Massage and bodywork can contribute significantly to your pet's ease of movement, health, and quality of life. In addition to reducing muscle soreness, deepening your relationship, and providing well-deserved pampering, massage can:

• Boost the immune system
• Improve the quality and symmetry of movement
• Support better joint health and function
• Promote earlier detection of stresses and strains
• Stimulate circulation for greater health of all tissues
• Help reduce risk, severity, and frequency of injuries
• Improve athletic agility and coordination
• Reduce the effects of stress
• Minimize restrictions caused by old scar tissue
• Reduce or eliminate adhesions, knots, and other restrictions
• Improve skeletal alignment for more efficient movement and posture
• Release endorphins (natural pain killers)
• Lower blood pressure
• Improve digestion

For canine athletes and show dogs, massage can also be used to:

• Increase elasticity of muscles
• Improve muscle function
• Increase range of motion, flexibility and stride length
• Increase performance level at shows and events, and reduce recovery time
• Warm and stimulate the muscles prior to events, e.g. herding, agility, and obedience
• Check for injuries after events and help the body cool down and remove toxins

Learn how to help the animals you love with canine body massage taught by Megan Ayrault...

Megan Ayrault is a licensed massage practitioner and teacher at the Northwest School of Animal Massage in Washington, who has put together a FREE Online Video Series to teach you how to balance, soothe, and energize your pet.

• Helping Your Dog's Hips: An On-Line Class
• Introduction to Shiatsu/Acupressure (coming soon)
• Rescue Dog Massage: Natural Healing Secrets
• Rescued & Adopted Dog Care: What You Need to Know