How to Massage a Big Dog

Medium
20 - 30 Minute
1 Day

Introduction

Max is a large hunting dog, used to scent, track and chase big game across rough terrain. After returning from their most recent hunting trip in the mountains, Max’s owner notices that he seems a little stiff and sore. Maybe he overdid it! 

Big dogs can have big orthopedic and muscle problems. Many connective tissue and musculoskeletal conditions are common in large dogs because of their increased weight, conformation and structure, and their high activity level. Large working dogs, especially, are subject to joint and muscle strain while traveling over rough terrain outdoors, running hard, and making sharp twists and turns herding livestock or hunting game. 

Even if your big dog is not a working dog, large limbs exert lots of strain on muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints when playing or running, or as your dog ages. A massage to loosen overworked muscles, get fluids moving and to lubricate joints for better movement as well as to increase blood flow and oxygenation to tissues, can be helpful for relieving soreness and helping injuries heal in your big dog. He may seem tough, but your large dog may need a little TLC in the form of a massage if he strains or injures himself!

Dog's Perspective

Most big dogs are pretty appreciative of a massage, providing it is introduced slowly and done gently. Dogs do not appreciate deep tissue massages, which can be painful. Unlike humans, who understand the therapeutic benefits of intensive massage, your dog is not going to understand if aggressive massage hurts. Although you can use firmer pressure massaging a big dog than a small dog, you will still need to be cautious and apply pressure slowly to determine what your dog feels comfortable with.

The Lying Down Method

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1
Pick arelaxed time
Walk your dog to relax him, or pick a time of day when he is sleepy like later in the day after a large meal.
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2
Lay dog on one side
Ask your dog to lie on one side and stroke him up and down his body, starting from the neck backwards.
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3
Stroke
Gradually increase pressure while stroking your dog. Repeat strokes with pressure placed through the palm of your hand on large muscles like in the shoulder and hip.
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4
Make circles and kneading motions
Start making circular motions with your hand or kneading with fingers. Wrap fingers around legs and run down the length of the limbs.
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5
Change sides
Ask your dog to roll onto his back for a belly massage, then ask him to flip over so you can repeat the massage on his other side.

The Sitting Down Method

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Burn off energy
Play with or walk your big dog to burn off excess energy. Wait after exercise until your dog is relaxed.
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2
Have dog sit
Have your big dog sit in front of you on the floor while you kneel or sit on the floor beside him, or ask him to jump up on a steady table like a large dog grooming table or a picnic table.
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3
Find sensitive spots
Put one hand on your dog's chest and the other on the back of his neck. Start stroking and applying pressure, running your hand down your dog's back and sides. Note tight spots or areas where your dog seems sensitive.
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4
Massage limbs
Wrap your hand around your dog’s leg and squeezed lightly, run your hand down to his paw, hold and squeeze paw lightly.
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5
Work on sensitive areas
Go back to any problem areas and gently apply pressure in a circular motion with the palm of your hand or fingertips to loosen knots. If your dog shows discomfort or avoids touch, stop touching that area and move to another, you can try returning to the sensitive area later if your dog is comfortable and allows pressure there. Be responsive to your dog.

Caution & Considerations

  • Do not force a dog to be massaged where they are uncomfortable.
  • If your dog has an injury, be careful when massaging or handling the area. You may need to seek advice from a trained veterinary massage therapist for guidance on massage techniques for the area.
  • Check for skin and coat conditions, parasites and other issues while massaging, and treat appropriately.
  • Do not lift a big dog that is too large for you to handle onto an elevated surface. You or the dog could be injured. Massage on the floor if necessary.

Conclusion

Because big dogs tend to spend lots of time outside and may be working dogs, running, jumping, turning, and traveling over rough terrain can strain muscles and cause injury. Sore muscles, joints, and ligaments can benefit from massage, which loosens muscles that are in spasm, increases blood supply to tissues, and improves synovial fluid movement in joints. All of these things can decrease pain and discomfort your dog may be experiencing from routine muscle stress, or help heal an injury your big dog may have sustained during activity. 

Remember, big dogs have large limbs that support big muscles and bulk. They are subject to injury and strain from work or routine activity. Massage your big dog by getting down to his level or having him sit on a sturdy surface. It may be easier to massage a big dog while he is lying or sitting down. Do not apply to much pressure; let your dog’s reactions guide you.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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