The benefits of massage for dogs (and humans) are too numerous to list here, but I’ve included the most relevant:
Sources: Companion Animal MassageTM “Canine Basic Massage Therapy Distance Program: Part I Introduction to Massage”, Marguerite Chip-Matthews, http://www.companionanimalmassage.com;
“Utilization of Veterinary Rehabilitation”, L.L. McCauley (TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation, Animal Rehabilitation Institute, Grayslake, IL, USA), http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/NAVC/2006/SAE/015.asp?LA=1;
“Non-Pharmacologic Pain Relief in Sporting Dogs”, Tamara Grubb, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVA Pfizer Animal Health, Sedation and Pain Management (Uniontown, WA), http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/navc/2006/SAE/491.asp?LA=1
Massage is not a substitute for qualified veterinary care. If you have any concerns about your companion’s health, please consult a licensed Veterinarian.
Don’t let that mellow look fool you. BC “Rocky” knows exactly what every human and dog at the Travis Agility Group (TAG) trial is up to at all times--even mid-massage!
