
Another Benefit of DIY Petting & Massage
Don’t forget Doing It Yourself Petting & Massage is not just FREE, it’s priceless. When you prolong the health, well-being, and life of your pet with your own hands, there may be nothing more rewarding.
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