Arthritis and massage: techniques to relieve your dog's pain

Does your dog struggle to get up, hesitate to join you on walks, or limp from time to time? These signs are often linked to osteoarthritis, a joint condition affecting up to 80% of senior dogs (Johnston, 1997). While veterinary treatments may be essential, complementary approaches such as canine massage can improve your dog's comfort and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

But how do you massage your dog safely? Which techniques are suited to osteoarthritis? And what other natural or professional solutions should you consider?

Preparing the massage

Before applying any techniques, it is essential to create an environment that respects your dog's comfort and boundaries.

Respecting your dog's pace

Not all dogs enjoy being handled. Some relax immediately, while others show signs of discomfort:

• If your dog turns away, stiffens, whimpers, or moves away → stop.
• Never force a massage: it must remain a positive experience.
• Start with very short sessions (2–3 minutes), then increase the duration if your dog is comfortable.

Setting up a comfortable environment

A calming setting promotes relaxation:

• Choose a quiet spot, free from noise and distractions.
• Settle your dog on a mat or a soft blanket.
• Make sure you are in a comfortable position so your movements remain smooth and fluid.
• Use a gentle voice and a few introductory strokes to reassure your dog.

Tip: a massage is more effective after a gentle walk, when your dog is already relaxed.

Why massage is beneficial for dogs with arthritis

In practical terms, what does massage offer beyond a moment of relaxation?

• Pain relief: stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving hormones.
• Improved mobility: by loosening muscles that have tightened as a result of compensating for pain.
• Improved circulation: promotes the supply of oxygen and the elimination of inflammatory waste.
• Emotional wellbeing: reduces the anxiety that often accompanies chronic discomfort.

Successive massage sessions significantly reduce pain severity and improve quality of life: after three sessions, 92% of dogs are considered to have a positive quality of life.

Riley et al.

Massage techniques suited to canine arthritis

In practice, the key is to remain attentive to your dog and to favour simple, consistent movements:

1. Gentle massage: the introductory stroke

• Long, gentle strokes using the palm of the hand.
• Warms up the muscles and reassures the dog.
• Use this technique on the back, flanks, or thighs.

2. Kneading: loosening the muscles

• Gently grasp muscle groups, compress, and release.
• Useful on the thighs and shoulders.
• Improves circulation and reduces muscle contractures.

3. Circular pressure: releasing tension

• Small circular movements using the fingers or palm.
• Target the muscles surrounding the hips or shoulders.
• Never apply pressure directly to a joint.

4. Gentle vibrations

• Rapid, light movements used to stimulate and relax.
• Not all dogs respond well to this technique.

5. Gentle stretching (only with a professional)

• Help maintain joint range of motion.
• These stretches should always be performed by a veterinarian or certified canine massage therapist, as they can worsen joint damage if performed incorrectly.

Massage or osteopathy: what's the difference?

Massage and osteopathy are complementary but distinct:

• Canine massage: works on soft tissues (muscles, tendons, circulation). Its aim is comfort and relaxation.
• Veterinary osteopathy: practised by a veterinary osteopath or a qualified practitioner. It aims to restore the body's overall balance through joint and spinal manipulations.

Should you massage your dog yourself or leave it to a professional?

You can learn the basic techniques such as gentle massage and kneading. However, certain situations call for professional intervention:

• dog in significant pain or anxiety,
• need for specific stretches,
• suspected other locomotor disorders (herniated disc, dysplasia).

Complementary treatments to massage for canine arthritis

Massage is a simple and beneficial aid, but it can be even more effective when combined with other natural or professional approaches. All these solutions share the same goal: reducing pain, improving mobility, and enhancing your dog's day-to-day comfort.

Aromatherapy

Certain essential oils, such as true lavender (relaxing effect), lemon eucalyptus (anti-inflammatory properties) or wintergreen (analgesic effect), can support pain management and promote relaxation.

Their use should always be supervised by a veterinarian, as several oils (peppermint, tea tree, etc.) are toxic to dogs.

Poultices and compresses

• Green clay: applied as a poultice, it has absorbent and soothing properties. It helps reduce tissue swelling and localised inflammation.
• Cold compresses: useful after exercise or during a painful flare-up to help limit inflammation.
• Warm compresses: promote muscle relaxation and reduce joint stiffness during chronic phases.

Physiotherapy and veterinary techniques

Other practices can be incorporated under veterinary supervision:

• Hydrotherapy: walking in warm water to reduce the load on joints and strengthen the muscles.
• Therapeutic laser: infrared light that reduces inflammation and stimulates tissue regeneration.
• TENS: gentle electrical impulses that temporarily block the transmission of pain signals.
• Localised vibration stimulation: micro-vibrations that activate muscle reflexes and proprioception.
• Veterinary osteopathy: gentle manipulations to restore overall joint mobility.
• Therapeutic ultrasound: warming sound waves to relax muscles and relieve pain.

These approaches complement each other within a comprehensive rehabilitation programme and should always be supervised by a veterinary professional.

Other essential measures for arthritis

Massage alone is not enough. To improve your dog's quality of life over the long term:

• Control your dog's weight to reduce pressure on the joints.
• Encourage gentle physical activity: walks on flat terrain, swimming, suitable games.
• Dietary supplements rich in Omega-3: their anti-inflammatory effects have been extensively studied in relation to joint conditions.
• Regular veterinary follow-up: essential for adjusting treatments as needed.

Conclusion

Canine massage is a simple, natural, and effective approach to improving the comfort of dogs with osteoarthritis. When performed correctly, it helps reduce pain, release muscle tension, and strengthen the bond between owner and dog.

But it should not be practised in isolation: weight management, adapted physical activity, omega-3-rich supplements, veterinary follow-up, and the use of specialised techniques together form a comprehensive strategy to preserve your companion's mobility.

By respecting your dog's pace and supporting them with care, massage becomes much more than a treatment: it is a moment of connection that contributes to their quality of life.

Scientific references

• Riley LM, Satchell L, Stilwell LM, Lenton NS. Effect of massage therapy on pain and quality of life in dogs: A cross sectional study. Vet Rec. 2021 Dec;189(11):e586. doi: 10.1002/vetr.586. Epub 2021 Jun 13. PMID: 34120345.
• Innes JF. Canine osteoarthritis: improving quality of life. October 2011. The Veterinary Nurse 2(8):460-467. DOI:10.12968/vetn.2011.2.8.460
• Mille A, Bockstahler B, Fischer A, et al. Physiotherapeutic Strategies and Their Current Evidence. Animals (MDPI). 2022;12(1):2. doi:10.3390/ani12010002.
• Benito J, et al. TENS treatments set to a frequency of 70 Hz improved ground reaction forces in osteoarthritic dogs. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2015;42(6):596–605. PMID: 26459261; PMC4699059.
• Innes JF, Clayton J, Lascelles BD. Review of the safety and efficacy of long-term NSAID use in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis. Vet Rec. 2010 Feb 20;166(8):226-30. doi: 10.1136/vr.c97. PMID: 20173106.

This article was written by the R&D team at Laboratoire Sensilia, experts in animal nutrition.