History of Pet Massage

Massage can benefit dogs, horses and other animals just as much as humans. It can benefit your animal friends physically, mentally and emotionally. Often we massage our animal companions without even thinking about it, by rubbing their ears, backs and tummies. It can be a wonderful way to bond with your dog, cat or other animal pals.

  1. Massage Origins

    • Massage has roots in ancient Asia, where it was used as a common healing practice in China, Tibet, and India. It gained popularity in the West beginning in the late 1700s. In the 1980s, sports massage became an accepted technique in the U.S. From the 1960s to 1990s, "alternative" healthcare modalities became more widely accepted and used in the U.S. In short, people began using these techniques on other animals not long after they gained popularity with humans.

    Animal Athletes

    • In 1970, Jack Meagher, who popularized sports massage for humans, massaged an ailing horse. This piqued his interest in animal anatomy and massage. He began working with the U.S. Three Day Event Team and Olympic Team, as well as other high-brow customers. In 1985, he wrote a book on deep massage therapy for horses, called "Beating Muscle Injuries for Horses." In 1989, he outlined a set of standards for diagnosing and treating horses with massage. In 1993, Don Doran began an equine sports massage training program.

    In Ancient Times

    • Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics show humans massaging animals. In ancient China and Rome, people massaged horses to keep them performing at their best, says Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt in "Equine Massage: A Practical Guide." Before horse massage became popular in Western culture, grooms would often rub down horses after unsaddling or unharnessing them.

    Benefits

    • As with humans, massage benefits other animals in many ways. Your animal friends will enjoy the time you spend with them, and massage will relax their bodies and minds. It will improve circulation, relieve soreness, improve muscle quality and release tension, maintaining good health. It can improve flexibility and even help to keep bones properly aligned, because tight muscles aren't pulling them out of place. Animals often groom each other, which helps them to bond as well as keep their bodies clean, so this is a great way to bond with your animal friends by speaking their language.

    Learning Massage

    • To learn how to massage your animal friends, you could take a class on animal massage. You could also ask your veterinarian to show you. Before beginning a massage routine, you should talk to your vet, particularly if your animal companion is older or has health problems. The vet might have suggestions on what to avoid or focus on. She can also help you to understand how much pressure to use. Your animal friends will thank you, and they may live longer, healthier and happier lives.