Any dog or cat, regardless of size, age, breed, or activity level, can benefit from massage, but senior pets benefit especially. Why is this?
Let’s consider all the ways massage therapy supports overall health, as it usually has a two-fold effect on senior pets:
- Massage increases the blood supply to muscles, bringing much-needed oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissues. Supporting this basic function becomes even more important as a pet ages.
- Massage strokes can help prevent lesions as well as loosen and stretch muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Massage helps increase range of motion, allowing more freedom of movement and gained strength. Additionally, increased muscle tone leads to greater elasticity. As a pet ages, the probability of joint issues, including arthritis, increases. Massage becomes not only a preventive measure but also a method of relieving pain caused by muscle spasms and tightness in tendons and ligaments.
- Massage also prevents muscle atrophy in inactive, compensating muscles – an issue many older dogs and cats face. Nourished joints are also well-lubricated joints, which helps maintain or increase range of motion. Massage improves overall circulation, affecting the flow of blood, encouraging veins to carry away waste products, and arteries to deliver a steady flow of oxygen and nutrients to keep cells healthy.
- Lymphatic circulation is also increased by massage, draining lymph fluid into glands where it can be cleansed of toxins. The boost massage gives to the circulatory system can be particularly helpful to senior pets, but contraindications must also be considered, as aged pets are more likely to suffer from heart-related conditions and possibly cancer (though light massage therapy can often still be performed, providing relief to superficial muscles).
- Massage improves lung conditions by increasing blood flow (and therefore, the flow of oxygen), assisting the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- The heat created by massage even softens fat tissue, breaking down solid fat deposits. Coupled with a weight reduction plan and exercise, this can help slim down a dog. Older dogs and cats are more likely to be overweight or even obese.
- The experience of touch and massage is also a very comforting, one-on-one experience that can create a sense of trust, relaxation, and well-being. This psychological boost can impact their physical health as well. Illnesses gain a foothold when stress diminishes the body’s immune system. Massage therapy reduces the physical and mental components of stress, helping the body feel balanced and rejuvenated, and better able to defend itself. It is especially important to keep an older pet’s immune system in top shape, as an older body has more difficulty fighting off illnesses.
- The psychological boost from massage also helps senior pets that are susceptible to depression, diminished mental function, and decreased nerve activity.
- Improvement in the senior dog’s coat and skin, an increase in body temperature, and warming of the muscles are also factors to consider where massage therapy can help.
- Greater energy and a feeling of rejuvenation are the overall benefits of massage therapy for mature dogs and cats.
Check out some senior pet massages videos on Kuri K9 Massage YouTube Channel!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnPqeM9G4fo&t=5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTieKrvJSgk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmeswEj5wIc&t=33s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3XMC_rDa1M
Article by Regan Macaulay, Owner of Kuri K9 Massage
After extensive training through Treetops Animal Massage Certification Program (Ontario), I started my mobile business, Kuri K9 Massage in 2013 to help Toronto and GTA pets live healthier, happier lives by relieving physical and emotional pain and tension, thereby also relieving stress for fur baby moms and dads—boosting quality of life together for longer. I offer Swedish massage therapy to dogs and cats young and old, as well as reflexology, lymphatic drainage massage, sports massage, acupressure, and hydrotherapy wraps, as well as distance Reiki.
Website: https://www.kurik9massage.com/
Instagram: kurik9massage
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