Canine Massage and Stretching

[Tami]

 Canine Massage and Stretching     

Many dog owners invest considerable time in being active with their dogs through obedience training, hunting activities, tracking and protection exercises at training grounds, out in the countryside or in the forest. These activities allow us to spend time with our dogs while also keeping them physically and mentally alert. Others, such as the police and security guards, use dogs at work. We expect these dogs to have a well-developed physique to be able to perform the work they are trained to do. A lot of time and money is spent on training a smart and efficient dog. There is considerable research and many opinions on the topics of what food and exercise is best for our dogs. We all have the animals’ best at heart. Good care and healthy food is thought to be essential.

No matter how well we take care of our dogs, disease and injuries do still occur. If the injury is related to the muscles, tendons, joints or ligaments a vet or physiotherapist can help. If there is a defect in the hip or elbow joints, as in cases caused by unhealthy breeding, the only treatment available is pain relief. As dog owners there is nothing we can do to repair problems related to unhealthy breeding nor can we prevent all accidents. However we can prevent muscle related problems and strain injuries by massaging and stretching our dogs regularly. This keeps the dog well-balanced physically and psychologically, allowing it retain the agility of the young dog to an advanced age.

A well-functioning dog has retained its natural elasticity and suppleness. A dog with restricted mobility has short and stiff muscles. When a dog has shortened musculature or tonicity, pressure is exerted on the joints leading, in turn, to decreased mobility. This ‘strangles’ the blood vessels and impairs blood circulation. Muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments then receive insufficient nutrition and less oxygen. Reduced blood flow also means that lactic acid accumulated in the muscles is not naturally transported away. The lactic acid builds up along with other waste products leading to irritation of the pain receptors in the muscles. The dog experiences pain. Pain, in turn, causes further tension and reduces blood flow even more. A vicious circle arises and can persist for some time if it is not discovered and treated.

Short and stiff muscles are something that we ourselves and our dogs can suffer from if we don’t take care of our physical condition. Another illness that might reduce our dogs mobility is arthritis. Arthritis is usually a result of the destruction of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage and is very common in older persons or dogs, especially affecting weight-bearing joints. Articular cartilage becomes soft, frayed and thinned. But also younger persons or dogs might get arthritis due to genetic reasons, injuries or the combination of overweight and too little exercise. A common symptom of arthritis is stiffness and lameness. Studies on dogs have shown that regular massage and stretching for an extended period of time may prevent and reduce the effects of arthritis and age related stiffness.

Massage and stretching are an effective way to prevent muscle related problems and strain injuries and improve the quality of your dog’s life. Massage and stretching are a complement to daily exercise, obedience training and diet and build contact between you and your dog in a natural way. Massage is an enjoyable way of strengthening the bond with your family dog and your canine friend will love it.