Dogs with Cancer Series: Healing Benefits of Canine Massage

As many of you know, I recently lost my beloved pit bull Emily to cancer. Losing her was incredibly painful and emotional, and you can read about it in my blog. Through it all, I found solace in giving her massages to help ease some of her pain. Emily loved massages, stretching and rolling along, and it created a special bond

Jenny and Emily Photo credit: KME Photography

between the two of us, especially in her last days. At a time when I felt so helpless and heartbroken, these sessions incredibly rewarding and comforting for us both. The intention of canine massage is to help the dog relax and to ease some of their pain. But the result is so much more than that; it’s an exchange of love, an assurance that you are doing everything possible to help your dog in their time of need. And they appreciate you more than they know how to express.

Unfortunately, cancer is highly common among dogs, with 65 million dogs in the United States receiving diagnoses every year. Nearly half of dogs over the age of ten will get cancer. Despite its prevalence, a cancer diagnosis is nothing short of devastating for pet owners. Even with high quality veterinary care, many owners, myself included, feel lost and helpless, and it’s important for humans to take care of themselves during this difficult time, too.

Animal Intuition’s primary focus is on healing animals, but I am just as devoted to providing support for owners, too. Our bodywork (massage and Reiki) services are a rewarding way for humans to feel connected to their pets and know that they are doing something beneficial. The health benefits of bodywork are nearly never-ending: it improves circulation to heal injuries, relieves muscle spasms, secretes toxins, lubricates joins to ease arthritis, reduces stress and tension, supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself, releases emotions, and balances the body’s energy. For your pup with a cancer diagnosis, the most influential improvements will be eased pain, nausea, anxiety, and fatigue. There is also significant evidence that massage can reduce blood pressure, which promotes the growth of specialized white blood cells that are central in fighting cancers.

In our sessions, we will work to make your dog as comfortable as possible. I will show you some of the techniques I use so that you can perform informal, bonding sessions with your dog between appointments. I understand what you’re going through, and I will be a support to you and your pet however I can. There are many different types of cancer, and dogs of any age can be diagnosed. However, cancer is not an automatic death sentence. Each case is unique, and we will work together to determine an effective plan to keep your dog comfortable and cared for every step of the way.

To make an appointment for a massage or Reiki session for your pet, please contact Animal Intuition by calling (952-484-4396).

Read more about dogs with cancer.