Dog Massage: Everything You Need to Know About Canine Massages

Massage is more than just a way to relax. People frequently get massages to reduce pain, relieve stress and anxiety, improve movement, stimulate circulation, lower blood pressure, and promote healing.  

Because a dog’s body is similar to ours, they should be able to experience many of the perks of getting a massage too.  

Read on to learn more about the benefits (and possible risks) of a dog massage and if a massage for your dog warrants a conversation with your vet. 

What Is a Dog Massage?

A canine massage can involve rubbing, pressing, kneading, warming, and tapping a dog’s soft tissues, often with a focus on their muscles, fascia (a type of connective tissue), tendons, and ligaments. 

Dog massages certainly have a physical effect on the musculoskeletal system, but these massages are also thought to: 

• Influence the nervous system (by “turning down” the fight-or-flight response, for example) 

• Circulate blood and lymphatic fluid 

• Help support the immune system and functioning of internal organs 

• Improve a dog’s mental state 

Although the science behind all the positive effects of a dog massage isn’t entirely clear, experts believe it may: 

• Reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can worsen a dog’s health over time 

• Increase levels of serotonin, which is often called a “feel-good” hormone 

• Slow breathing and heart rate, which has a calming effect 

• Decrease swelling (a swollen leg after injury or surgery, for example) 

• Either increase muscle tone or decrease muscle tension based on the type of massage 

• Increase a joint’s range of motion 

• Reduce pain 

• Improve behavior (by easing anxiety, for example) 

Do Dog Massages Help with Pain?

Humans report a reduction in their pain levels after getting massages, but there hasn’t been much research into whether the same is true for dogs post-canine massage.  

However, in a study published in 2021 that looked at 65 practitioners’ case notes of 527 dogs suffering from chronic pain associated with musculoskeletal problems (osteoarthritis, for example), pet parents reported their dogs were in significantly less pain after a series of massages.  

Does My Dog Need a Massage?

Even though the scientific evidence for the benefits of a canine massage is somewhat lacking, it’s a safe form of treatment when performed correctly.  

So if you think your dog might benefit from a massage, there is little risk to giving it a try. Dogs who typically get massages are those who: 

• Have been diagnosed with a chronic disease, like osteoarthritis, that leads to pain or mobility issues 

• Are experiencing a decrease in athletic performance 

• Are recovering from surgery 

• Could benefit from general relaxation 

• Need to bond with or gain trust in people 

For a dog to benefit from a massage, they must find it enjoyable. Most dogs can learn to appreciate a good massage if they are introduced to it gently and gradually, but if your pup is the exception, it’s better to rely on other forms of treatment. 

How to Find a Dog Massage Therapist

If you think your dog is a good candidate for massage therapy, start by talking with your veterinarian.  

There are several reasons for this. First, when massage is used to treat a health problem, it often works best in combination with other forms of therapy.  

For example, a treatment plan for a dog with osteoarthritis might include: 

• Massage 

• Physical therapy 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Rimadyl or Deramaxx 

• Gabapentin, a prescription medication that can help with chronic pain 

• Nutritional supplements like Dasuquin or GlycoFlex. 

• Acupuncture 

• Laser therapy 

Also, some dog health conditions shouldn’t be treated with massage. Done incorrectly, massages could make some infections, cancers, recent injuries, blood clots, or inflammatory disorders worse rather than better. 

And a canine massage isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. It can take many forms—myofascial release versus a classic muscular massage, for example—and the best option depends on the desired benefit.  

Your veterinarian can determine whether massage therapy for your dog is appropriate, and if it is, come up with an appropriate plan or refer you to a professional dog massage therapist. 

How to Massage a Dog At Home

Giving your dog a massage at home can be appropriate if your veterinarian has recommended you do so, your dog is healthy, and you simply want to provide them with a relaxing, basic massage.  

Here’s how to massage a dog at home: 

• Find a quiet area that is free from distractions. 

• Provide a soft, non-slip surface like a carpet, yoga mat, or large dog bed. Your dog can stand, sit, or lie down for their massage, whatever makes them most comfortable. 

• Start with slow, gentle strokes along the length of your dog’s back and sides, following the direction of their fur. 

• Use moderate pressure and watch your dog’s response to see what they like best. 

• Then move on to the legs, neck, and head, but only if your dog enjoys being massaged in these areas. 

• Stop as soon as your dog becomes fidgety, tries to leave, or gives you any other sign they are done. 

Ultimately your dog will let you know whether they enjoy the extra TLC. So if you want to try a dog massage at home, see how they respond. 

If you think a professional canine massage would benefit your pup, chat with your veterinarian and they can help you determine next steps.