Panorama Pet Hospital now offers DNA health screening for your dog. With greater than 99% accuracy, our new DNA tests screen for more than 230 genetic health conditions and unlocks breed ancestry, which can inform health care.

With just one cheek swab, your veterinarian can learn actionable insights and create a personalized care plan for your dog. Together, we can be proactive and improve your dog's health! Contact us at (818) 786-4300 to take the next step in providing for your dog's wellness and schedule a DNA test.

The Benefits of Pet Massage

Dog enjoying a luxurious spa day

Massage Offers Important Benefits for Pets

Have you given your pet a massage recently? The hands-on therapy isn't just for humans but also provides a few benefits for our furry friends.

Massage Relieves Aches and Pains

Dogs and cats can't complain about tight muscles, but that doesn't mean that their muscles aren't sore after a vigorous session of catch-the-frisbee or a frenetic midnight dash through your house. When muscles are tight, they press on nerves, ligaments, and tendons, making pain worse. Although any pet can benefit from massage, the hands-on treatment may be particularly helpful for older dogs and cats who suffer from arthritis and other conditions that cause painful joints and muscles.

Health Benefits of Massage

The same health benefits massage offers you may also apply to your pets. The therapy improves blood and lymph circulation, increases range of motion, improves digestion, and may play a role in lowering blood pressure. It may also reduce swelling and stiffness in muscles and joints, improve flexibility, and help your pet sleep better. When you massage your dog or cat regularly, you'll also notice lumps, bumps, rashes or infections immediately, which will help you ensure that your pet receives prompt treatment for the health issues.

Is Your Pet Anxious? Massage May Help

Life is difficult for pets who live with anxiety. Loud noises or even slight changes in the normal routine can send your trembling dog or cat scurrying for a safe hiding place. Although medication may be helpful, anxiety drugs can cause unpleasant side effects. Massage offers a completely natural way to reduce your pet's stress and anxiety.

During a massage, your pet's body releases endorphins, natural body chemicals that decrease pain and help your furry friend feel calm and relaxed. Regular treatments can help reduce overall stress and may be particularly helpful when a frightening event makes your pet feel a little anxious.

Regular Massage Improves Your Bond with Your Pet

One-on-one time with your pet may be a rare occurrence when you have a busy life. When you devote 10 or 15 minutes to massages every day or a few times a week, you may deepen the relationship you enjoy with your dog or cat.

Massage for Pets: The Basics

These tips can help makes a massage a pleasant experience for you and your pet.

  • Choose a quiet room in the house with no distractions. Keep initial sessions short to give your pet time to adjust to this new experience.
  • Be flexible. Although lying down might be the best way for you to experience a massage, your pet might disagree. You can massage muscles just as well (or even better) if your pet prefers to stand or sit.
  • Long, gentle strokes will help your pet relax before you begin the massage. Once your pet seems calm, increase the pressure of the strokes slightly. Although you might enjoy Swedish massages, your dog or cat may find firm pressure uncomfortable.
  • Add circular motions, particularly when massaging the head, neck, shoulder, chest, back, and hip muscles.
  • Don't press directly on bones, as this can be painful.
  • Pay attention to your pet's signals. If he or she yelps or squirms, it's time to move on to another part of the body, use less pressure, or stop the massage. Keep in mind that, just like people, your pet may have certain preferences. Some animals like leg and paw massages, while others find the sensation unpleasant.
  • End the massage session with gentle petting to enhance relaxation.

Many pets tend to like massages just as much as people do. In fact, don't be surprised if your furry friend soon begs for a special session with you!

Massages, in addition to regular veterinary care, will help you keep your pet healthy and content. If you're concerned about a possible health issue, give us a call. We'll schedule a convenient appointment time for your pet.

Sources:

Modern Dog Magazine: How to Massage Your Dog

https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/how-massage-your-dog/2028

PetMD: How to Give Your Pet a Massage

https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/how-give-your-pet-massage

Cesar’s Way: Why You Should Give Your Dog a Massage

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/muscular-skeletal-care/Why-you-should-give-your-dog-a-massage

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I have nothing but good things to say about Panorama Pet Hospitals Dr. and staff. Took my dog in for a dental exam and Dr. Suman addressed the problem immediately. Dr. Suman and the veterinary assistant were so gentle with my dog and made him feel very comfortable. I ended up booking a deep cleaning and I could not have been happier. Dr. Suman took great care of my dog and got his teeth cleaned. All I can say is if you want a trust worthy doctor and a kind staff head over to Panorama Pet Hospital you wont regret it! Thank you again Dr. Suman and staff!"
    Tanya D.
  • "I was contemplating coming here due to the distance. Since I was extremely unhappy with our previous vet. I took the hour's drive. Needless to say, was one of the best decisions I made in my dog's life. Our initial visit was let me just say first impressions go a long way. Dr. Prabhakar showed great concern immediately about my dog Molly's condition. I have worked closely with doctors throughout my career and I have a good intuition on whether a doctor genuinely cares about their patients and Dr. Prabhakar does. A lot of Doctors just prescribe medication. Without determining the underlying problem. When I leave all my questions and concerns are answered. The staff there are so nice and friendly. Tammy is the best! No matter how busy she is she takes the time to stop and listen to me and answers my questions. Definitely worth the drive. I wouldn't go anywhere else."
    Sabrina M.
  • "Came across Doctor Suman after looking for a vet to perform surgery on my kitty leg ! I went to 5 different
    opinions until I found this Doctor! He explained everything in detail and told me exactly how the work would be
    done, I felt so comfortable! He did a fantastic job! Thank You Doctor Suman and Staff! My dog needed the same
    surgery and Doctor Suman was there again performing his magic! He truly cares and has love for every animal
    that comes through his door! The entire staff is full of love and caring hearts!"
    Susie M.
  • "I love this vet so much. Dr. Suman is so smart and kind. Everyone here is very accommodating and whenever
    I've come in stressed and worried for my pet, they are so comforting. It is always a quick and easy experience
    and one of the less expensive vets. Thank you for all your help!"
    Amber F.
  • "This wonderful office squeezed an appt in for my cat's urinary tract infection. They were kind and considerate,
    and accepted Care Credit. Since I lost my teaching job during Covid, the doctor was very compassionate and
    affordable. Thank you, Dr. Prabhakar!"
    Elizabeth F.
  • "Dr. Suman really cares for his patients. Personally even does follow ups and calls to check on how his patients
    are. He respects the pet parents and understands that life us difficult- he presents the real scenario and issue and what needs to happen but also presents options on how to go about the situation if needed."
    Cris Q.
  • "Dr. Suman is the best Veterinarian. I brought my dog in extremely ill suffering from ITP. He was able to place her
    on the right medication to control her illness. The way he demonstrated care, nurture, compassion and
    responded quickly was the best care my fur baby could have received. Thank you Dr. Suman and the whole."
    Erika G.
  • "I've been bringing my cats to dr. Suman for many years now. I find him to be caring and a great vet. They've
    got a wonderful new addition to the team in Dr. Gupta. She is helping me with my cat Joey who has dental
    issues. I feel very confident with her. The ladies in the front office are very nice too."
    Susan M.