Pet Massage for Your Furry Loved One
Let’s say you have a brutal day at the office. Rubbernecking traffic made you an hour late for work, and the boss made you stay late for a pointless meeting. By the time you make it home, you’re absolutely spent and your shoulders are sore. A massage would really hit the spot right about now, wouldn’t it?
Fido can’t voice his opinion, but he feels the same way. Massages are a great way to fight many of the health ailments that can affect your little fur ball. Just think of how relaxed and rejuvenated a good massage can make you feel. Your pets get the same benefits from a massage: increased circulation and flexibility along with decreased muscle pain and stress. And besides, pets love a good back scratch and tummy rub. So why not a massage? A quick Internet search can point you towards the nearest animal massage therapist in your area. You might try going to your network of fellow pet owners, too. Personal recommendations are a great way to find a massage therapist you can trust.
Animal massage therapy has grown in popularity since the 1970s. It was first used on race and show horses. After the benefits became more widely known, the practice spread to dogs, cats and other household pets. Pet massage therapists are trained in animal physiology and anatomy. They learn about animal behavior, handling, safety and first aid. They must study neurology, biology, and skeletal and muscular structure before earning their licenses. Some states have few restrictions on who can and can’t practice animal massage therapy while other states have laws restricting anyone but veterinarians from practicing.
Animal massage is a lot more than glorified petting; it’s more akin to sending your little love off to a day spa. The therapist will have your pet lie down and start with long strokes from the head down to the tail. Soft, circular kneading motions are used around the neck and shoulders. Animal massage therapists know the perfect amount of pressure to use. Too little pressure renders the massage ineffective while too much pressure, especially near the stomach, can actually damage your poor pet’s organs.
When used in conjunction with normal veterinary care, massage therapy can speed up recovery times from various ailments. It can alleviate joint problems and pain in older animals while reversing muscle atrophy in inactive animals. The calming effect of massage has led therapists to use it when treating hyperactive, nervous or anxious animals. Pet massages are relatively inexpensive, too. Hour-long massages are often under $50. With all the benefits inherent with massage therapy, it’s worth a shot for most pet owners.
Diana Rivas is a writer for a popular massage website. To find out more about the healing qualities of massage check out Massage Bed.
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