How to Give Your Pet a Massage

In 2005, $36.3 billion dollars was spent on pets in the United States, reports CNN, and that number is only rising. It's clear that pets, whether they be furry, feathered or even covered in scales, are considered members of the family in many households. With all of the money spent on pets to improve their happiness and health, try something beneficial for them that is 100 percent free. Massage is a way to spend time with your pet and promote wellness. Massage decreases muscle pain and stress while increasing circulation and flexibility for both cats and dogs.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat
  • Dog
  • Water
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Instructions

  1. Cat Massage

    • 1

      Dampen hands before beginning massage. Your hands should be wet, but not dripping.

    • 2

      Stroke your cat with flat palms in a way it enjoys. Allow your damp hands to smooth across the cat's body to remove moulted fur.

    • 3

      Press your fingertips firmly all over the cat's body to check for any bumps, ticks or cuts.

    • 4

      Move your hands to cat's favorite areas; usually the ears, neck, and back.

    • 5

      Stroke the cat in its favorite areas until it relaxes, allowing you greater access for massage.

    • 6

      Move hands to your cat's back and begin to massage each side of the spine with small, firm circular motions of your fingertips. Do not remove your hands from the cat's body, keep continual contact.

    • 7

      Massage down the cat's back to the hind legs.

    • 8

      Massage down the legs to the paws, gently flexing the paws in your hands.

    • 9

      Move your hands to the chest and massage down to the belly and forelegs. If your cat dislikes being touched on the stomach, move directly on to the forelegs.

    • 10

      Stroke your cat's entire body with slow, soothing touches to end the massage.

    Dog Massage

    • 11

      Allow the dog to lie on the floor.

    • 12

      Stroke your dog slowly from head to tail in a way it enjoys.

    • 13

      Massage the face with small, circular strokes, relaxing the dog.

    • 14

      Massage down the neck and gently pinch loose skin.

    • 15

      Massage the shoulders and chest with the same firm, circular strokes.

    • 16

      Move on to the legs. Rub the legs with three fingers, against the growth of the fur and then with it.

    • 17

      Squeeze the paws softly, holding each paw in your hand for 30 seconds or more.

    • 18

      Massage along the muscle on either side of the spine. Use your thumb and forefinger to do this.

    • 19

      Squeeze the dog's tail firmly from root to tip.

    • 20

      Stroke your dog slowly from head to tail to end the massage.