As discussed in my previous articles, canine massage promotes well-being and vitality for your dog.   It is a wonderful way to increase that special bond between the two of you, as well as impacting every system in the body in a positive manner.

Within each breed lie inherent health problems.  For the giant breeds, longevity is an issue, where dogs are considered “veterans”  at age six.  Many  dogs, such as danes, develop health problems or concerns as they grow older. 

I have a friend whose older Dane suffers from arthritis, and is beginning to have problems with mobility due to joint stiffness.   When the stiff movement first appeared, the vet diagnosed arthritis, which is the inflammation of a joint accompanied by swelling and pain.   He suggested that Sara try massaging Jade’s joints to help increase her flexibility, and decrease her stiffness and pain.  

Sara asked me to massage Jade, so I began the process of investigating the tissue.  Jade had swelling around her femoral (hip) joints, but apparently not yet great pain.  I worked along the spine, around her tail, and down into the hip, massaging slowly and carefully.  The more I massaged Jade, the more she relaxed and the looser she became.  The next day, she seemed more like her prior, younger self.  Jade will always have arthritis, but now Sara is able to better keep it under control through canine massage.

As in each article, let me state that canine massage does not replace regular veterinary care, but works in conjunction with that veterinary care to ensure your dog a healthier, happier life.

This article is concerned with canine massage and the circulatory system.   Canine massage benefits the dog’s circulatory system in numerous ways.  A partial list of benefits is as follows:

1.Increases blood circulation

2.Increases lymph circulation

3.Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body

4.Aids in elimination of toxic wastes

5.Decreases blood pressure

6.Increases red blood cell count

7.Decreases edema

One can easily understand the validity of using massage to decrease the symptoms of arthritis when viewing the list of benefits above.   First of all, massage increases the circulation of both blood and lymph throughout the body.   The increased blood circulation through the body means that increased nutrients and oxygen are flowing to the cells that need them for healing purposes.  An increase of lymph flow through the body indicates a boost to the immune system.  Massage decreases edema (swelling) in the tissue by aiding in elimination of waste products being stored in the tissues.

Regular massage also helps keep the heart healthy by boosting the red blood cell count, and decreasing blood pressure, which can elevate when stressed.  Optimum health can be had for your dog with a combination of good veterinary care, proper diet, and canine massage.  Massage not only brings your dog’s body back in balance, but also aids in relaxation for your dog, which makes him happier and less stressed.

Please join me for the next article, which will discuss canine massage and its effect on the nervous system.

Note From The Editor:

Note:  Pullen was certified in Canine Massage in 1995 through Optissage, Inc. in Ohio.  She is licensed in Arkansas as a Master Massage Therapist, as well as being Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.  She practices massage part-time on humans and dogs, and also offers seminars on “How to Massage Your Dog.”