How to Massage a Dog's Front Leg

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How to Massage a Dog's Front Leg

Easy

15 - 30

1 Day

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Introduction

As human beings, we are only too well aware of how beneficial a good massage can be. It can help with sprains and strains in ways no other form of medicine can. But what you may not know is that these same benefits can also apply to your pup. A good massage can help stretch out muscles after a good exercise session or a long walk. We exercise our dogs to help keep them healthy and strong, but just like you, your dog is susceptible to injury. Regular massages can make the difference when it comes to reducing Joey's risk of injury.

Dog's Perspective

It might take a while for Joey to get used to having his legs massaged as these are among the more sensitive areas of his body. But the more you massage his legs, the less likely it is he will sprain or strain it while out exercising. If the injury has already occurred, then a good massage will help ease the muscles, reducing the pain and helping to speed Joey's recovery along.

The Side Method

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Step

Start on the side

Have Joey lay down on his side and sit in front of his legs where you can comfortably reach his entire leg. Place a mat or a comfortable pillow down for him to lay on in order to make the experience much more relaxing.

Step

From shoulder down

Using your fingers with your palms held flat, run them down his leg starting at the shoulder and going all the way down to his paw. Repeat and alternate hands to help Joey relax. If you'd like, you can put on a bit of music or other sounds to enhance the experience.

Step

Shoulder muscle

Carefully wrap both hands around Joey's shoulder muscle and gently pull, working your way down the length of his leg. Keep your hand firmly wrapped around the muscle. Do this two or three times. Remember that you can be firm and gentle at the same time. Don't twist or tug at the limb, as this can cause further injury.

Step

Tap, tap

Tap on the shoulder muscle with your fingertips or knuckles to help loosen the muscle. Knead the muscle using your fingers for a few minutes to help work the stiffness out of the muscle.

Step

Long leg

Using your fingers, gently pinch the long muscle in the back of Joey's leg, working your way down from his elbow to his paw and then back up again. Remember to not put too much force on any one area, as this can hurt and be uncomfortable.

Step

Repeat

Repeat the above step several times to ease the stiffness in his leg. Once you are done with one leg, then you can move over the other side. Do this on a regular basis to help keep Joey's legs stay limber. You may even choose to do this once or twice a day if it seems to be doing him some good.

The Stiff Joint Method

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Step

Start with petting

Start out by gently petting Joey's leg, paying close attention to the joint that is stiff. This will help warm up the muscle and prepare it to be massaged. It can also get Joey into the right mood to continue the massage.

Step

Place your hands

Place your hands on the shoulder muscle and being applying gentle compressions. The compressions help to move fluids through the muscles and helps to take much of the tension from the tendons.

Step

Use your breathing

Use your breathing to set the rhythm and make sure you do not apply direct pressure to Joey's bones. If you'd like, you can also use white noise or music to go along with the massage. This can also keep him relaxed throughout.

Step

Up and down the leg

Massage Joey's leg gently up and down by gently rubbing and squeezing the muscles. This will help to relieve the tension and help reduce any pain. You'll want to repeat this a few times in order to really work away at the tension and offer relief.

Step

Finish up with petting

Finish by petting his shoulder muscles to soothe them and make him more comfortable. This will also ease the nerves in his leg. Remember that you can always repeat this process to relieve stiffness, pain, and stress.

Caution & Considerations

Never apply direct pressure to any of Joey's bones as this can be painful and lead to lasting injury.
Always work the muscles gently at first until they have had time to warm up. If you try to stretch them cold, you could cause serious injury.
Although Joey might not like being massaged at first, when he realizes just how much pain relief he gets and how much more flexible his legs are, he might learn to enjoy it.
You can massage Joey's legs at any time, not just when he is injured.
You can use stretching exercises daily to help prevent muscle strains and sprains.
If your dog has a severe injury, consult a veterinarian beforehand to ensure that you will not be exacerbating it to the point of making it worse. Get a professional opinion and take note of any doctor's orders.
Make the room as comfortable as possible. There's no need to sit on a hard, cold floor without warmth or comfort. You may also choose to use pillows and blankets as necessary for both you and Joey.

Conclusion

Learning how to find the individual muscles is a lot harder than learning how to massage them. The best thing you can do is give Joey massages at every opportunity, as this will help keep his joints and muscles healthy and keep you in practice. Be sure to give him a treat when you are all done to wrap up the session and reinforce that massages are pleasant.

How to Massage a Dog's Front Leg

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Side Method

The Stiff Joint Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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