No. 5: Pet Massage
All that napping, playing and day-to-day stress can quickly produce anxiety, sore muscles or an aching back in an active pet. Massage is one low-cost, low-key way to relax, encourage trust and strengthen the emotional bond between pets and owners. For animals with extreme health problems or injuries, pet massage is best left to the professionals. But owners interested in performing pet massage themselves have a multitude of sources to choose from. Veterinarians can provide a basic tutorial on pressure points, strokes and other technical guidance. Books, videos and Web sites are also available for at-home practitioners to learn the fundamentals. Experts recommend that novice massagers tread lightly in the beginning, keeping an eye out for any warning sign that the pet isn't enjoying the experience, such as growling, flinching or tensing. The gentle pressure of massage, coupled with a calm atmosphere, can put the wag back in the tail of a previously sore or anxious animal.
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