If your dog loves long walks or running, or is a naturally excitable breed that tends to jump, chances are his muscles and joints could do with a light massage at the end of the day. So, too, if your dog is a senior who suffers from stiff joints.
According to certified animal masseur Valerie Khoo, there are many benefits to giving your dog a massage.
The co-founder of Pets Icon International Grooming Academy said that, when done regularly, a massage can help soothe your pet’s joint pain and relieve muscle soreness, which in turn will help him or her move and walk with more confidence.
“Usually for humans, we’ll know when our body is sore and go for a massage ourselves. But for pets, they can’t tell us that, so we need to be able to gauge whether they need it,” Khoo told FMT Lifestyle after an hour-long massage workshop at Jaya One’s The Square in Petaling Jaya recently.
Quality bonding time
According to her, pet massages are a great way for you and your canine companion to bond. Want to give it a try? Here’s how.
First, make sure you create a calming atmosphere. This will help your pet fully relax its body to enjoy the session.
Next, ensure a comfortable spot for the massage – a yoga mat, your pet’s bed, or even your lap. Some calming music in the background will help relax your little pooch even more.
Next, bring out the essential oil but make sure your pet has no skin allergies.
When introducing the oil, let your pet sniff it first. Once relaxed, start the massage, gently rubbing the ears, stop (between the eyes), forehead, muzzle, shoulder, spine, legs, inner thigh and tail.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all sequence, it depends on whether your pet is sensitive when it comes to certain areas, so just go with the flow.
“Don’t forget the tail – it can get sore too from all the excited wagging,” Khoo added, laughing.
She said it is normal for some dogs to get fidgety when you try to massage their paws, thinking you’re going to cut their nails – which dog owners can testify they dislike immensely.
To combat this reaction, massage them regularly so they know how good it feels. After a few sessions, they will happily welcome your touch.
Khoo suggests that once a session is in progress, do not break the “chi” energy established between you and your pet by stopping midway to attend to another task.
“If you have to reach for something, keep a thumb or forearm on your pet to maintain the flow. Breaking it off would be akin to you stopping your car engine suddenly when it’s running smoothly on the road.”
After a massage, it is a good idea to brush your pet’s fur as their undercoat sometimes gets tangled during the session.
Not just dogs
Despite how attuned she is with canines today, Khoo confided that she wasn’t that fond of dogs at first.
“It was my husband who gave me a Jack Russell Terrier years ago and let me fall in love with dogs before suggesting we start a pet-related business,” the 43-year-old shared.
Today, a good 20 years since that initial chat, the couple own a successful pet-grooming academy.
Khoo said it is not only dogs that benefit from massages: even cats, birds, and racehorses have muscle aches that can be helped with a good hands-on session.
A full-body massage usually takes around 45 minutes, so why not set aside some time today for your furkids and pamper them? They will love you all the more for it!
For more information on pet grooming, visit Pets Icon International Grooming Academy’s website.