Dog massage, explained: benefits, techniques, and safety tips

Most pet parents like to pamper their pup every now and then, and a massage can be a great way to do this. Dog massage provides both relaxation and therapeutic benefits, and it’s also a great bonding exercise.

But do dogs like massages, and are massages good for dogs? We’ll explore all of this and much more in our dog massage guide.

What’s a dog massage (and can you do it at home)?

Much like massage in humans, dog massage is associated with improving your pet’s physical and mental wellbeing. For example, it can help with their flexibility and reduce stress, plus it’s a good way to bond with your tailmate.

Some pet parents use a professional canine massage therapist to help their pet, but you can also do some dog massage yourself at home. Before diving in, there are a few things to be aware of first.

The benefits of dog massage

So, are massages good for dogs? Yes.

Physical touch has been shown to increase oxytocin levels in dogs. This ‘love hormone’ is responsible for reducing stress and enhancing bonding between parent and pet. If done correctly, dog massage can be a great way to do this.

The right movements also have therapeutic benefits, like improving circulation, aiding rehabilitation from injuries, and assisting with pain management. Some studies go as far as to show that dogs receiving massage therapy for their chronic pain are significantly more likely to have a ‘positive’ quality of life.

Use cases for dog massage

Massage therapy is most commonly used in senior or injured pets. In both cases, massage can improve blood flow to affected areas, which increases oxygen and nutrient delivery.

Massage will also help reduce swelling and release feel-good endorphins, both of which can be helpful in pain management.

It can be useful in anxious or stressed dogs too, as physical touch and bonding exercises can help improve their mental wellbeing.

How to massage a dog: A step-by-step guide

• Speak to your vet: We always recommend speaking to your vet before starting massage therapy on your dog. While massage can be a useful aid, many conditions still require other treatments like surgery, pain relief, or dietary changes alongside complementary therapies.

• Get proper technical advice: If you’ve got the ok from your vet, then you might want to speak to a professional physiotherapist or a dog massage therapist next. They can tailor a massage program specifically to your dog’s needs and provide guidance if you want to have a go yourself.

• Create a relaxing environment: When doing a massage session, make a comfortable place for your dog to lie and allow plenty of time so that you are not rushed.

• Focus on large muscles: Start massaging larger muscle groups using the techniques a professional has demonstrated. Movements may involve stroking with light to medium pressure in the direction of hair growth, kneading compression-type strokes, and concussive strokes like tapping and chopping.

• Monitor body language: Always check your dog’s body language, ensuring they are comfortable and relaxed. If they seem unsettled, either try a different muscle group, reduce your pressure, or stop the session altogether.

• Gentle stretches: Incorporate some gentle stretches into your massage routine to help with joint flexibility. Don’t overextend your pet’s legs though, as this may be painful.

• Keep things positive: Use treats and praise while massaging your pet, so that they feel even more positive about their massage experience. Short sessions are also better than long ones for many pets.

How to massage the most common body parts

Hips/hind legs (how to massage dog hips for arthritis)

Dog massage for hind leg stiffness is aimed at the muscles that surround and support the joint, rather than the joint itself.

Try to move your hands around throughout the massage so you are not overworking one muscle group, and alternate between different stroking and kneading actions can also help.

Back (for spine comfort)

Gently work the muscles either side of the spine, rather than putting direct pressure on the spine itself. Use long smooth strokes going from head to tail to begin with, before gently kneading and tapping muscles in the problem zone, avoiding any bony areas. Avoiding bony areas is key when considering where not to touch a dog during a massage.

Ears/head (example: dog ear massage for anxiety)

Use long, gentle sweeping motions to stroke your dog’s head. Massage their ear flaps using gentle circular motions on the outer edges with your fingertips. If your dog is happy, run your thumbs up the bridge of their nose and over their forehead area, repeating several times.

Common health conditions that massage can help with

• Anxious or stressed dogs: Massage can release muscle tension and reduce cortisol (the ‘stress’ hormone). It also increases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and love.

• Back issues: Dogs with spondylosis or intervertebral disc disease may benefit from massage therapy. The muscles that support the back can be gently massaged if you’ve had the ok from your vet.

• Congenital abnormalities like hip and elbow dysplasia: Some pups inherit problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, or patellar luxation. These conditions can lead to mobility issues and secondary arthritis. Massage won’t cure or prevent them, but it can help improve discomfort, increase circulation to diseased areas, and help maintain joint mobility.

• Dogs that need an immune system boost: Massage helps improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. It also reduces cortisol, a hormone that can suppress immune system activity.

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can be associated with wear and tear in ageing pets, or it can be secondary to other joint issues. Massage can help improve flexibility and relieve pain in these pets.

• Post-surgical rehabilitation: Post-surgery massage can help increase circulation to the affected area, with blood flow bringing in healing nutrients and oxygen. Swelling is reduced, and feel-good endorphins are released.

• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains and myofascial pain can be uncomfortable for your pet. Massage can promote healing by improving blood flow to the area and reducing swelling.

Helpful tools for dog massage

• A soft blanket or bed: If your pet is lying down on something comfortable, they'll get more out of their massage session.

• Massage tools: While not essential, there are a variety of massage tools available which might be fun to gradually introduce. These include electric pet massagers, massaging grooming gloves and brushes, and devices like rollers or balls.

• Treats: Reward your tailmate during their massage session, especially when you are first introducing it.

Dog body language: how to tell if your dog enjoys the massage

Signs of enjoyment

• Falling asleep

• Leaning towards you

• Loose facial features

• Pawing at you for more

• Relaxed body position

• Satisfied sighs or groans

Signs of stress/pain

• Growling, yelping, or whining

• Licking their lips excessively

• Pulling away from you

• Tense muscles

• Showing the whites of their eyes (‘whale eye’)

• Yawning

When is dog massage unsafe?

Never massage your dog if they have an open wound, a suspected fracture, an infected tumour, or if they are unwell (like a fever). These dogs need urgent veterinary treatment, and massage could make things worse.

Massage could also be unsafe in dogs with blood clotting disorders as it could potentially lead to bleeding or bruising, especially with poor technique.

We always recommend speaking to your vet or a physiotherapist before you start massage therapy on your dog. Some conditions need to be treated with medication or surgery. It's also important that you are using the right massage movements.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How often can I massage my dog?

The exact frequency may depend on the condition or reasons for your massage. Generally, if your pet is comfortable and relaxed, you can perform massage on them regularly, keeping sessions short and positive.

Can I use massage oils or lotions on my dog?

Never use human products containing essential oils. Some of these can be toxic to pets. Their strong scent can also overwhelm your dog’s sensitive nose. Dog products do exist, but you can perform massage without them.

Do dogs like massages?

Some dogs like massages and others don’t – a bit like us! Always introduce massage gradually, using positive reinforcement. Never force your pet to have a massage; if they seem uncomfortable, it’s important to change your technique or stop the session.