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MASSAGE AND
THE ELDERLY DOG
BY STEPHANIE KISZKA
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Dogs in their golden years benefit greatly from massage therapy in many ways. Massage reduces pain and stiffness common in aging dogs, making it easier for them to get up and down, stabilize and balance themselves, and move about comfortably. Massage promotes circulation which is typically decreased in the older dog. With the influx of blood to an area comes much needed oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, making them stronger, more flexible, less painful, less spastic, and keeps the muscles toned which has an added bonus of slowing muscle atrophy. Massage is a natural, chemical free way to relieve aches and pains that our elderly pets suffer quietly with. After receiving massage, many owners say their dogs act more lively, play, and participate in activities they haven’t shown interest in for a long time.
Arthritis is common in the geriatric dog. It is a vicious pain-tension-more pain cycle that begins with irritation and inflammation in the joints and leads to improper bone deposition with spurring and rough surfaces creating enormous pain. This continuous pain leads to muscle tenseness, limping, compensatory changes in muscle groups, and restriction of blood flow. Sedentary dogs who don’t like to move much because of the pain lose muscle mass quickly which further weakens the joints. While massage can’t cure arthritis, it is highly effective in reducing resulting pain and muscle tension, maintaining muscle bulk and tone, and has been proven to slow the degenerative process. It increases and maintains flexibility and range of motion, allowing dogs improved mobility. Exercise, good diet, and regular massage therapy can play a significant role in keeping elderly dogs moving and comfortable.
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