Anyone can safely practice massage therapy on their dog in the comfort of their own home.  Most dogs love a good massage.  It feels good, it’s relaxing, it’s one on one attention from you, and they seem to understand that it is good for them.

Here are some other benefits that a good massage can provide:

• Increase serotonin levels (happy hormones)
• Reduce anxiety, which improves behavior
• Increase blood and lymph circulation
• Strengthen weakened muscles
• Speed muscle recovery for canine athletes and working dogs
• Raise metabolism in less active or older dogs
• Build trust and bonding

Benefits for Seniors:

As dogs age and become less active, a full body massage can replace some of the benefits of their lost exercise.  You will be stimulating their muscles through massage.

Here are 10 tips to get you safely started with doggy massages at home:

1.       Plan on spending five to ten minutes for your first few massages.  Extend the length of the massage as you both become more comfortable with the process.  No massages before a walk or right after eating.

2.      Provide a calm, safe, and stress free atmosphere to give the massage in.

3.      Place your dog on a firm but comfortable surface and beginning to stroke your dog in your own petting style.

4.      After a few moments, use your fingertips to rub in small, soft strokes behind ears, on the top of head, around the eyes, and along the cheeks.

5.      Next use the flat of your hand and fingertips and make long strokes in the direction of the fur growth along their neck and back.

6.      Place your thumb on one side of the spine and your index finger on the other, move along the muscles from neck to tail in small, circular motions.

7.      Throughout the session praise your pooch in a calm, quiet, reassuring tone.

8.      Watch for signs from your friend like changes in breathing or restlessness.  These indicators will help you to adjust your level of pressure or to know when to end the session.

9.      Conclude with your own petting style and fresh water in their bowl.

10.  Never force a massage on your own dog and do not massage a dog that you are not familiar with.

Canine chiropractic uses physical manipulations to relieve pain and restore flexibility.  Chiropractic care is the analysis of the biomechanical structure of the spine and extremities.  The most common treatment for canine chiropractic is musculoskeletal issues.

Canine chiropractic care is also used successfully to treat lameness, back problems, arthritis, hip dysplasia, injuries and even some gastrointestinal problems.  Chiropractic adjustments for your four legged friend should be considered for anything that might benefit from restored flexibility and proper skeletal alignment.

Canine chiropractic treatment involves a thorough physical exam and an overview of your dog’s medical history.  Chiropractic adjustments are popular for working dogs and dogs who participate in high impact sports.  It is often combined with traditional or other alternative veterinary treatments to optimize your dog’s health.

Canine chiropractors are categorized as “alternative medicine” and often face the challenge of acceptance by the western veterinary community.  Do not let labels stop you from researching what may be best for your dogs quality of life.

You should be aware that chiropractic adjustments for your dog are usually an ongoing commitment.  If your dog’s health is suffering from issues stemming from a structural problem, it is worth looking into chiropractic treatments.

To learn more and find animal chiropractors in your area, check out the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

Acupuncture: Insertion of thin needles into specific spots to help pain and other problems.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Encompasses both acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Also known as TCM or TCVM. Adds Chinese methods of diagnosis and treatment to conventional medicine.

Chiropractic: Manipulation of joints to help with pain and the behavior associated with pain.

Herbal Medicine: Using herbs to treat medical conditions. A good herbalist knows about drug interactions and toxicity, and is aware of the sensitivity of certain breeds to some herbs. There are a number of types, such as Ayurvedic, American Indian, Chinese, Western (which includes a number of European as well as American herbs), and South American.

Homeopathy: The use of dilute amounts of substances that in larger amounts cause the symptoms being treated. For example, arsenic in large amounts can cause diarrhea but in minute amounts can help it. A good homeopath will take a complete history of your dog’s problems and base the treatment on that.

Homotoxicology: A branch of homeopathy that emphasizes detoxification as well as treatment of disease.

Nutraceuticals: Nutritional supplements used to help various problems.

Physical Therapy: Incorporates a therapy team to help rehabilitate injured dogs and those who have had surgery. Uses treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, swim therapy, underwater treadmill, and stretching to achieve these goals.

Dog owners are looking more and more to alternative forms of medicine to cure whatever ails their pets.  Alternative medicine is gaining in popularity across the board as costs for traditional health care rise and interest in healthier practices increase.  Dog owners are looking for less expense, less invasive, more natural forms of therapy to bring relief for pain and illness for their pets.  Some owners believe that alternative medicine is every bit as effective as traditional medicine and a lot safer for their dogs.  Others are not convinced but are at least open to considering alternative options.  Acupuncture, homeopathic medicine and even meditation are being used more and more frequently with dogs.

For dogs that are experiencing pain, acupuncture is being regarded as the newest alternative to pain medication.  Dog owners feel confident about offering this solution to their dogs because there are no chemicals involved and less risk of a side effect.  Evidence shows that some medicines and vaccines might be causing more harm to their pets than good.  Many dog owners are embracing this form of alternative medicine.  Dogs cannot tell you if a pain medicine makes them feel light headed or short of breath, so some dog owners feel that it is kinder to pursue acupuncture as an alternative.

Many other ailments are being treated in dogs through changes in their diet and the addition of herbal supplements.  Most dogs are fed processed dog food, and some owners believe that the lack of fresh food and variety may be at the center of their dog’s health concerns.  To alleviate these concerns they are searching for a suitable alternative.  Medicine is being regarded as a last resort, and instead, dog owners are preparing food for their dogs that is closer to what they might have found in nature.  In some cases this has proven to be effective.  However, there are still times when traditional medicine and Western practices are needed to resolve the animal’s health issue.

Alternative medicine for dogs has its supporters and detractors, just like alternative medicine for humans.  Some people have great faith in its effectiveness, while others feel it is just a bunch of nonsense.  There are no cut and dry answers about which is best, traditional or alternative medicine for dogs.  The best approach is to consider all of your options, both traditional and alternative, and work with your vet to find the best solution for your dog’s health.