Relieving Pet Anxiety: Soothing Your Dog’s Nerves with Massages

It can be challenging living with an anxious dog. This kind of pet can cause so much conflict in his owner; on the one hand, you want them to feel comfortable and secure. On the other hand, you don’t want them to lose their instinct for self-preservation. Also, a panicky dog cannot help but cause his human parent to panic, as well.

One way to reduce anxiety in an animal is through massage. Before sending them to doggie daycare for a massage, you need to get them used to the idea first. When trying to massage an anxious dog, the most important this is to teach them that touch is relaxing. Here are some ways to do that naturally.

Get Them Used to Touch First

Dogs with anxiety tend to flinch or move away when someone reaches out and puts a hand on them, a fear response. Anxious dogs also shy away from fast movement. Dogs like these have an ingrained belief that people will attempt to touch them no matter how they feel.

If your dog exhibits this behavior, you must show that hands don’t bring bad things. Try getting your dog used to touch by holding up an open palm, letting them walk over, and allowing them to touch your hand. The choice to do so is what’s rewarding for them. If they want to, they can walk to you and initiate contact, which will result in a treat. If not, it’s alright; they don’t experience anxiety from getting petted.

When playing “touch,” it’s vital to be deliberate in your motions. Slowly reach toward your dog without grabbing at him. Then, once your hand is about one to two feet away from his body, toss him a treat, saying “yes!” as you do. When your dog becomes consistent in touching your hand, increase the distance between his body and your arm. If your dog walks toward your extended hand, that is when you know you can pet him.

Even then, resist the urge to run your entire hand through his fur. Start with fingertips, and make sure he gets rewards as you touch him. Keep saying “yes” and giving him treats until he gets comfortable with petting. You can also get dog training near you to make things quicker.

Start a Massage Where They’re Comfortable

When they’re looking for you to pet them, dogs will likely walk over to you and present the most comfortable area for a massage. For example, your dog might offer his head; if he does, place both hands on the area and move one hand while keeping the other one steady. When he turns his face up, it means he’s encouraging you to pet his face.

You can start with slow hand slides over the ear, neck, and shoulder areas. Then, if the dog stays, you can place your massaging hand on his side, where the ribs end, moving this hand toward you. Pass softly over his midsection, hind legs, and rump.

Be Mindful of How You Move Your Hands

Make sure your strokes are gentle and short and that you put just enough pressure on your dog’s skin, not his muscle. When your dog is comfortable, use longer strokes, keeping your entire hand on the dog with your fingers together. Also, try not to push into your dog’s skin and muscle; if you do, they’ll move the other way.

As you stroke the side, take a deep breath. Then, lift your massage hand as you exhale and continue another stroke. Doing this creates a constant rhythm, which is good for relaxation.

Allow your dog to decide if the massage is over

Finally, let your dog choose when to end the massage. Anxious dogs would want to walk away after just minutes, or even seconds, especially at first. Then, when he learns to enjoy massages, he will stay for more. If your dog starts to love massage, you can end on your terms, as long as you see that he has fully relaxed.

 Conclusion

With an anxious dog, the challenge is to get them to trust you. Since he recoils from touch, you have to show him that hands can bring good things and that they needn’t fear the result of you reaching out. Who knows; your dog might end up being the biggest massage junkie!

Visit The Paw Resort & Wellness Centre, where your pet’s comfort is our priority. As a premier doggie daycare in Brandon, MB, we offer a range of services designed to pamper your pooches like grooming, spa treatments, and more. Get in touch with us today for more information!