Canine Massage Therapy

Canine massage therapy can be a little tricky, especially if the therapist is not the dog's owner. Only a massage therapist who loves animals should do animal massage. If you are deathly afraid of dogs, this is not for you. And that is okay.

If the dog does not like the pressure being used or he does not like the particular place being touched, he may growl, tense up, scratch, or bite. Listen closely for a low growling and do not look away from the dog. Watch closely for the curling of a lip. These signs could mean a painful bite is coming.

If this occurs or you sense the animal is not pleased with you, back off immediately. Stop the massage and move away from the dog. Do not scream or yell. Speak gently to the dog and try to develop a rapport.

It is important to build trust with the dog. This is usually done over several visits. Most of the time, canine massage is enjoyed by dogs. They love it unless they feel threatened or mistreated.

Do not yell or speak sharply to the dog. Don't work on a dog unless you know for sure that he/she has been vaccinated for rabies within the past 12 months. This is for the therapist's own protection. Rabies shots for humans are painful and expensive. For your own protection, you should require proof that the pet has been vaccinated for rabies.