When stressed, people usually go to spa to get massage to relax and relieve the stress and tension. Benefits of getting the proper massage are numerous and well known. What about our beloved pets? Could they also benefit from massage? Pet massage is similar to a human massage and it has effects on relaxing or improving its physical and emotional condition. Professional massage therapists are trained to do pet massage and they have to learn about animal general health and anatomy. Pet massage can be for the whole body or it can be partial (concentrated on certain areas) and pressure depends on size and type of the animal. Massage is not petting, it is focused, intentional and deliberate touch in order to balance, soothe and energize.
Pet massage could improve blood circulation, immune system and digestive system. Better blood circulation reduces many negative effects of diseases and helps every cell receive enough oxygen and nutrients. House pets often do not exercise enough, so pet massage can be done as some kind of physical exercise to improve muscle tone. Animals who are physically active could benefit from massage also, because it can help them improve agility, flexibility and muscle strength. After all, pet massage is good way for an owner to let the pet feel loved, because animals often perceive the heat from human touch as an expression of love and care.
Animal lovers usually do the best possible to make sure that their pets are always kept healthy and safe. It is painful for pet owners to see their pets get sick. Pet massage on regular basis could bring important changes in a pet’s condition and health in general. Medical advice sometimes can be even sought before the health problem becomes advanced. Anyhow, it has to be mentioned that the pet massage is not substitution for veterinary care, but it complements it.