This question is one I frequently discuss with human clients while I treat their dog.

We all know the feeling of first touching a sore muscle and how that discomfort increases as the intensity of the massage increases. As humans, we know the massage is doing us good so we persevere and hold still, often fighting the urge to move away from the source of pain. Gradually, the discomfort gives way to an ache and then a warm, “gooey” (that is a technical term) feeling in the muscle. By the end of the massage or within a couple of days post-massage, the muscles are pain free and feel pliable and well hydrated.

Anatomically, our dogs’ muscular and nervous systems are similar to ours, so there is no reason to think the feelings we have in our muscles during a massage are significantly different to that of our dogs. The main difference is in how our dogs perceive and respond to the experience.

So do dogs know that massage is good for them?

I don’t presume to know what dogs think. What I do observe are the signs that dogs give me when I treat them. These signs tell me that (some) dogs choose to participate in a massage treatment.

1. Lean into the massage

My canine clients, particularly those who are familiar with the sensation of massage will often lean into my hand movements. They press their body against my hand and dictate the level of pressure I apply. This is a good sign to me that the dog willingly accepts the treatment.

2. Move away, come back

I respect the dog’s space and their need to feel safe during a treatment. I allow dogs to have breaks and move away (within reason) from the treatment. These little breaks let the dog assimilate the experience and participate in the treatment in their own time.

A sign that a dog accepts the treatment is when they choose to come back to the treatment after a mini-break. Sometimes when they return, the dog presents the part of the body they want me to treat.

3. Crazy dog

While we try and keep dogs calm after a treatment some dogs voluntarily get quite excited, lively and bounce around after a treatment. I even have some senior patients who are a little slow and wobbly on their legs before a treatment who become quite active and enthusiastic afterward. I interpret the dog’s reaction as relief from discomfort. We know that massage relieves pain and muscle tension, so the dog’s reaction is understandable. (See also blog on Massage for Pain Management)

4. Relax into treatment

For dogs that are quite sore, they will often move around during the treatment. For these dogs particularly, when a muscle spasm is released or a knot massaged out, the dog will frequently sigh, go to sleep or adopt their relaxation posture.

For my boy, his relaxed posture is one front paw turned under. For another canine client, she crosses her front paws when she is relaxed. I always look out for these postures because I know the treatment can really benefit a dog that has fully relaxed.

While dogs can’t verbalise how they feel about a treatment, these signs, for me, are good indicators that dogs “know” that massage feels good to them and that they feel better afterward.

Full Stride offers canine massage, physical therapy and nutrition services on the northside of Brisbane. I would love to chat to you about how Full Stride may benefit your dog so please contact me at jlconlon@fullstride.com.au.
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Until next time, enjoy your dogs.