Soothing Pain in Dogs with a Gentle Touch

Acupressure for Chronic Pain Relief

Acupressure is helping many dogs like Reyna, my 14-year-old lab mix and I’d like to share how your dog can benefit with this gentle touch. 

- Wendy Rall

Reyna is getting around great, trotting in the yard and running to me when it’s “cookie time”. With a massage therapist for a mom, Reyna gets a lot of touch therapy contributing to her overall mobility. But I noticed something recently, she no longer wants to sit for her treats. Trying to sit down and then get back up is possible for her but it’s obviously not comfortable. This leads me to believe she may have hidden chronic pain. 

Many of our pets endure hidden chronic pain without us even knowing. That’s why it is important to carefully look at changes in our pets demeanor or behavior as they age. Has your dog been having a hard time getting up after resting? Maybe you notice that they have trouble squatting or lifting a leg. Or does your dog yelp when you pick them up, but seem fine the rest of the time? They could be suffering in silent pain. You may notice that they are more lethargic or seem to be stiff overall. Mood changes can be a clear sign that your best friend is not feeling great. Excessive licking of a specific joint or finding it hard to get comfortable are other signs to watch for. Being aware of these signs and understanding that your dog might be suffering quietly is the first step toward finding relief and that’s where therapies like acupressure can make the difference.

Located on the body’s energy paths, which are called meridians, there are eight specific points that can help relieve chronic pain naturally, stimulate healing, restore balance, and promote well-being. Three points are located on the dog’s back and five are found on the legs as shown in the illustration. By using acupressure, massaging with a light pressure of my thumb or fingers, I can stimulate the energy known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Qi, or Life Force, resulting in pain relief and overall wellness.

Reyna is practicing her sit and stand exercises at “cookie time” and the acupressure has helped her improve. In addition to pain relief and improved mobility, acupressure can help dogs suffering from anxiety, it is also known to increase vitality and help with digestive and overall health.

Now let’s talk about stress and relaxation 

Just as humans experience stress, dogs can suffer from stress and anxiety too. Whether it’s the result of trauma, separation, or just the daily pressures of life, our dogs can carry emotional stress in their bodies. Acupressure works wonders in calming the nervous system, promoting a sense of peace, and reducing anxiety. 

There are three points on our pet’s head that help them become calm and relaxed. One is just above the space between their eyes, where the point known as the Ying Tang, or third-eye is found. Light pressure applied on this point can calm a dog down quickly. I often use this acupoint when I am working with high energy dogs such as Bull Terriers and it works very well. On the side of each eye, which we would call our temples, is the point known as the Yang Tang, and these points are additional calming points on the dogs head. By lightly massaging in a small circular motion on these points, we can relax a dog into bliss! With the soothing touch of acupressure, every dog can find relief, comfort, and a renewed sense of well-being. 

When looking for an acupressure practitioner contact your local certified canine massage therapist.