By LuAnn McLain
A massage can be a great stress reliever. Research has shown it to be beneficial to our health.
Pets can benefit from massage, too. It is a stress reliever as well as having health benefits for them. But how should one massage a pet? It really is not much different than massaging a human. Linda Tellington-Jones has developed a massage method called T-Touch.
Linda recommends you start by relaxing yourself. Take a few minutes to sit quietly and prepare yourself. A few slow deep breaths can assist you to calm your insides as well as your exterior. A pet will sense this and it will help the pet to be relaxed.
Begin with your pet lying in front of you. Most dogs and
cats will enjoy massage. If your pet seems to dislike the massage it may be due to something that happened to him when he was young. A puppy or kitten might think it is a game and therefore not relax or hold still for you. Try a sleepy time to do the massage.
If you introduce the massage sessions gradually, slowly enough to let the pet accept it, the massage can be healing emotionally, too, for the pet.
Start by gently placing your hands on the pets head. Moving slowly, direct your hands down the back. If you know your pet has a favorite spot he likes rubbed, its fine to spend a little extra time on the spot as you pass by it.
With fingers together and slightly curved and with thumb planted lightly on the cat or dog, rub along the spine in small
circles very gently with the fingers. Move the fingers in a clockwise circle, keeping the thumb still.
The circle should start at about six, make a full circle and another fourth by going on past 6 to about 9. The skin should be moved, not passed over. Linda suggests you start with touching your finger to your eyelid. Feel the difference between moving the finger across the eye in a circle not moving the lid and then moving the lid.
The lightest pressure you can use and actually move the eyelid is considered a #1 pressure. This is the gentle touch you will want to begin with when you start massage on your companion animal. Start at the shoulder blades and work back. Include the hips and rump.
The base of the tail of dogs and cats is sensitive so be very gentle but the tail can be massaged and pulled gently. Then stroke the pets back with firm but gentle strokes. The massage can then move to the neck and the head. Even the face can be gently massaged. Avoid the windpipe area.
Holding a leg with one hand, massage the foot with the other
hand. Massage between the pads. Then continue up the leg. After completing the legs, the chest area and upper leg areas can be massaged. The belly should be circled gently in a clockwise motion and the abdomen only lightly massaged. Finish up with strokes from head to toe.
Keep in mind that should your pet react or resist, you may
either be pressing too hard, or your pet may have a problem area. Regular massage can help you identify areas which may be sore for one reason or another on your pet. This can serve as an early detection system for illness and injury.
Another reason for resistance from your pet may just be
unfamiliarity with this treatment. It should be something you introduce carefully and at the pace the pet can accept.
Sometimes a pet may just not be in the mood for so much
touching. If this seems true, let your pet have his way. It is not a good idea to massage a pet with an injury such as sprain, or if it is suffering from a viral disease.
When massaging your pet, stroke in the direction of the fur,
not against it. Oil should not be used on pets for massage. Often you may find that massaging your pet will be a great relaxer for you, too.
There are books, videos and tapes available for more information on massaging pets. Check libraries, book stores and pet stores for these.
Have a happy and healthy week with your companion animals! I would like to hear about you and your companion animals. Pictures are welcome and will be returned to you if you request it. You may write to Pawsitively Pets, PO Box 1731, Havre, MT 59501.
