Upgrade from Petting to Massage

by Xiomara Iraheta

Massaging your dog can be beneficial for various health reasons; it can increase blood circulation, help relieve aches and pains, reduce blood pressure and even soothe away fears. But massaging an elderly dog can really tune you to your dog’s evolving body. Best of all, it will make you two feel closer than ever before knowing that you enjoy caring for one another.

It’s best to establish a routine for massage time with your dog, try doing it once a week and gradually doing it daily but don’t let it become a chore; it should remain a pleasant experience for the both of you.

First, you want to ease them into the massage by setting the mood or calming them down with Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer all you have to do is s pray the product into your hand and let your dog breathe in the soothing aroma of lavender and chamomile essential oils and they’ll be enchanted. Spray it on their coat and you’ll have a well conditioned and detangled coat to run your fingers through. If you’ve got more of an anxious or nervous dog you may want to try Sleepytime Tonic that will nourish their physical nervous system and set them to enjoy the pleasures of massage.

If you’re living with a city dog, you’re probably used to leaving them home alone for the majority of the day-so the next time you call out, “Honey, I’m home” why not rekindle your love with a massage using some of the following techniques.

Palm Strokes:

Take your palms and slightly cup them. Place them face down on a large part of your dog’s body, like the back. Working your hands in a breast-stroke-like motion (or wax- on wax-off motion) massage your pet outward. Stroke heavy on the way up and lighter on the way down. The variation in the pressure makes it more pleasurable for your dog.

Thumb Strokes:

Draw tiny circles with your thumbs, using both simultaneously. Apply a good amount of pressure, slowly in circular movements to produce a tingly sensation. Beware not to apply this technique directly on the spine because it’s painful so do it on each side which feels great.

Quack Strokes:

Take your hands and form duck beaks or bills facing each other, have both slightly open and motion so that the bottom part of one goes inside the other. Work diagonally on your dog using a rhythmic pattern. Apply more pressure on the hindquarters than the abdomen area.

Factors to consider with Joint Mobility

· Hindquarters - since they’re using their back legs a lot less the circulation to their kidneys get reduced. Gently massage their back legs with thumb strokes and feel out their stiff and tense muscles. Only begin to press a little deeper when his muscles relax.

· Weight - a recent study published claimed that half of pets are overweight. Carrying around extra weight makes mobility even harder on your aging dog. If you’re not sure whether your dog’s weight is affecting their joint mobility make sure to ask your vet for more specific diet advice.

· Exercise - he may not be as mobile as before but taking more frequent walks for shorter distances can help keep your dog active and healthy as he ages.

· Collagen - is the most abundant protein found in joint cartilage and New Bio Cell Collagen Type II helps build new cartilage and reduce further damage to the joints. This patented, all natural ingredient is extremely absorbable so more of the formula gets to the site of the problem. Joint Resolution by happytails helps improve joint mobility and flexibility, promote healthy strong connective tissue, is easy to administer and is organically grown and ethically harvested herb.

*For more massage tips and advice see Jane Buckle’s How to Massage Your Dog and Maryjean Ballner’s Dog Massage .

Creating Doggie Nirvana at Home

by Xiomara Iraheta

You’ve rightfully treated yourself to a series of outdoor activities this summer but your four-legged friend has been stuck at home. So why not thank them for their loyalty and unconditional love with a special Doggie Spa Day at home.

To set the mood, start by playing relaxing music of your choice and lighting a couple of candles to introduce your dog to aromatherapy. Make sure the candles are set high or away from a wagging tail.

Using a gentle tone of voice and positive verbal praises will assure your dog that he’s been a good boy and that the bath that’s about to ensue is no ordinary one.

Paying special attention to the bath’s water temperature is key to initiating physical contact with your little buddy, make sure it’s not too cold and not too hot.

Begin by applying a soothing oatmeal shampoo, like Comfy Dog that will help replenish that itchy and dry skin from summer dirt, sand and sun damage.

Surely you want to work your fingers down to the root of the hair but now you’re doing more than simply washing you can motion your hands into a deep-tissue like massage while lathering in the super rich conditioner, Fur Butter .

As soon as your dog is getting ready to pass out from your relaxing massage and he’s all rinsed off you can add a little extra touch of shine to their coat with happytails’ Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer , just spray a bit of the intoxicating lavender aroma and the brush out will prove to be nothing less than pleasurable.

Continue to dry and brush out your little one, taking in the incredible sight and smell of your brand new and fully rejuvenated dog.

And now it’s time for PAWdicures! bowWOW Butter Balm is perfect for those dry, cracked paws, apply some bowWOW and those paw pads will heal and feel conditioned. Rub a little on their nose to keep it moist and delicious. You can get in on the action too, since bowWOW is all natural and human safe it’s great for your dry cuticles, elbows and dry patches.

This unique time and attention you’ve dedicate to your dog may seem like a real TREAT but you can really prove their worth by having an assortment of yummy treats at hand.

Think it may be tough to track down the essentials for this Doggie Spa Day, think again, click here and you and your pup are on the road to creating your own sanctuary.