Touch is as essential as food and water to an animal. In fact, Mothers lick their puppies or kittens right after birth to stimulate breathing, clean them, encourage them to suckle, and provide comfort.Massage therapy takes touch to another level. Through the use of a variety of techniques and focused intention, physical and psychological changes occur that enhance the animals’ well being.
Often overlooked and under appreciated, therapeutic massage therapy can effectively and naturally help alleviate many physiological problems.
As awareness grows and misconceptions fade regarding the value of massage therapy, more and more people are discovering for themselves and for their animals the amazing benefits of massage.
Canine athletes participating in agility, fly ball or basic obedience, or dogs involved in mentally and physically demanding work such as search and rescue, police K-9 units and guide dogs would benefit greatly from massage. Companion dogs, including older or injured canines, also respond tremendously to massage. Equine Massage is being used around the world to enhance performances of horses used for dressage, jumping, racing, cutting and ranch and police work.
Unlike human beings, animals cannot say, “I am sore, I don’t want to do this today,” and instead communicate non-verbally. If your animal does any, or all of the following, chances are good that muscle tension and stress are built up in the muscles:
1. tossing of head
2. stumbling
3. refusing or resisting leads (horses)
4. shortened strides
5. poor disposition
REMEMBER, massage is not a replacement for veterinary or doctor’s care. If you or your animal have any of the above mentioned problems or symptoms, it is a good idea to see a physician or veterinarian before any therapeutic massage to rule out any serious diagnosis. This is very important to understand. After getting the go ahead by your doctor or veterinarian, massage received can:
1. Increase oxygenation into muscles and tissues
2. Increase elasticity of muscles
3. Increase range of motion, flexibility and stride length
4. Increase performance level at shows and events and reduce recovery time.
5. Release contracted muscles, stress and tension
6. Bring about an all-around improvement in mind, body and spirit.
