Calm massage
Slow, gentle strokes from head to tail: a quiet way to bond with your dog at the end of the day.
What you need
Nothing but you and your pet.
How to do it
- Choose a quiet time when your dog is already relaxed and sit with them somewhere comfortable.
- Start at your dog's head and stroke slowly toward the tail with smooth, hand-over-hand movements.
- Around the neck and body, where the skin is looser, gently lift and release the skin.
- Keep the pressure light and watch how your dog responds.
- End the session while your dog is still relaxed.
⚠️ Safety
Supervision: Stay with your pet the whole time.
AKC advises against massage for dogs with infections, open wounds or tumors, and recommends getting your vet's approval first. This is for relaxing together, not a treatment.
👀 What to watch for
If your dog seems uncomfortable or restless, or tries to move away, use lighter pressure or stop the session.
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