ASK PETMASSAGE: HELP FOR DOG OWNERS AND DOG MASSAGE PRACTITIONERS

Ask PetMassage: Help for dog owners and dog massage practitioners

I often receive email requests for help. The scenarios are similar to this one that I got recently. When our dogs are hurting, we often feel helpless and unsure who we can ask for a first or second opinion. If you have questions about massage and your dog, you are welcome to contact me, as well.

Subject: Arthritic Dog

Hi Jonathan,
I am wanting to massage a 14yr lab who has severe arthritis.  I am unable to get her on the table.  When she stands, she needs to keep walking, I think because of pain.  Do you have any suggestions as to how I can massage her?

I would really like to do what I can for her.  I tried today but she could not keep still.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks, S. P.

Hi S.,-

If she cannot be on a table, you’ll have to work on the floor. I don’t like it; but if that’s the only way to get to her without her getting anxious, that’s what you do.

Her instability is one of the things she needs to have addressed. Have her lying on her side for her massage. She won’t move about if she’s not standing. An image just came to me of her receiving her massage in her dog bed cushion. It already has her scent on it and she associates it with relaxation and safety.

If that is not possible, can you have someone steady her dog’s hips while you work the head and shoulders, and hold the head and shoulders while you massage the hind end?  As long as your helper stays silent and keeps her fingers still so they are not wriggling about, drawing the dog’s attention, it should be okay.

During the session do a lot of slow, gentle pumping with compression on the stifles and hips, and elbows and shoulders. Avoid joint mobilization.

Also apply finger tip kneading to the areas above and below the most compromised joints. Slide your fingers toward the heart. Work the area above the joint first, and then the area below the joint. This opens the passageways that may be blocked first, before increasing circulation through the compromised joint.

I hope this helps. Please let me know.

Staying in “touch,”
Jonathan

Do you have questions or concerns about how to help your dog with canine massage? Find answers to common and very specific questions relating to physical conditions, behavioral issues and careers in canine massage. Jonathan Rudinger, the founder of PetMassage, regularly checks the PetMassage email log for new questions to answer.
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