Animal Massage

The first known human massage documentation was in 2700 BC in China. Early Egyptian hieroglyphics shows "animal healers" using massage on animals and horse massage was known to be used in China and ancient Rome.

In present day, animal massage was not widespread until a physical therapist named, Jack Meaher, who specialized in sports massage began massage horses in the 1970s. He worked on race and show horses even working on the Olympic team.

photo via http://www.dogarthritisblog.info/dog-physical-therapy-1/massage-for-dog-arthritis-treatment-where-do-i-start/

Here are some websites for simple dog massage techniques:

http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/articles/how-massage-your-dog/2028

http://www.greatdane-dog-world.com/dog-massage.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/6-easy-techniques-for-home-dog-massage.html#b

photo via http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-magazines/dogfancy/dog-channel-exclusive/dog-fancy-exclusive-0808/massage-an-arthritic-dog.aspx

Yes, cats benefit from the same things as dog do. Here are some websites that gives you tips on giving a cat massage:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_massage

http://lacetoleather.com/catmassage.html

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/cat-massage.html

http://www.cozycatfurniture.com/cat_newsletters/catnewsletter18.html

photo via http://gawker.com/cat-massage/

One is a malamute/husky who runs like the devil and the other is an elder terrier mutt with SARDS.

I massage Sky (the husky) after she's had an active day of running and playing. I massage her back legs and her rump since she seems to like that. She also begs for cuddle time so we get into my bed and she lets me spoon her as I rub her tummy. She adores face massage from my husband, he massage her forehead and she loves when he rubs the inside of her ears. She doesn't like it when I do it much.

Nani-Girl has SARDS which means she's been completely blind since March 2011. She's on a steroid treatment every 2 months to keep her legs functioning (without it, it seems she loses motor function in her front right leg). Because she is blind, she is always looking for affection and touch. I massage her back and pet her. My husband rubs her tummy in the morning as she kisses the air around her. She doesn't like her feet to be touched.

Massage really benefits my dogs and I do it every day for them because it doesn't take so much time and they love it! I do to.