Angel is experiencing painful knee problems, but because of her advanced age, her doctor prefers to avoid surgery. Instead, she is led into a private room, where her massage therapist greets her and begins her soothing treatment. Angel's muscles immediately begin to relax in her therapist's expert hands.

Angel is a Lhasa Apso, and her massage therapist is Dawn Buman, a certified canine kinesthetic at the Best Friends Pet Resort & Salon in Indianapolis.

Once a luxury for the privileged, massage has become part of American life, and dog owners are now incorporating massage therapy as part of their pets' total health care. Dozens of websites are devoted to canine massage therapy, and scores of schools are offering courses and certification in canine massage.

Health benefits
"There are many benefits to massage therapy," said Buman. "It promotes good circulation and flexibility, and alleviates arthritic pain." Other benefits include aiding in surgical recovery, helping pets heal from emotional or physical traumas, and improved muscle tone. Massage by a professional therapist can also detect lumps or growths that may go unnoticed by traditional petting.

Canine massage employs many of the same techniques used on humans, and offers the same results: increasing circulation throughout the body, especially those areas with restricted blood flow. Massage can help relax performance dogs, show dogs, race dogs, and dogs who are employed in professional settings, such as police dogs. It can also alleviate the stress a dog feels when his environment has changed (moving to a new home, boarding, etc.).

Good for pups, too
Even young puppies benefit from massage therapy. "Massaging a pup gets him accustomed to human touch, and enforces important socialization," Buman said. "When I start to massage a pup, they think it's play. But after 5 to 10 minutes, they completely relax and just lie there and enjoy the massage. At the end of the session, they just look up at me as if to say, 'That's it? No more?"

The professional therapist, often in conjunction with a veterinarian, will evaluate the number of sessions required. Pets recovering from an injury may need several sessions each week, and puppies should be massaged following a "growth spurt." By enhancing muscle function and reducing muscle tension, massage is especially helpful for dogs suffering from arthritis or joint problems.

Massage should never be substituted for conventional veterinarian care, but is a valuable tool in facilitating healing.

Enthusiastic response
Best Friends Indianapolis Resort began offering the new service in November. Canine massage therapy is available in conjunction with boarding or grooming services, or can be scheduled as a service by itself. Fee is $20 for a 30-minute session.

The response from Best Friends pet clients -- and their owners - has been enthusiastic. "Our customers think of their pets as members of the family," explains Jennifer Stumpf, manager of Best Friends-Indianapolis. "They want their pets to receive the best possible care and attention. Canine massage can be a rewarding part of that care."

As for the pets, "it may take the dog a few minutes to figure out what's going on," says Dawn, "but then she will actually present me with the areas that are hurting."

Angel's owners, Carolyn and Tom Zilm, agree. "She's friskier when she comes home from her sessions," Mrs. Zilm said. "She's clearly more comfortable and the therapy is helping her move more easily. She also seems to be enjoying it!"

For more information, visit www.equissage.com. To book an appointment for canine massage therapy at Best Friends Pet Resort & Salon, Indianapolis, please call (317) 841-8182.

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