8 Areas of Your Dog That Are Crucial to Massage (Your Dog Will Thank

You)
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1. Head

A dog’s head contains muscles, organs, and numerous blood vessels which will all benefit from the increased blood
flow provided by a good massage. The muscles located in the dog’s head suffer from tension and spasms just
like all the other muscles in the body, so a head massage will also help to relieve stress and muscle stiffness.
Follow these simple steps to give a good head massage to your dog. It should only take you 10-15 minutes. Be gentle
and don’t apply too much pressure to the sensitive areas of the head, otherwise your dog can become nervous.
2. Ears

Gently pull ear flaps and massage them to improve the blood circulation. Rotate ear flaps to open the ear canal and
increase the air circulation. Finish the massage by gliding your fingers down the ear flaps. Be careful and avoid
applying too much pressure on the dog’s ears.

3. Neck

If you notice that instead of turning its head to look at things your dog turns the entire body, it may mean that your pet
has a stiff and sore neck. Dogs can strain or injure their necks easily, so it’s better to visit a vet to exclude any
serious injuries. If it’s not injured, try this massage technique to relax the dog’s neck and relieve any pain or stiffness.
If its neck causes your dog some discomfort, you will probably need to use petting and treats during the massage
to keep your dog calm.

4. Back

There are different techniques of a spinal dog massage that serve different needs. Flat hand massage, for example,
will help to relax your dog and stretch the skin and muscles, while back-and-forth rolling motions will improve the
blood circulation and unlock contracted muscles. Follow these steps to choose the best back massage technique
for your dog. Take into account that if your dog’s back aches badly and you press it hard, the pet might leave or even
bite you, so be gentle.

5. Stomach

Improper diet, overeating, parasites, and other factors may lead to dogs having problems with digestion. Massage
your dog’s belly with gentle circular, clockwise movements to stimulate the colon and eliminate stomach issues.

6. Legs

Whether young or old, your dog can suffer from muscle strain, arthritis, and joint problems. A leg massage will
help to soothe the pain and relieve fatigue. This video gives detailed instructions on how to perform a leg massage
that loosens up your pet’s muscles.
7. Paws

Giving your dog a paw massage is similar to giving a human a foot or hand massage. It will relax your dog, improve
the blood circulation, and give you some time to check your pet’s paws for any abnormalities. Follow these
detailed instructions to give your dog an enjoyable paw massage.

8. Chest

The area where the head and neck connect is where the parasympathetic nervous system is located, so massaging
this area may have a calming effect. This area is also connected to the circulatory system which makes chest
massage beneficial for heart health and blood pressure. This video will give you a hint on how to perform the
proper massage movements.

A good massage can reduce your dog’s anxiety, improve its digestion, strengthen its immune system, relieve
muscle tension, and increase joint flexibility. Try spending 10 minutes a day massaging your dog and see how
your pet reacts. After a few days of regular massage, you will notice how different massage techniques work for your
dog and you’ll be able to choose the right strategy.