Dog Massage Techniques and Tips

Mental Health 📅 August 9, 2026 👁 7810

📝 Summary

Regular massage eases a dog's anxiety and stress, and more importantly brings you and the pet much closer. How to massage a dog?

1 Overview

First open the four major lymph nodes: cervical, axillary, inguinal and popliteal.

Why open the four lymph nodes? It aids circulation and speeds toxin release.

Step 1: Open cervical lymph nodes

Slowly from the mouth downward, hand close to skin, gently pull.

Step 2: Open axillary lymph nodes

Hands at the front-leg armpits, index finger against the pit, slowly pull outward.

Step 3: Open inguinal lymph nodes

Hands at the rear-leg armpits, palm up, finger pads gently pull outward from the innermost.

Step 4: Open popliteal lymph nodes

Pinch the rear-leg pit with one hand, five fingers together, gently pull outward.

Dog massage techniques

1. Pinch: gently pinch the neck with finger pads – finger pads, never fingertips.

2. Slide: from ear base to ear tip, slowly repeat.

3. Stroke: finger pads and palm glide over the whole body from head toward tail.

4. Rub: gently rub both sides of the artery, a bit over one circle.

5. Lift: gently hold the back and lift slightly upward.

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