What Is the History of Canine Massage?

Massage has been a therapeutic modality for human beings for thousands of years. It was not until the 1990s, however, that animal massage began to emerge from under the umbrella of holistic veterinary medicine as a recognized treatment for animals.

  1. An Offshoot of Equine Massage

    • According to massage therapist Shirley Vanderbilt, equine and canine massage began several thousand years ago. Over the centuries, people have come to believe that canine massage could make the bones stronger and the skin and muscles more supple, that it could help a dog heal after surgery or an injury, and that it would increase bonding between dog and owner.

    Certification in Canine Massage

    • The Frequently Asked Questions page at PetMassage.com states that "at this time there is no recognized national certification, and only a few states offer credentialing for animal massage therapy." Some schools advertise "certificate programs," but such certificate programs only indicate that the student has completed specialized study not necessarily resulting in a diploma or a degree.

    Development of Professional Organizations

    • Several professional organizations currently exist or are being organized. One organization, the International Alliance for Animal Therapy and Healing (IAATH) promotes membership on the grounds that (among other things) it assists canine massage therapists to network, to set standards, and to protect the right to make animal health care choices.

    Canine Massage vs. Tellington Touch (TTouch)

    • Tellington Touch (TTouch) is not canine massage. TTouch is actually a "touch therapy," using light massage in combination with other methods of touching and lifting the dog's limbs. Unlike canine massage, TTouch is not taught at schools specializing in massage therapy. Information on various exercises is available through books and the TTouch website.

    The Benefits of Canine Massage

    • The benefits claimed for canine massage include: having calming properties, that it boosts the immune system and improves circulation of the blood and lymph, that it creates a bond of trust between owner and pet, and that it helps the dog heal from injuries. As with human massage, canine massages may help comfort a dog with stress or muscle pain. While some of these claims cannot be proven, many dogs that receive regular massages seem to enjoy them.