[CarmenSanches]

Some of you guys know that I'm in college for massage therapy. Well I'm pretty far into and have been learning a little bit about how to massage dogs and horses so I've been putting that knowledge to use. I said in another thread that when I hug my dog I also massage his temporalis and masseter muxscles in his head and he loves it. He'll come up and put his head on me to get it massaged and I think its really good for him to get not only the atteention but the physical benefits as well. I Believe that it is more important in bulldog breeds because their temporalis and masseters are constantly in use from all of their chewing. Just wondering if any of you all know anything about massage for dogs and the benefits of it.

[Opening-auto]

I guess I don't really know anything about it, but I do it anyway lol. I don't know that I've ever really focused on any part of my dogs' head for massaging...it's mostly butt and back legs.

When I massage my husband I can tell if he's tight or has a knot...I've never been able to tell on my dogs so I just rub. Is there some sort of diagram you have to explain to me what rubbing certain areas will do for my dogs-what's most beneficial...which I should try to be careful with?

[everlastinge]

Some type of diagram would be pretty cool.

Sophie get's leg massages after treadmill and bike runs. Other than that they are suually getting butt massages seeing as once you start petting they throw their butts in your hands LOL

[Xiciljed]

Awesome stuff!!

I thinks its a wonderful loving way to strengthen the bonds between us.
I would love to learn more from a pro as well!!

[chuecafressds]

I took a CE class on pet massage many years ago. Wonderful stuff! I'd be interested in seeing a diagram and hearing about the latest theories as well!

[zithromaxlinks]

That is very interesting and I definitely would like to see a diagram too.

[jeraveike]

here is a diagram of k-9 muscles, bear in mind that they can be bigger on different dogs. You'd want to do a lot of firm gliding movements in the dirtection the muscle fibers are going and some circular friction. Even some petrissage (its like gripping and lifting) on larger muscles.

[lymnCymment]

[QUOTE=Lesa_b;1239986]here is a diagram of k-9 muscles, bear in mind that they can be bigger on different dogs. You'd want to do a lot of firm gliding movements in the dirtection the muscle fibers are going and some circular friction. Even some petrissage (its like gripping and lifting) on larger muscles.


From what I remember, we were taught to do the circular movement either clockwise or counter clockwise depending on whether or not we wanted to either stimulate the muscle or relax it. Does that still apply?

[AngegepeM]

cool! I give Sam back rubs and booty rubs lol

[Qncvqpgfg]

One thing I've noticed is how much an older dog LOVES to be massaged. I've observed that they often can't reach their head and other forward areas with their hind foot for a scratch.

I make it a habit to regularly scratch ears (they love a deep ear rub), massage the back of the neck, scratch and massage the chest, shoulders and ribs. They will tell you what feels good -- watch their eyes, listen to the sighs and when they lean into your hands -- they are telling you they like what you are doing.

Carla

[thomaskkk]

@ beki yeah it still applies it helps with circulation

[Larisochka]

So which is which?

Counter clock-wise for stimulatation? relaxtion? etc.

[diegogo]

stimulation = clockwise, but hosestly its better to just follow the muscle fibers with slow strokes and add joint mobilizations and Range of motion in

[Phouepou]

muscles tear rip strain - just how we ache so do all animals - they are gonna luuurvve a hot oil massage!

[AncewwewBus]

Dogmen have been giving dogs massages after workouts for decades. I do mine all the time.

[smifatv]

Its really good for the dogs before and after sporting events as well

[KRbGA0Bg]

You might find t-touch interesting, too.

Tellington TTouch Training

[freediscountplanrrxip]

i do both massage and stretching with big workouts.

[JohnTruels]

i give scruffy massages

[yahyynzer]

Its called a rub down, everyone should do it after working their dog.