Pawsitive Vibes: Canine Massage for Optimal Veterinary Health and Wellness

By: Patti Fluegel, VT, CCMT

July 5th, 2023

Just like humans, dogs can benefit greatly from the power of touch. Canine massage is not only a luxurious treat for your beloved pet, but it also offers a myriad of health benefits that promote relaxation, pain relief, and overall well-being. Whether your canine companion is an active athlete, a senior dog with joint stiffness, or simply in need of some TLC, this ancient healing art can work wonders.

Benefits of Canine Massage

1. 1. Reduces stress and anxiety: Dogs can become stressed and anxious just like humans. Massage therapy can help to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety in dogs.
2. 2. Improves circulation: Massage therapy can improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the muscles and other tissues. This can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
3. 3. Relieves pain and tension: Helps to relieve pain and tension in the muscles, joints, and other soft tissues. This can be especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis or other chronic conditions.
4. 4. Enhances bonding: Massage therapy can help to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. The physical touch involved in massage can help to build trust and create a deeper connection between dogs and their humans.

Who Can Benefit from Canine Massage?

1. 1. Senior dogs: As dogs age, they may experience arthritis, joint pain, and other age-related conditions. Massage therapy can help to reduce pain and improve mobility in senior dogs.
2. 2. Working dogs: Dogs that work in law enforcement, search and rescue, or other physically demanding jobs can benefit from massage therapy to help relieve muscle tension and prevent injuries.
3. 3. Dogs with anxiety: Dogs that suffer from anxiety, whether due to separation anxiety, noise phobias, or other causes, can benefit from massage therapy to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
4. 4. Dogs recovering from surgery or injury: Dogs that are recovering from surgery or injury can benefit from massage therapy to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent muscle atrophy.

Canine massage is a safe and effective form of therapy that can benefit dogs of all ages and conditions, whether your dog is a working dog or a senior dog.

Patti Fluegel, VT, CCMT - Patti graduated from the New England Institute of Technology with an Associates in Science Degree in Veterinary Technology (VT), then went on to pursue training as a Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CRP) at the University of Tennessee, a worldwide leader in physical rehabilitation of small animals. She continued to grow her passion for helping geriatric patients and other arthritic dogs and went on to become a Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CCMT) at the Brandenburg Massage Therapy program.

Now an empty-nester, Patti recently moved across the country from the east coast to begin her next chapter here in Colorado with her fiance, her 5-year-old lab, Jewels, and her 15-year-old border collie mix, Coco.

MoVET is proud to welcome and partner with Patti to offer our clients Mobile Massage throughout the Denver area as well as in-clinic days at MoVET @ Belleview Station.

Patti's upcoming In-Clinic dates are:

• Saturday, September 9th
• Saturday, September 23rd

If interested, please email info@movetcare.com or call/text 720-507-PETS (7387) our office for details.