Your Pet Can Benefit from Massage Too!

Oh the beauty of massage! There are many benefits to this wonderful technique including stress reduction, relief from muscle pain, and the amazing gift of ultimate relaxation!  A massage can literally turn an ordinary day into extraordinary.  Here at Cabo Dog Boutique we feel dog massage is a great way to bond with your pet while offering them the healthful benefits at the same time.

There have been recent studies conducted on the benefits of massage for our dogs.  Whether an arthritic senior or a nervous newcomer to your home, massage can help bring out their best side. Massage releases positive endorphin's that will leave them feeling great!  It can even speed up the healing process if you have a pet recovering from an illness or injury.

Pet massage therapists are cropping up just about everywhere!  But we all know that the tender touch of a loved one or a trusted friend would be the up most in pet pampering. Some veterinarians recommend you examine your dog weekly or bi weekly to stay on top of changes in their health. Why not provide a caring massage at the same time! Getting to know your pets body the first few sessions is a good idea as well.  Feel for heat, swelling, bumps, lumps or tender spots.

First thing is to position your dog on a comfortable floor or mat where they are not facing a wall or feel corned.   Make sure to pick a time of day when you can focus and be present without feeling rushed. Think and listen to your pet with your fingers. Gentle flowing strokes along with light circular friction are good techniques and will give you the chance to feel out things that may not be normal. Use a quality dog massage product such as this Organic Dog Massage Lotion that is specifically formulated to be non greasy and will absorb quickly into their skin.

At first you will find out what your pet likes the most. For some, too light of pressure may not be stimulating, for others light pressure may be all they need. And like us, different parts of the body will respond to different amounts of pressure. Be aware of what your pet is telling you.  Look for signs of discomfort, anxiety, and non-compliance. If they keep pulling away from your touch, keep looking at you when you touch a certain spot, yelp or cry, then its apparent that your touch doesn't feel good to them, so stop and revisit the process another time.  Most pets come to appreciate pet massage and it can become a strong bonding period for you both ! But like anything new, it may take some time.

Paw massage is another targeted area that your dog will absolutely love!  All that running and playing leaves them with tired feet, why not pamper them with a wonderful paw massage.  This Paw Butter made specifically for Cabo Dog Boutique is full of healing properties that will condition their paws while giving you a moisturizing smell good product to give them the royal treatment.

Ear cleansers are a necessary tool to keeping your pets ears clean and healthy.  By using a good cleanser like this Lavender and Eucalyptus Ear Cleanser you can provide a casual ear and head massage at the same time.  Use clean cotton swabs and gently brush out the build up of wax and dirt.  Then gently stroke and rub your dogs ears between your thumb and index fingers, giving them a relaxing calming moment while allowing you to keep those ears squeaky clean!
If you have a young energetic dog that just won't stand still, you can try a brushing massage! Simply spritz them with a non toxic coat conditioner such as this Olive Oil Leave in Coat Conditioner. With Pro B5 Vitamins, Aloe Vera and Green Tea Extracts it will add shine to a dull, lack luster coats.  After spritzing your pet, use a soft brush and gently stroke them from head to toe in slow, light pressure strokes.  Spritz some of this wonderful spray on your finger tips and rub behind the ears, head and chest.  This is a great way to introduce the idea of massage to pets that are apprehensive to touch or a bit to energetic!

Or why not go for the puppy facial with these Infused Eye Pads.  Quick and easy wipes can keep that face smelling and looking fantastic while you rub in some extra love! This video tutorial has some awesome tips as well to get you off on the right paw for doggie massage.

Cabo Dog Boutique believes in the power of pet massage.  Even just a  few short minutes each week can be highly beneficial!! Give it a try sometime, they will thank you for it!