The Puppy massage

Massage involves applying pressure to specific parts of your puppy's body. The amount of pressure used will vary from five grams to five pounds and depends on the size of your puppy, his needs and whether he has a medical condition or injury. His muscles will respond only if he's comfortable and your touch is light and gentle. A firm, harsh, controlling touch is counterproductive.

Preparing your pup for massage. Before your puppy is ready for massage you may have to help him quiet down. Hold your puppy by his muzzle with one hand, and between his front legs with the other. Don't squeeze - just grip him tightly enough to restrain him. If he tries to squirm away, be firm and say: "Stay!" When he understands that you want him to be still, speak softly and gently pet him. Let him know that you're pleased that he's calm by praising him, and maybe offering him a treat.

With this exercise you'll be sending your puppy two messages: First, that you're bigger than he is - he needs to respect you. Second, that you're kind and gentle - he can trust you. Your puppy first got these messages from his mother. Now, he will transfer those feelings to you. Once he masters this and learns to stay still, he'll be ready for a therapeutic massage session.
How massage can benefit your puppy:

• Increased overall sense of wellness
• Increased sense of trust between your puppy and you
• Increased flexibility and movement
• Pain reduction or relief of pain
• Decreased recovery time from surgery or trauma
• Increased circulation of the blood, lymphatic and nervous systems
• Removal of toxins from your puppy's body and organs

Massage techniques you can practice. Massage should always be a calming and gentle experience. Before you begin, make sure your puppy is in a comfortable and quiet place. A clean, padded spot on the floor works well. Or if you regularly allow your puppy to be on the couch or a bed, these are good places too. Make sure fresh water is readily available in case your pup gets thirsty. The most important part of a massage is relaxation. Sometimes your puppy might not be in the mood. If he is resisting more than usual don't push him and wait for another time.

Once you've made sure your puppy is relaxed and comfortable, start by rolling his extra skin over his muscles. Knead the skin, moving slowly and gently. Remember to be sensitive to each body part and don't be too rough.

Talk to your puppy in a calming voice. End each session on a happy, successful note. Reward your puppy for a job well done after each therapeutic massage.

Some massage techniques should only be performed by a certified massage professional. However, here are two basic techniques that you can use at home to massage your puppy - "effleurage" and "passive touch." Consult your veterinarian before using these techniques.

Effleurage is a gentle, long stroke, which helps to warm the body's tissue. This is a very, very light touch - the amount of pressure applied to your puppy is only about 5 grams to a pound. One hand is on your puppy at all times, while the other hand slowly slides down over his face, head, body, tail and outside of his legs. Make sure to go in the direction of the hair growth. Next, gently stroke up the inside of the legs, against the hair growth.

With hand over hand effluerage, one hand starts a stroke as the other hand ends a stroke. This leaves one hand connected to your puppy at all times. Be careful not to pull your puppy's hair. Do not touch areas of infection, open wounds or lumps.

The thing called Passive touch. When passive touch is applied, it is done with no pressure at all. It involves simply holding your hand on a muscle group. Hold your hand on your puppy's head, shoulder, along his side or his thigh and hip. This is done for a few moments. It should produce calmness, be comforting, and help to relieve any pain your puppy may have. Passive touch can be done anytime, while watching television or while out on a walk. Again, areas of infection, bony areas, open wounds and lumps should not be touched.

Professional massage. There are certified and trained professionals who perform massage therapy on dogs but this is most common for older dogs who have injuries or illnesses. Keep in mind that massage is not a substitute for veterinary care. It should be customized to the individual needs of the dog and be used with veterinary-recommended treatments. Sometimes the massage therapist may even detect subtle health problems that may prompt a visit to your veterinarian. If you're thinking about taking your puppy to a professional massage therapist remember to discuss this with your veterinarian before making a decision.