We really noticed how powerful massage can be when Brady was sick with pancreatitis. Comforting a sick dog can be a deeply nurturing experience that can bring you and your dog closer. When our pets fall ill, they often exhibit signs not only of discomfort but also vulnerability and anxiety. This can make owners feel anxious as well, especially when they feel helpless. One of the most effective ways to provide comfort is through physical presence. Watching Julie sit at the hospital with Brady as he was suffering through his pancreatitis was very emotional for us all, but Julie and Brady formed a special bond during that time. We believe it contributed to his recovery. Sitting with your sick dog, gently stroking their fur, and maintaining a soothing tone can help them feel reassured. Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions, so projecting a sense of calm can go a long way in easing their anxiety. Letting them know they are loved is pretty good medicine in our book.
Belly-Rubs for Your Dog
This is a no-brainer. There are not many healthy dogs who don’t like a nice belly rub. That said, dogs with an internal illness such as pancreatitis and or some liver ailments may need a gentle, feather-light touch or light scratching. When we brought Brady home after his time at the hospital, he would lay belly up on Julie’s lap while she gently rubbed his belly when we watched TV at night.
However, we don’t save these for times when Brady is feeling bad. We feel this is another way to strengthen and expand our bond and trust. Brady gets a belly rub from me, plus other kinds of attention every evening. I did this even before his pancreatitis, so I didn’t stop after he wasn’t sick…he wouldn’t have allowed that anyway. 🙂
When I give him his rub, I sit on the floor with Brady between my legs…his head toward me and I rub his belly for a few minutes before moving on to his body massage (see next paragraph). Of course some dogs aren’t keen on exposing their vulnerable stomachs, especially if they have a painful ailment that affects that area. So use common sense and make sure to talk to your veterinarian if you notice their stomach is unusually tender or you feel anything unusual.
Body Massages for Your Dog
After I scratch and rub Brady’s stomach, I also stretch him out on his back and massage all the joints in his hips, legs, and shoulders. He gets as big a kick out of it as I do. I work on him a little at a time. He grunts and groans with pleasure. It’s pretty funny actually.
We live in Bangkok where medicinal massage was developed, and Julie and I indulge in both foot massages and traditional Thai massage occasionally. I’m not going to be a hypocrite and deny the benefits of a good massage for my pooch as he is getting older too. I’m easy on the little guy though (unlike some Thai medicinal massage Julie and I get…but it hurts so good).
After I massage his joints, I roll him over onto his stomach and do a concentrated, tiny-finger massage from his tail forward, massaging gently on each vertebra and the supporting muscle structure. I spend lots of time all around his neck. He especially likes it when I rub his cheeks just under his ears. I finish by rubbing his head.
Every dog is different. Your routine will be different, but the connection will grow between you and your dog whatever you two come up with. The routine I describe is what works for Brady. I think I’m doing something right because sometimes, when I’m done, he’s so relaxed, he will just lay on his back spread-eagle for up to 30 minutes. I take that as a sign of approval from Brady.
Paw Rubs for Your Dog
After his body massage, some days it’s time for his foot rub. At first, Brady didn’t really like having his feet messed with, so it took me a while to talk him into paw rubs. Now, after a long hike, he likes a foot rub as much as we do.
I roll him onto his back and start with his right rear paw. I spend just a couple of minutes on each paw, using an open palm and my thumb as the massage point. The firmness is up to you and your dog. I’m looking into some doggie foot-balm and I’ll let you know about that when I’ve tried it. (But be sure that if you use anything it is made specifically for dogs. Human ointments and salves can hurt your dog.) A dog’s feet are as important as ours, if not more. Any sore feet, dogs or humans, affect other parts of the body as well. Keeping feet feeling good helps keep everyone healthy and active.
Topics of Conversation with Your Dog
Julie usually goes to bed earlier than me. This is when I give Brady his rub down, and while he gets his massage, I tell him about my day. Brady is a true sport and is pretty much OK with whatever we talk about. He likes to hear about the random things I learn “rabbit-holing” online. He just likes the sound of my voice. The trick is speaking with a steady, calm voice that drips with love. I use his name often as well as the word love. Be sure to speak clearly so they can understand you too. I am only half joking. I recently read some experts in dog behavior estimate that dogs can understand between 100-200 words, similar to a human two-year-old.
Great Things Come From Close Contact with Your Dog
Julie and I believe the mental health benefits are as important as the physical ones with the regime that we follow with Brady. The physical benefits are substantial. Brady’s massages and rubbing definitely help with his circulation, which can be seriously affected by his canine diabetes. Also, Brady had a problem with a vertebra last year from the stairs in our new flat. Meds, light heat therapy, and careful massage really helped that spot. I could actually feel the bunched and knotted muscles relax as we went along.
But the by-product that really makes it worth the time is building that priceless bond with your dog. These are the moments that will always be locked into our memories from our time with Brady.
Thanks for reading. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below. Or email me directly at toddy@carefordiabeticdog.com.