• Set up a regular time to massage your dog. Your canine pal is surely worth 20 minutes of your day or week for quality, undivided time. Your first few sessions may last only 10 minutes. As you build confidence and assuredness in your massage techniques, both you and your dog will learn to enjoy and look forward to each massage session.
  
  
• Provide soft, non-lyrical, and non-threatening music. It will help both of you to relax and unwind. Music with animal, bird or nature sounds will be distracting and television is also a distraction. Gentle, Classical music works very well.
  
  
• It is best not to massage immediately after feeding. Massage directly affects the digestive process. Also, the aroma of food cooking is a huge distraction. Your massage time together is not a time for you to focus on other plans, activities or worries. Give your dog your undivided attention for this period of time.
  
  
• Always wash your hands before you begin with unscented soap, if possible. Dogs have very sensitive noses and the smell on your hands of food, perfume/lotion, plants, etc., will distract them.
  
  
• Remember that your breathing needs to be in harmony with the massage techniques you are applying. Again, you will find this relaxes you as well as your dog.
  
  
• Before the massage session begins, remember to “ask for permission” on an energetic level, and wait for your answer. The dog may lean into your body, sit or lie down…you will become aware of acceptance as you become more familiar with your dog. Dogs have moods just like people, and there will be times when he/she is more receptive to touch than others.
  
  
• Maintaining contact with both hands is essential. As you stroke your dog’s body with one hand, be sure to maintain contact with the other hand at all times. Your hand also holds the body in position so you can comfortably reach where you need to touch. Your hand supports and reassures your dog that you are there for them as a healing and loving presence. On an energetic level, you are maintaining a closed and continuous bioelectrical-magnetic circuit by keeping both hands on your dog at all times.

Special Note:

Sometimes, direct massage is not the answer and there are times when massage is not recommended. However, these times are a perfect opportunity to administer "off-the-body" therapies by massaging the area, while not directly touching them. You will need to keep an inch or two above the skin. These are contraindications.

Before applying massage, check with your Veterinarian if:

• Your dog has open wounds, blisters or abrasions, lesions, or has been diagnosed with “certain kinds” of cancer. Many kinds of cancer benefit greatly from massage.
  
  
• Your dog has had a recent fracture, although gentle massage directly above and below in the direction toward the heart, will increase blood flow and decrease healing time.
  
  
• If your dog has a fever.