Today our dogs are more to us then just pets, they are a big part of our family and there is nothing worse than when they are feeling ill. The best way to prevent illness is by making the best-educated choices possible to keep them as healthy as possible. You need to be an informed owner before you can decide which path is right for you. Just like people, every dog is unique in their requirements to maintain their optimum health and you must feel comfortable with what you are doing. Alternative and Complementary Medicine has become a very important and successful part of preventing illness and treating the illnesses of our companion friends.

Pet Massage
Massage is recognized the world over as one of the primary forms of hands on healing. Most cultures have developed specific techniques for the purposes of therapy and pleasure. Massaging your dog is fun but it also enhances your relationship with your pet, is a form of communication and affection and wakes up the brain with fresh oxygen. One of the most important benefits is that you can assess the overall health of your animal. You develop a sense of what feels good or bad. Massage is not the same as petting. Massage is a deliberate and focused technique of touching your dog.

Benefits of Pet Massage

• Helps to assess and maintain wellness
• Increases circulation that helps alleviate pain, reduce edema, removes the build of lactic acid - end waste of muscle work
• Strengthens the body by stimulating muscles
• Restores range of motion and flexibility
• Affect behavioral issues by relieving physical and emotional pain
• Energizes the mind, the dog follows on the inside where the touch is on the outside
• Helps in time of trauma. Dogs are accustomed to being touched, associating touch with comfort and nurturing. They are more likely to allow the owner close during traumatic episodes
• Increases our awareness and sensitivity
• Gives back to the dog something they can not do for themselves – measured, controlled touch, external intention

Effects of Massage on Life Systems

• Gastro-intestinal - stroking, compression, vibration assist in digestion, motility of gut
• Cardiovascular - Superficial stroking and tapping brings blood t o surface, increases movement of blood and oxygen to muscles and brain
• Lymph – supports the movement of lymph thru the lymphatic system
• Respiratory - compression, deep kneading and joint movement enhances airflow
• Neurological – enhances the flow of Cerebral Spinal Fluid
• CH’I - helps you assess and regulate for balance or imbalance of this flow of life force

Jeanette DiBalsi

“The sense of touch brings a oneness, comfort and tranquility. Psychologist have proven that touch is a need, just as important as food or water".
Jonathan Rudinger, Effective Pet Massage for Dogs

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