How to Massage a Dog with Bad Hips

Hip dysplasia or arthritis are common conditions in older dogs, especially in some breeds. While massage will not cure these conditions, it can provide temporary relief of pain in the hip joint by loosening up the muscles in the area and allowing the joint better range of motion. 

If your dog has injured themself, muscles or ligaments in the hip area can go into spasm to support injured tissues. Massaging the hip area can increase blood supply, which removes toxins and increases oxygenation to injured tissues. Massage will also encourage muscles to relax, leading to reduced pain. 

Pain from an injury or a medical condition can also result in changes in your dog's gait, which can put further strain on the hip muscles and cause muscle soreness. Address pain in the hips by ruling out any degenerative condition that may require medication in addition to giving your dog a massage.

Most dogs appreciate a hip massage. The hips are not an area your dog considers invasive, and they're probably used to being petted and touched there, so massaging the hips shouldn't be difficult. 

However, if your dog is experiencing a lot of pain from a medical condition or injury, they may be more sensitive to their hips being touched. You'll want to proceed with caution so as not to cause discomfort and get a negative reaction from your dog.

Need to call in an expert? Book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you to give your furbaby the pampering they deserve.

• Don't massage broken skin, or when skin conditions or infections are present.
  
• Don't massage when there is an infection in the tissues or joints.
  
• Don't massage dislocated or broken limbs or hips.
  
• Consult a veterinarian regarding hip pain of unknown origin to determine if your dog has a medical condition that needs to be treated.
  
• Don't force a massage if your dog indicates pain or discomfort.
  
• Try to work evenly on both sides even if the injury is on one side to achieve balance and prevent strain on muscles that are overcompensating for injuries.
  

Hip pain in dogs isn't uncommon, especially as they age or exert themselves when working or playing. While a massage may not fix a chronic condition, it can provide pain relief and improve functioning in the area. 

Acute injuries can benefit from massage by relaxing muscles that have spasmed to immobilize injured tissues and by increasing blood flow to the area. Remember that even muscles that aren't injured can overcompensate when injuries occur, especially in the hip, and will benefit from a massage to oxygenate and relax straining muscle tissues. Be gentle and let your dog be your guide as to how much pressure to apply and where to apply it.

If you're not confident about giving your dog a massage, book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you instead.