The Benefits of Massage for Animals

Animal massage can benefit all animals fromof ACL tears, have a high rate of reoccurrence
companion pets such as cats and dogs to horsesand post-surgical development of arthritis. Pet
and livestock and even zoo animals. The benefitsmassage therapy can play a crucial role in optimal
of massage for animals mirror those for people,and rapid recovery from such surgeries and may
including decreased stress and improved circulation.play a role in reducing the risk of re-injury.
For many, pet massage sounds like a luxury forPost-surgical confinement also causes boredom
pampered pets only. However, many caninesand restlessness for many animals and diminished
receive massage to help recover from surgery orthe health of the immune system which is
injury and athletes such as racehorses or agilitydependent on activity for optimal health. Animal
dogs receive sport massage to improvemassage can be used to reduce boredom,
performance. Service dogs and dogs used indecrease stress and increase relaxation for dogs
police or military service have high stress jobsand cats during periods of confinement.
where massage can mean the differenceEquine massage therapy has a long history in the
between early retirement and more time on theUnited States and abroad. For racehorses,
job.massage can mean reduced recovery time
Many studies have been conducted to verify thebetween races and reduced incidence of injury
benefits of massage. For instance, massage hasdue to improved flexibility of soft tissues. For
been proven to lower blood pressure, increaseinvestors, time off for recovery or lay-up due to
appetite and reduce the perceived pain andinjury is expensive and can reduce the career of
discomfort of arthritis.a horse dramatically. In this case, the benefits of
For those with aging dogs and cats, animalmassage for animals is not only physical and
massage therapy provides one more tool in thepsychological, it is also economical.
management of age-related conditions and helpsEven exotic species and wild animals have
to improve the quality of their pet’s life. Petexperienced benefits from animal massage
health care has moved beyond the age oftherapy under the skilled hands of specialized
grocery-store dog food and once-a-yearanimal massage therapists. The benefits of
vaccinations. Today, pet health supplies includemassage for animals in a zoological park fall under
vitamins, specialty food and treats, hydrotherapy,three categories: training, enrichment and health.
acupuncture and chiropractic and, yes, petVeterinarian staff can use massage to minimize
massage therapy.the time that an exotic species spends in the
The focus of animal massage for many yearshospital following surgery or illness, a critical
was horses, particularly racing and show horses.element in the success of the animal’s return
The benefit of massage for horses is wellto the wild or onto exhibit. Specific massage
recognized among horse owners. Massagetechniques can be used to improve the production
certification has been offered in equine massageand movement of lymphatic fluid and assist in
therapy for years, but only recently has themetabolism of anesthesia and related medications.
focused turned toward pet massage certification.Animal trainers can use certain massage
With literally billions of dollars flowing into the pettechniques as reinforcement for performed
care industry and pets living longer and morebehaviors when food rewards are not safe or
active lives, pet massage therapy is now beingeffective. Massage can improve nerve function
offered at veterinarian clinics, grooming salons andand brain function as well, making training easier.
doggie daycare establishments all over theEnrichment involves providing activities to captive
country.animals that stimulate them physically and
One of the benefits of massage for animalspsychologically and improve their quality of life.
mentioned was improved circulation. BetterStudies indicate that enrichment programs in
circulation can contribute to improved digestionzoological parks may contribute to the longevity
and better metabolism, a tremendous benefit forof individual animals and may reduce safety
the large number of pets suffering from obesityconcerns with animals that may become
and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally,aggressive due to stress or boredom. Massage
improved circulation can slow the degenerativecan be a valuable tool in enrichment programs for
process of arthritis and improve energy levels inmany species.
geriatric pets. Better circulation means betterIn closing, the benefits of massage for animals
immune function, helping to reduce the risk ofare as numerous and varied as those for people.
infection or illness and assisting in the rapidIn the last decade more and more people have
recovery from injury or illness. Better blood flowadded massage to their own health care regimen
also contributes to improve healing post-surgically.and seen tremendous benefit. Many of these
Two of the most common conditions plaguing oursame people have seen the power of massage
dog population today are hip dysplasia and softadd quality and time to the lives of their adored
tissue injuries to the knee such as ACL tearspets. Considering all that animals contribute to our
(ruptures or strains of the anterior cruciatelives through companionship, sport and service; a
ligament in the stifle joint). Both are generallymassage now and then serves as a powerful sign
corrected by surgery and, particularly in the caseof gratitude.