dog massage therapy

A LONG Story – The Dachshund.

If you want to be ‘owned’ by your dog – buy a dachshund!

So What Is A Dachshund?

Dachshund is a German word meaning “badger dog”. Originally bred in Germany, this breed goes back around 600 years.

Often called sausage dogs in Australia, they were actually bred to dig their way into a badger den and dispatch it’s occupant. The Dachshund’s long low body was custom made for tunnelling underground.

There are three sizes of dachshund: the Standard, the Miniature and the Kaninchen (or Rabbit as they are known in Australia).

One Dog, 3 Coats, 3 Sizes = 9 Varieties!

According to the National Dachshund Council (Australia) there are nine varieties of Dachshund;

Three sizes:

the Standard
the Miniature
the Kaninchen (or Rabbit as they are known in Australia)

Each size comes in a variety of 3 different coat types, namely:

long haired
smooth haired
wire haired

Depending on the variety dachshunds weigh 5kg up to 14kg and live 12-16 years. They have huge characters as they are very clever, playful, lively, stubborn, devoted, independent, active, and courageous.

The Typical Dachshund

Dachshunds are very intelligent dogs that have a mind of their own. They respond positively to training, although their innate stubborn streak may sometimes exhibit itself. They can also be brave to the point of rashness.

Dachshund of any variety will be a clever, playful and lively addition to any household. A dachshund is a splendid choice around children as they are dedicated and protective as well as affectionate and playful.

Their size, cleanliness and lack of “doggy” odour make them easy to have as indoor pets. They are also alert watchdogs, they will loudly proclaim the approach of a stranger – with a bark that belies their small stature.

Dachshunds are easy to love, but they give much more than they receive. Their delightful antics will provide you with hours of pleasure.

Health Tip

It is very important to remember that due to their long backs, injuries can occur so help your dachshund by carrying or using a ramp to help them up and down stairs etc..

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One Touch At A Time – Canine Massage

Because every dog deserves to feel their best.

What Is Theraputic Massage?

As more pet owners seek holistic and preventative care options for their dogs, therapeutic massage is gaining recognition for its wide-ranging health benefits. Canine massage isn’t just a luxury — it’s a proven method of supporting physical and emotional well-being in dogs of all ages, breeds, and activity levels.

Therapeutic massage can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, enhance joint flexibility, and accelerate recovery from injury or surgery. For senior dogs, it can ease the discomfort of arthritis and increase mobility. For active or working dogs, it supports muscle maintenance and helps prevent injury. Massage also has a calming effect, reducing anxiety and stress, making it beneficial for rescue dogs or those with behavioural challenges.

Learn Massage

Understanding how and when to use massage appropriately is key, which is why many owners are now enrolling in canine massage courses — not just for professionals, but for everyday pet parents who want to care for their dog more effectively.

When choosing a good canine massage course:

Look for one that is backed by veterinary or animal therapy professionals.
Make sure it covers canine anatomy, safe massage techniques, behavioural cues, and contraindications (when not to massage).
You learn by hands-on practice, either in person or via detailed video instruction to ensure you’re applying the techniques correctly and safely.

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Part of Your Dogs Health Plan

A reputable course will also advise you to speak to your veterinarian, helping you incorporate massage into your dog’s broader care plan. Whether you plan to pursue massage professionally or simply want to enhance your bond with your pet, gaining these skills can improve your dog’s quality of life — and deepen your connection through the healing power of touch.

How Therapeutic Massage Helps Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Discover the benefits of canine massage therapy for reducing separation anxiety and improving your dog’s emotional well-being

If you’ve ever come home to find chewed furniture, scratched doors, or excessive barking complaints from neighbours, your dog might be suffering from separation anxiety.

This common behavioural issue in dogs occurs when they experience extreme stress and discomfort being left alone.

According to research, dogs who develop separation-related behaviour problems tend to be male, sourced as a stray or from rescue shelters or are separated from their litter before 8 weeks of age.

Other factors causing separation anxiety may occur due to a lack of routine and training, excessive attachment, a lack of early socialisation with other people or dogs, living in an unstable household or being left alone for long periods of time.

While there are many techniques to help soothe an anxious pup, one increasingly popular and effective method you can try is therapeutic massage.

Therapeutic massage for dogs isn’t just a pampering luxury—it’s a targeted approach to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support overall emotional well-being.

Much like in humans, massage therapy in dogs can lower cortisol levels (the hormone linked to stress), slow heart rate, and trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. These physiological changes help create a calmer mental state, which is particularly beneficial for dogs who struggle when their humans leave.

Massage can also establish a sense of safety and routine. When practiced regularly, even for just 10–15 minutes a day, it reinforces a calming experience that your dog can associate with security and affection. Over time, this can help shift your dog’s mental focus away from the stress of your absence and toward the comfort of self-soothing.

For best results, massage should be paired with a calming environment—soft music, aromatherapy (like lavender), and a quiet space.

Specific techniques like long, slow strokes along the spine, circular motions on the chest, and gentle ear rubs can be particularly helpful. These areas are rich in nerve endings and can trigger a parasympathetic response—essentially telling the body it’s time to relax.

If your dog has severe anxiety you may need a certified therapist. However, learning a few basic techniques yourself can deepen the bond between you and your dog while helping them feel more secure.

Remember that therapeutic massage is not a magic cure – but it can be a powerful part of a holistic approach to reducing stress in dogs. When combined with behavioural training, enrichment toys, and consistent routines, massage therapy offers a nurturing and non-invasive way to ease your dog’s mind—giving you peace of mind too.

Want to know more about canine massage? Take a look at VetPet Academy’s Introduction to Canine Massage Course.

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