Massage helping your dog in winter

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Dot
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Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:12 pm
Location: Strathalbyn SA

Massage helping your dog in winter

Post by Dot »

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Winter is here which means we get to enjoy hearty meals and log fires. For our dogs however, particularly older dogs, the cold weather can also mean stiff joints and even injuries. Giving your dog a massage may seem a little far-fetched to some but it is a great tool to help limber them up for a walk and relieve aches and pains in the winter months.



3 tips on massages

• Prepare your pet for exercise by briskly rubbing the large muscles of the neck, shoulders, buttocks and thighs with the help of your hand. Lift and squeeze the muscles as if you're gently kneading bread dough. Finish by stroking your dog firmly all over his body to stimulate the nerves.

• Massage can help soothe joint stiffness and soreness. Start by firmly stroking the area around the effected joint to warm it before gently compressing the area. The pumping motion will move fluids through the muscles and alleviate tendon tension.

• You can also use massage to calm your dog during a thunderstorm or other times of anxiety, using sweeping strokes with the flat of your palm from the top of their head or neck, down their spine to the tip of their tail. Use your pet's reactions to determine the pressure of your strokes (but never press straight down on their lower back). Finish by resting one hand on the back of your pet's head and one at the high point over their hips – the area of the spinal cord that controls your pet's rest and relaxation responses.

While never a substitute for veterinary care, massage can make a significant contribution to your pet's wellbeing and quality of life. If your dog does suffer from joint aches and pains, particularly over winter.
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jon_d
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Re: Massage helping your dog in winter

Post by jon_d »

And if it doesn't work for your dog, you can always try it on your fella.
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Dot
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Re: Massage helping your dog in winter

Post by Dot »

On the old or the young "fella"?
Queen of the Banal & OT chatter and proud of it. If it offends you then tough titty titty bang bang.
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