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Somerset Veterinary Hospital

1322 Berlin Plank Rd.

Somerset, PA 15501 US

814-443-1323

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  • The Benefits of Pet Massage

The Benefits of Pet Massage

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Dog enjoying a luxurious spa day

Massage Offers Important Benefits for Pets

Have you given your pet a massage recently? The hands-on therapy isn't just for humans but also provides a few benefits for our furry friends.

Massage Relieves Aches and Pains

Dogs and cats can't complain about tight muscles, but that doesn't mean that their muscles aren't sore after a vigorous session of catch-the-frisbee or a frenetic midnight dash through your house. When muscles are tight, they press on nerves, ligaments, and tendons, making pain worse. Although any pet can benefit from massage, the hands-on treatment may be particularly helpful for older dogs and cats who suffer from arthritis and other conditions that cause painful joints and muscles.

Health Benefits of Massage

The same health benefits massage offers you may also apply to your pets. The therapy improves blood and lymph circulation, increases range of motion, improves digestion, and may play a role in lowering blood pressure. It may also reduce swelling and stiffness in muscles and joints, improve flexibility, and help your pet sleep better. When you massage your dog or cat regularly, you'll also notice lumps, bumps, rashes or infections immediately, which will help you ensure that your pet receives prompt treatment for the health issues.

Is Your Pet Anxious? Massage May Help

Life is difficult for pets who live with anxiety. Loud noises or even slight changes in the normal routine can send your trembling dog or cat scurrying for a safe hiding place. Although medication may be helpful, anxiety drugs can cause unpleasant side effects. Massage offers a completely natural way to reduce your pet's stress and anxiety.

During a massage, your pet's body releases endorphins, natural body chemicals that decrease pain and help your furry friend feel calm and relaxed. Regular treatments can help reduce overall stress and may be particularly helpful when a frightening event makes your pet feel a little anxious.

Regular Massage Improves Your Bond with Your Pet

One-on-one time with your pet may be a rare occurrence when you have a busy life. When you devote 10 or 15 minutes to massages every day or a few times a week, you may deepen the relationship you enjoy with your dog or cat.

Massage for Pets: The Basics

These tips can help makes a massage a pleasant experience for you and your pet.

  • Choose a quiet room in the house with no distractions. Keep initial sessions short to give your pet time to adjust to this new experience.
  • Be flexible. Although lying down might be the best way for you to experience a massage, your pet might disagree. You can massage muscles just as well (or even better) if your pet prefers to stand or sit.
  • Long, gentle strokes will help your pet relax before you begin the massage. Once your pet seems calm, increase the pressure of the strokes slightly. Although you might enjoy Swedish massages, your dog or cat may find firm pressure uncomfortable.
  • Add circular motions, particularly when massaging the head, neck, shoulder, chest, back, and hip muscles.
  • Don't press directly on bones, as this can be painful.
  • Pay attention to your pet's signals. If he or she yelps or squirms, it's time to move on to another part of the body, use less pressure, or stop the massage. Keep in mind that, just like people, your pet may have certain preferences. Some animals like leg and paw massages, while others find the sensation unpleasant.
  • End the massage session with gentle petting to enhance relaxation.

Many pets tend to like massages just as much as people do. In fact, don't be surprised if your furry friend soon begs for a special session with you!

Massages, in addition to regular veterinary care, will help you keep your pet healthy and content. If you're concerned about a possible health issue, give us a call. We'll schedule a convenient appointment time for your pet.

Sources:

Modern Dog Magazine: How to Massage Your Dog

https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/how-massage-your-dog/2028

PetMD: How to Give Your Pet a Massage

https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/how-give-your-pet-massage

Cesar’s Way: Why You Should Give Your Dog a Massage

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/muscular-skeletal-care/Why-you-should-give-your-dog-a-massage

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
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    • Providing Care
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7:30 pm

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The staff at Somerset Vet Hospital have been taking care of my "Sophie" for 11 years. They are such caring and wonderful people."
    Karen L.
  • "Thanks for providing great care for my little Tortie, Tallie when she was suffering from her skin allergies. You prompt care and tender kindness was wonderful. Being new to the area I feel very fortunate to have found your practice! Thanks!"
    Nancy
  • ""Doctor Robert Henry, We want to thank you for literally - SAVING OUR BEAUTIFUL DOBERMAN'S (Precious) LIFE. Your excellent diagnostic skills accurately diagnosed our Doberman's condition. Your protocol in treating him have made for a healthy, happy, loving and playful dog. We can never forget what you did for our dog. We cannot thank you enough"
    Kathy & Roger
  • "I came here 6 years ago when they were the only ones who would see my sick pup, and they were the best! They helped my girl get better and provided her years of loving service until we lost her to lymphoma last year. They still take care of my other babies and do an excellent job of doing so! We're patients for LIFE! Thank you guys for ALL you do :) With Love, Gina & The Crew Mountain Pride Pits."
    Gina
  • "I just wanted to take a minute to say how very grateful I am for the entire team at Somerset Veterinary Hospital. I recently had a cat and two kittens spayed/neutered, and they all came through the procedure wonderfully. Dr. Penny is THE BEST!! The vet-techs and front desk girls are always super nice and helpful. I feel good knowing that my 'family' is in good hands when being treated. Thank you all for all you do!!"
    Thomas B.

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