The Costco Connection - October 2016

FOR YOUR PET

BY EVA SHAW

IMAGINE IF YOUR furry friend knew about massage. Can you see those gorgeous, chocolate brown eyes asking for a good rub?

For dogs with joint issues, anxiety problems or flexibility- or age-related concerns, massage might just be a doggie fountain of youth. According to canine massage therapists, the simple stroking and rubbing movements can leave your pooch feeling happier, more relaxed and more adored.

It’s easy to learn

Lisa Ruthig, Costco member and director of
the animal program at Bancroft School of Massage
Therapy and chair of the National Board of
Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage
( nbcaam.org), says, “Massage helps us bond with
our pet on several levels, the simplest being through
shared touch. Massage consists of slow, deliberate
massage strokes that engage the brain system called
the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the
opposite of [the] fight-or-flight reaction. Massage is
excellent for nervous or anxious dogs.”
Ruthig adds, “I encourage owners with dogs
having fear issues to put out a mat every night and
do some massage with their dog. Your dog will
link the mat with a feel-good time to relax.” Taking
your dog on a road trip? Ruthig recommends
bringing that mat along to reduce potentially
scary situations.

Denise Theobald, a licensed massage therapist and the founder and lead instructor of Canine Massage Chicago says, “In the beginning, find out what your pet likes. Various parts of the body respond to different amounts of pressure and speed.” She says you should always watch to see what your pet is telling you.

It’s our time together

“With you and your pet in a comfortable
place, begin to give long, gentle strokes all over
your dog’s body,” explains Lola Michelin, Costco
member and owner of Northwest School of Animal
Massage, in Vashon, Washington. “Make this a
happy time. If you notice an area where your pal
pulls away, it could simply be a tickle spot. Give that
area your attention and perhaps bring up that con-
cern with your veterinarian. Massage is never an
alternative to veterinary care.”
Another benefit: Should you discover a lump or
sore area early on, you can get help for your dog way
before the situation might worsen.

You’ll likely notice there’s a special place your dog especially likes to be massaged. For Zoey, our rambunctious 6-year-old Welsh terrier, having her ears massaged is as good as it gets. So I always end the massage session with that.

Finish the massage by lavishing praise on your best friend, telling your dog how incredible, smart and clever he or she is. Hey, doesn’t your dog already believe that about you? C

Costco member Eva Shaw ( evashaw.com) is a ghost-writer and author.

AS WITH human massage, there are several techniques and many ways to give a canine massage. Michelle Bame, owner of Caring Canine Massage and Acupressure in Minneapolis, offers a simplified routine that is a good start for dog owners who want to massage their animal companion.

With your dog lying on a cushioned mat and his head facing away from you, open your hands, thumbs touching, and place one hand on each side of the neck. Curve your fingers and use gentle, circular motions as you count to 10. Be gentle, just as you’d prefer for your neck.

Move back to where the skull joins the spine. With your fingers, massage in small circles as you count to 10. With one hand on each side of the dog’s body, begin at the shoulders and move down her spine to the tail using the same circular movements. At the tail, massage where the tail joins the body. Some dogs love this; others don’t. Let your canine companion make that decision.

Now give attention to
the legs. Depending on your
dog’s size, use one or both
hands to gently knead the
legs from shoulder to foot.
Foot pads can be massaged.
With your dog lying on
one side, run your hands from
head to tail in long, loving
strokes. Roll your pal over and
repeat on the other side.—ES
DOG MASSAGE
IN 4 EASY STEPS