Dogs experience stress, tiredness, and physical discomfort just like humans do. As they age, they might also encounter body aches and discomfort. To alleviate your dog’s physical discomfort, activities such as massage technique and stimulating pressure points can be quite effective. Spending quality time together also contributes to their well-being. Building a healing and caring relationship with your pet can provide comfort and mutual support for both of you.
Let’s get started! Key points that make dogs feel good
Learning about massaging a dog and stimulating its pressure points can be a challenging concept for some. Without specialized knowledge or experience, one might feel uncertain. Nevertheless, providing comfort to a beloved dog through gentle touch from family members can be just as beneficial. It’s key to approach it without overthinking, trying it out naturally and confidently.
Gently Stroke from Between the Eyebrows to the Head
Begin by having the dog sit in front of you. Gradually stroke a broad area from the forehead to the head. The essential aspect here is for the owner to conduct the massage with a calm and relaxed mindset. If the owner experiences tension due to being unfamiliar with the massage, this tension might affect the dog, and both parties could end up feeling uneasy.
If uncertainty surrounds the pressure points or the appropriate amount of pressure, start with a casual approach rather than becoming excessively anxious. The correct level of pressure and the location of pressure points can be gauged from the dog’s facial expressions and movements. If the dog displays a comfortable expression, then the technique is appropriate. For elderly dogs or those with restricted mobility, massage should be performed in a manner that lets them remain at ease without being placed in uncomfortable positions.
The Armpits and the Base of the Back Legs That You Can’t Usually Reach!
Despite a dog’s body flexibility, their ability to reach their armpits and hind legs is limited. These areas remain highly active and are susceptible to fatigue and strain. Thus, massaging these regions proves to be highly beneficial.
Due to the infrequent touch in these spots during regular routines, begin with a brief massage employing gentle pressure. As the dog becomes more familiar with tactile sensations, progressively extend the massage duration.
Both humans and the back part that feels good!
The canine’s dorsal area is adorned with substantial muscular structures, which consistently bear a sensation of weariness and stress. This phenomenon becomes more pronounced with age, mirroring the way humans encounter stiffness in their shoulders. Concurrently, the aging canines experience escalating fatigue and a sensation of heaviness across their dorsa. Given the profusion of pressure points along this region, the application of gentle strokes spanning the entirety of the area with moderate pressure serves to induce relaxation and alleviate tension.
Interestingly, it’s worth noting that, despite the regularity of touching the dog’s back, one tends to focus on the same locations. Therefore, during massage sessions, one should endeavor to identify less frequently addressed areas and delicately stimulate them. This practice contributes to the enhancement of blood circulation and the facilitation of comprehensive relaxation throughout the entire body.
Let’s Push the Pressure Point Even When the Dog Is Not Feeling Well
Have you ever noticed that your pet might appear slightly less energetic and enthusiastic than usual, even if they aren’t seriously ill? They might exhibit a reduced appetite, low energy levels, and increased sleep. In situations like these, you can provide your beloved dog with a comforting massage by following these specific steps. This can help alleviate any tension, minimize stress, and induce a sense of relaxation.
Commence the massage by applying gentle pressure with moderate force, starting from the base of the ears and moving towards the back and shoulders. The pressure points in this region can activate the lymphatic drainage system, enhance blood circulation, and contribute to a rejuvenating impact. If you find yourself concerned about your dog’s overall well-being, particularly when they seem a bit under the weather due to a decrease in metabolic activity, giving them a massage is a considerate option to explore.
When Your Voice Becomes Hoarse from Barking Too Much
Dogs often engage in intense barking in different situations, like when the doorbell rings, external noises are present, the phone rings, or they encounter fellow canines during walks. Owners might respond by reprimanding them firmly. Interestingly, dogs displaying such behavior tend to possess sensitive personalities, experiencing consistent tension, fear, and anxiety across various daily situations. Some dogs even bark excessively to the extent that their vocal cords become strained.
In such instances, a brief session of acupressure massage can prove beneficial. Administering this massage can help alleviate the dog’s mental and physical tension, ultimately promoting relaxation and addressing various discomforts. By gently calling the dog over and applying light pressure to the inner side of their front paw wrist, just beneath the paw pad, one can stimulate an area that contributes to stabilizing the dog’s mental state.
Dogs have highly sensitive and easily reactive paw areas. When observing a dog’s behavior, it’s recommended to lift the dog or position them on a lap in a way that promotes relaxation, allowing for careful examination of this region.
When Constipated
Chronic constipation may arise due to diverse factors such as diet, physical well-being, and the aging process. Recognizing constipation as a significant symptom rather than a standalone ailment is crucial. This symptom exerts a substantial impact on a dog’s well-being. To address concerns about a dog’s defecation, promoting defecation through stimulation of pressure points or abdominal massage can aid in optimizing intestinal functionality and facilitating smoother defecation.
When a dog is in a relaxed position and exposes its belly, gently place hands on the area located 1 to 2 cm from the left and right of the belly button. Proceed to massage this area by applying light pressure in a clockwise direction. The clockwise motion holds significance, thus it is important to ensure that the massage is administered in the correct direction. Massaging the dog’s belly multiple times a day, particularly after meals or prior to a walk, can prove to be efficacious in alleviating constipation.
When Your Dog’s Nose Is Stuffy
Dogs are susceptible to colds, which can be triggered by temperature variations. Older dogs, in particular, are vulnerable to colds caused by exposure to cold air from air conditioners. If a dog is experiencing nasal congestion or a runny nose, applying gentle pressure to the seimei pressure point located next to the inner corner of the eye can be beneficial. Massaging both sides of the nose towards the tip using both hands is an effective technique.
The nose is also a dog’s vital point, so let’s proceed gently to the extent that your dog doesn’t hate it.
Things to Keep in Mind When Doing Pressure Point Massage
For individuals unfamiliar with acupoint stimulation, initial reactions might include caution, avoidance, or discomfort. Canines, specifically, might exhibit aversion to areas that they find sensitive, such as around their facial and paw regions due to conditioned reflexes. Employing pressure point stimulation and massage serves as a means to comfort and unwind dogs. In cases where a dog displays wariness, it’s crucial not to impose the practice. Instead, by initially engaging in brief sessions, a gradual exploration of the most suitable approach and timing can be achieved for both the dog and the owner.
Summary
Similar to humans, dogs possess numerous pressure points across their bodies. When these points are appropriately stimulated based on specific symptoms of concern, it can lead to outcomes such as relaxation, alleviation of fatigue, and enhancement of bodily functions. Pet owners can provide care for their dogs at home by incorporating techniques of pressure point stimulation and massage.
