Updated 16/09/2024
Unlike us humans, our furry friends can’t tell us when they’re experiencing aches and pains. So, before symptoms arise or get worse, why not get clued-up on all things dog massage?
Stick with us as we explore canine massage techniques, so that you can help to free-up your dog’s muscles and joints to improve range of motion and reduce pain.
And as you might expect, should you suspect your doggo is suffering from stiffness or pain, consult your vet before you go ahead with any massage at home.
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Benefits of dog massage
1. Relaxation and anxiety relief
Similar to their humans, dogs can experience anxiety due to past trauma, separation, dementia, and plain old genetics. A simple massage from their human family members (or pet sitter) can do wonders for reducing anxiety, stress, and general relaxation. Plus, it's a great way to keep canines content - if you were wondering how to make a dog happy.
2. Bonding
Regular massage means quality time with their favorite humans - a smooth while watching TV or a gentle rub of reassurance when out and about can really help to strengthen the bond between dogs and their humans.
3. Arthritis
Caring for senior pets often means dealing with health problems like arthritis. The symptoms of arthritis in dogs (commonly caused by damage to the joints and inflammation), can sometimes be alleviated by simple massage alongside other therapies.
Carefully kneading problem areas in dogs suffering from arthritis can help to reduce discomfort, while of course not ridding dogs of the condition or associated pain completely.
Massage for arthritis in dogs helps to increase circulation to joints and muscles, and the kneading itself causes tissues to contract and improves blood flow. It can also help to strengthen the muscles which will support and stabilize the joint as it weakens with arthritis.
If you suspect your pup might be suffering from arthritis, speak to your vet and stop any dog massage altogether if it seems to be causing pain or discomfort. You shouldn’t perform any massage on your arthritic dog without advice from your vet first or from a qualified canine therapist. It’s important to make sure you are targeting the right joints and muscles.
4. Activity warm up
Does your doggo like to partake in agility training, park zoomies or enthusiastic games of fetch? Well just like us, our furry friends can benefit from a warm-up, including a gentle massage.
This can help to stimulate circulation and improve blood supply to the nerves, joints and muscles, helping your dog avoid injury and post-exercise muscle soreness.
5. Post-exercise
Just like their humans, dogs can suffer from muscle soreness after exercise. While it’s completely normal and natural, the discomfort and pain can be relieved by a simple dog massage.
Directly after a run around, a quick massage can help to flush out the lactic acid and other waste products that build up during exercise.
In the days following, your pooch might still suffer with soreness - a massage can help to ease tightness and soreness by increasing blood flow to the problem areas, allowing normal flexibility to come back. This is usually only a problem in sports dogs such as agility, flyball, or hunting, but can happen if your dog has had a particularly long or steep walk.
How to give your dog a massage
Step 1. Prepare for your canine massage
If your dog isn’t used to having a massage, it’s worth catching them when they’re already feeling relaxed. Whether that’s during the evening while you’re settling down in the living room, or soaking up the sunshine in the garden, approaching your pup in a space they feel at ease will make the process easier for you, and more enjoyable for your pup. Not all dogs will tolerate a massage, or for very long, so if your dog doesn’t particularly like it, don’t force it as it will only make them feel more stressed.
Start by simply stroking your dog like normal, be gentle and use flat palms to avoid digging in with your fingers.
If it’s a dog massage for arthritis you’re preparing for, take extra care to go gently, and stop altogether if your pooch seems to be in any form of discomfort. And as ever, always speak to your vet beforehand to make sure you are focusing on the right areas, and that it’s safe for your dog. Very elderly dogs often have very little muscle so massage could make them more sore.
Step 2. Stroke top to bottom
Once your pup seems to have relaxed into their surroundings and is enjoying their usual stroke, start by stroking from their head and neck, working your way down your dog’s body - this will help to stimulate blood flow.
If you’re after calming dog massage techniques, this is certainly the way to go - stroking as normally as possible will reassure your dog and benefit their muscles and joints all over.
And if your dog feels tense, or your sense they’re not enjoying being stroked in a particular area, avoid completely and focus on body parts they seem to relax with.
Step 3. Choose a focus point to massage your dog
If your dog suffers from stiffness in a particular area of their body, you might want to move on from the full-body technique we mentioned above.
Whether it’s canine massage for arthritis, post-workout muscle soreness or you know your pup simply has a favorite spot to be kneaded, there are certain dog massage techniques for the skull, neck, face, thigh, glute, back (and more!) that we’ll explore below.
Types of canine massage
| Area to massage your pup | Dog massage techniques |
|---|---|
| Skull and neck massage | If you’re looking for ways to relieve anxiety in dogs, a dog head massage is the way to go (if your pooch doesn’t mind being touched on the head, of course). Gently massage the base of the skull and move slowly down the back of the neck in sweeping motions. Avoid circular motions here, as this may feel quite intense on your dog’s neck. |
| Back massage | A back massage for your furry friend is another great way to help them feel calm and secure in your company, especially if they’re in a new situation, like visiting your dog-friendly local for the first time. Simply stroke from top to bottom, and place your fingers on either side of the spine (avoiding the spine itself), and gently run your fingers down to the base of the tail. |
| Forehead stroke | Dogs can benefit from a simple forehead stroke to relieve canine anxiety - avoid getting too close to their eyes, and be super gentle. Always stroke in the direction of hair growth to avoid any discomfort, and stop altogether if your pooch doesn’t seem to like it. |
| Cheek massage | This might be a little love it or hate it, so give a cheek massage a try on your dog to help them relax, applying gentle pressure to the cheeks and sweeping upwards with your fingers in the direction of hair growth. |
| Thigh and glute rub | If your pooch suffers with arthritis, a massage for dogs on the thighs and glutes can be helpful, but always check with your vet first. On their back legs, press a thumb gently into the thigh muscle and make a backwards ‘C’ shape, and continue by making clockwise circles. |
| Ear rub | This can be seriously relaxing for your pooch - a great one to relieve anxiety if they don’t mind being touched on the face. Gently place your thumb on the inside of your pup’s ear with your index finger on the other side (the outside of your dog’s ear). Stroke slowly downwards with both your thumb and index finger, moving all the way to the tip of the ear. |
How to massage a dog to poop
If your dog is having difficulty pooping, sometimes a dog massage can help. Gently rub in downwards motions on the stomach itself, move in circular motions (clockwise) on both sides of their abdomen, and always go gently.
With that said, if your pup is suffering from constipation, we advise you consult your vet, as it could be a sign of digestive problems, a diet that needs adjusting, pelvic trauma, and a variety of other health issues.
Do dogs like massages?
Yes, most dogs love a massage - it’s quality time with their favorite humans and it feels down-right fantastic. While some dogs are particular and will prefer a full body massage, others like a simple stroke over a dog massage any day. And as always, never massage a dog if it seems to cause discomfort or pain.
Safety and precautions to consider for canine massage
- Consult your vet. If the massage is for anything other than relaxation and you suspect any health issues in your dog, speak to your vet before going ahead with a dog massage.
- Avoid during illness or after treatment. After having an injection or during a period of illness isn’t the best time to massage your pooch - it could instead cause additional discomfort.
- Look out for signs of discomfort. Some dogs will prefer certain massages, and others will dislike it altogether, while many have pain points that should always be avoided.
- Consult a qualified dog massage therapist. For issues such as luxating patella or hip dysplasia, your vet may advise you see a professional, rather than attempting the massage yourself.
Other treatments
Treatments for sore muscles and stiff joints - other than dog massage - can be super effective at relieving pain and discomfort. Whatever your pup is suffering from, your vet will advise on the best way forward. For now though, here are some of the other treatments your dog may be recommended:
- Weight loss
- Exercise
- Swimming
- Acupuncture
- Nutritional supplements
Meet our veterinary expert, Holly
This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!
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