Canine Reflexology
Dogs have reflexology points in the paws and around the bottom of their legs, by stimulating them we can increase circulation, balance and relaxation within the dog. Canine reflexology technique is the same as when doing reflexology on a human, repetitive pressure over a reflex point increases circulation to the corresponding area, and firm unchanging pressure on a reflex point reduces circulation and feeling in the corresponding area.
1 while the dog is relaxed - sitting or lying down, using a finger or thumb firmly but gently apply repetitive pressure onto one paw at a time. 2 work all over each pad in the paw and at the end gently massage between the pads. 3 if the dog is really liking it also do the bottom of the legs as well, as on humans there are dog reflexology points around the ankles. Most dogs will like this and you can feel good knowing you are helping the dog maintain a healthy state. Return to Home Page
Q Are there specific points for the throat on the paw? Our dog has throat cancer but still remains strong. Being experienced in foot reflexology, I am confident using it will help heal him. Thank you. Bill from USA A Hi Bill, Thank you for your question. Yes! There are specific points on dogs paws to reflect the throat area and it is fabulous that you are looking for a way to help him continue to survive cancer! Dogs love being touched and actively seek a pat more often than not, just remember that the feet paws and base of legs are traditionally not an area that a dog is used to being touched and they probably aren't used to being touched there. This means do it regularly, start small doing only a little bit of canine reflexology while they are already sitting or lying down relaxed, and take notice of if the dog is enjoying it, this is a relaxation therapy so enjoyment is critical to the therapys success. Bill, it sounds like your dog is quite used to a lot of love and affection so this is great. The neck/throat area that you are looking for is the ankle area of all the feet. Between the large middle pad on the bottom of the foot and the dew claw. On some dogs the dew claw can be missing or was cut off as a puppy, it is like the thumb on a human in the sense that it is just to the side and a little higher than the other claws. If there is any trouble finding it a) don't worry about it and just do reflexology to the whole ankle area of the dogs feet, or b) go to google images and search for "canine dew claw" and see a tonne of pictures that will help you find it. Dog reflexology technique is the same as for doing reflexology to human hands. Using the forefinger, gently apply a small amount of pressure to the area, keeping the finger in the same spot make circular motions one way and then the other way for about five seconds each way. The amount of pressure to be applied is very light, lighter than a massage but heavier than simply touching the skin. Be aware that there are ligaments and nerves in this area and avoid rubbing too hard. Using this technique, do the whole area (all the way around the leg) between the claw and the large pad on the bottom of the foot. Reflexology works to promote balance so continue over the rest of the foot and help promote great health to the dogs whole body. The next step is to do the large pad on the bottom of the foot, followed by the smaller pads. Best Regards, The How to do Reflexology Team
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