I happen to be pet sitting my friend’s puppy and I learned some dog massage techniques on YouTube so I’m going to attempt to do that on my puppy model.
My puppy model today is Lily. She is a 7 month-old Cavapoo. Her favorite snack is no-hide chicken flavor.
First, I’m going to start with the nice caressing from head to hip along the spine. I’m going to combine the lymph drainage and regular massage.
Dogs have five major lymph nodes in the neck, chest, armpits, groin and behind the knees.
For the lymph drainage there are lymph nodes under the left shoulder just like humans so I will drain it first. Then caress from the jaw to the shoulders again just like humans although I don’t think she cares about anti-aging just yet.
Circle down the front legs at the same time. You can do one at a time too depending on the puppy’s position. I’m caressing under the left hip joint for the lymph drainage. There are also lymph nodes behind the knee. It’s almost the back of the thigh so I’m lightly pumping the area.
She doesn’t want me to do the right side. And that’s ok. Always honor their boundaries when you massage which is so true for the humans too. Massage only when they want to receive a massage.
Here’s nice chest rub. And belly rub.
Lightly squeeze the front leg all the way to the paws.
Here are some benefits of pet massage
- Improved circulation and flexibility
- Alleviate muscle and joint pain
- Faster healing from injuries
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Boosted immune system
- Promotes overall well being
- Stronger bond with you
Here I’m caressing the groin area in V shape.
Lightly massage the tail. I wouldn’t push it if she looked like too annoyed but I think this was a good introduction.
Lightly squeeze the hind leg one at a time because she didn’t let me do both at the same time. There is always a first time and sometimes they just have to feel it. I think this was ok because then I was able to do both at the same time which I couldn’t do before.
Massaging the shoulders. Circling the jaws. Massaging the ears. I think she is very relaxed. Since she didn’t let me do the right hip joint and behind the knee I’m doing it right now.
Research shows that massaging a pet can lower your blood pressure and make you feel calmer. So by doing this I am getting benefits too.
I’m finishing with the long caress from the head to hip.
I think she is ready for a nap and so am I.
Massage Monday #563 Puppy Massage with Lily http://bit.ly/mm-563