Various Benefits of Pet Massage

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 at 8:54 pm  
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When done properly, massage relaxes hypertonic (tight) muscles, provides a feeling of emotional comfort, and improves blood circulation. Having adequate blood circulation is essential, because it is the blood stream that provides a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients to the surrounding tissues of the body. Massage can break down adhesions (knots) and promote healing after muscle exertion and fatigue. It can reduce anxiety and increase mobility. These benefits apply to not only humans, but also extend to our four-footed friends. Pet massage is now recognized as not only being calming for your beloved cat or dog, but it is excellent relaxation therapy for the human providing the massage as well.

Like all art forms, one’s ability to massage improves with regular practice. There are a number of massage strokes that most pets will enjoy. Be gentle and take your cues from your pet.

Effleurage is a type of massage stroke that is deliberately light, and done in a gliding-type motion. This gentle stroke often occurs at the beginning of a massage, in order to “warm up” the muscles in preparation for deeper massage. In effleurage, strokes are generally made toward the heart. This assists in the return of blood to the heart and is thought to facilitate proper circulation.

Petrissage is a deeper, kneading massage stroke used after the muscles have already received increased blood flow through effleurage. This stroke is performed with the palm and fingers in a methodical, rhythmical manner. Petrissage stimulates the skin and improves muscle tone. It can improve the elimination of toxins and waste products that have accumulated in the tissues. This massage stroke can be performed with one or both hands.

Stroking is commonly used at the end of a massage. It involves the rubbing of the hands against the fur and skin, without pressing hard enough to affect your pet’s deeper tissues. Any part of the hands and fingers can be used.

As you gain experience with massaging your pet, experiment with using different parts of your hands during the massage. Your pet may also enjoy being brushed as a part of the massage. There are a variety of pet brushes available. Select one that your pet receives the most pleasure from.

As in the case of human massage, there are contraindications for pet massage, which include, but are not limited to: infection, open cuts, burns, inflammation, brittle bones, pregnancy, recent surgery, and serious health conditions. If you doubt the safety of a particular movement, do not perform it. It is often best if you consult your veterinarian before beginning a massage regimen.

Massage is a wonderful way to bond with your dog or cat. Set aside a quiet time each week for pet massage. You will be amazed at the difference in your beloved animal.

R. G. Kirk
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/various-benefits-of-pet-massage-86641.html


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Exercise Your Dog: Why You Should Take Your Dog to the Dog Park

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 at 8:27 pm  
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If you’re fortunate enough to have a Dog Park in your hometown, take advantage of it. Exercise your dog and you’ll both benefit.

Even if you walk your dog regularly, there’s no substitute-from the dog’s point of view-of being able to run free through a grassy field and romp with canine companions. At your first visit to the park, you may be surprised how fast your dog can run, and how happy he looks doing it. Dogs need vigorous exercise to stay in good cardiovascular shape, and maintain muscle tone, just like people do.

If you live in an apartment or condo, or have a small back yard, your dog may seem perfectly content to stay within those confines, but the reality is, exercise your dog should be at the top of your to do list. In the U.S., we feed our dogs so well that canine obesity is an increasing problem. Overweight dogs are prone to many different kinds of diseases and ailment, from heart trouble to damage to joints. Reducing food intake is of course one way to cope with this problem, but your dog will have a much better chance to lose weight if you step up the amount of exercise he is getting.

The dog park is a useful tool for socializing your dog, right from the time he has had all his vaccinations and it is safe for him to play with other dogs. Watching how your dog interacts with the other dogs there can give you important indications of whether there are any behavioral problems you need to correct. For example, if your dog displays aggression towards certain other dogs. Aggressive tendencies need to be corrected immediately, before you start to have these same problems at home, directed at children or visitors. If your dog acts submissive or does not want to play with the other dogs, or just stays huddled by you, that can be a problem as well. You may need to take him to the park several times over a period of weeks so he gets acclimated to this new and exciting environment and can take full advantage of the experience.

The car trip to the dog park itself can also be useful for your dog’s development and socialization. Most dogs need to experience a car trip several times before they get used to it, and so you can control unwanted behaviors such as standing up and blocking your view of the rear view mirror, excessive barking, or jumping from the back seat to the front. Frequent short trips to the dog park are ideal for working on this kind of training, so that when summer vacation comes, your dog is ready to go on longer car trips.

Many dog parks have luxury features such as shaded sitting areas with chairs for dog owners to relax, or even amenities such as shallow pools so dogs can wade through and keep their paws cool. Don’t forget that the park offers an exercise opportunity for you as well. Try a brisk walk around the perimeter of the park, or bring a ball and play an active game of fetch with your dog. Exercise your dog and you at the same time.

A dog park can also be a great “research facility” for you to use in choosing your next dog. You get the chance to observe different breeds in action and see which ones have the temperament and activity level that fit your lifestyle. If you are thinking of adding a second dog to your household, you may find that your current canine companion plays with certain breeds more than others, and he may help you make a decision about what breed would be ideal.

Exercise your dog at the dog park has lots of great benefits.

Brian Hill
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/exercise-your-dog-why-you-should-take-your-dog-to-the-dog-park-742789.html


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