Canine Massage – A Surprising Way to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy

Massage… Just hearing the word makes my whole body relax, brings a smile to my lips and compels me to take deep cleansing breaths. Ahhhh. Although viewed as an indulgence, massage has myriad health benefits: stress relief, pain management, anxiety reduction, blood pressure regulation, depression prevention. Athletes depend on it to rehab injuries and keep their muscles loose and pliable. Massage is a good thing. A healthy thing. Guess what? It’s also good for your dog.

Canine massage is a little known industry that is quietly growing. It’s used as a prevention method and alternative therapy similar to those for people. Skeptical? Here are a few of its benefits for dogs:

-Improved circulation

-Relaxation and tension relief

-Reduced stiffness helping to restore mobility to injured areas

-Injury prevention by increasing range of motion and enhancing muscle tone

-Improved athletic performance and endurance

-Posture maintenance and balance

-Improved mental focus and attitude

-Healthy skin and coat promotion by distributing natural oils.Surprising, huh?

I spoke to Wynne Erdman of Waig’s K-9 Massage to better understand how canine massage applies to Isabelle and her friends at the dog park. Wynne ticked off benefits without even blinking: alleviate soreness, increase range of motion, prevent injuries, manage growing pains. She said canine massage is particularly beneficial for dogs who agility train because it keeps their muscles loose and lactate-free. In fact, it is frequently offered at sheep dog trials to stretch/warm-up the dogs’ muscles or to cool them down. Canine massage also has a huge impact on hip displysia loosing the stiffness and easing the pain.

If you’re like me, your next thought is: Do these canine massage people know what they’re doing? The answer is yes. Their training is stringent and they must be licensed by the State of Washington to practice. Many are also nationally certified. It is not a profession for the faint of heart. Those who accept the challenge are passionate about canine health and are deeply committed to their profession. They love making dogs feel better.

Canine massage… It’s got a slightly different ring than simply “massage”. However, it does make me smile and breathe easier. Why? Because it means I have another resource for keeping Isabelle happy and healthy. Ahhh…

Many thanks to Wynne Erdman of Waig’s K-9 Massage for her expertise. If you want to know more about canine massage or want to book an appointment (she comes to you!), contact Wynne at 425-301-1003 or visit her website: http://www.waigsk9massage.com

Rebecca Hoch is a Lake Stevens resident and proud dog owner. She and Isabelle enjoy sharing their adventures and insights from the dog park with Journal readers. To learn more about Rebecca’s writing experience or to get in touch with Isabelle, please email them at [email protected]. We love hearing from you.