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The same way that providing suitable nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care are essential in supporting the general well-being of your animal, keeping your pet relaxed is just as important! When an animal is relaxed, the stress they experience is reduced, and so is any muscle tension; relaxation also will assist with the overall physical and emotional health of your animal. Dogs, cats, and many other types of
Dogs, cats, and other pets can experience discomfort due to:
• Age
• Injury
• Anxiety
• Daily activities
Supporting your pet’s ability to relax can help improve the following:
• Overall comfort
• Mobility
• Quality of life
Why Body Relaxation Is Important for Pets

Pets’ daily physical activities, including running, jumping, playing, and exploring, require the use of all the muscles in the body. Over time, through repetitive use, a pet’s muscles can become tight (due to muscle shortening) and fatigued (due to muscle fatigue). Older pets typically have additional muscle stiffness due to joint pain, loss of range of motion, and reduced flexibility. Also, by relaxing the body, you improve the circulation of blood through the body, reduce muscle tension, and enable the body to heal itself over time. In addition, a relaxed body provides a comfortable place for an anxious pet to feel anxious and, therefore, provides increased comfort in their daily lives. -.
Common Signs Your Pet Needs Body Relaxation

Recognizing when your pet may need assistance relaxing is very useful. Some of the more common signs that indicate discomfort in your pet are the following: if your pet is stiff after exercising; if your pet has difficulty getting up; if your pet is less active than normal; if your pet is limp; if your pet is licking certain parts of their body excessively; if your pet seems restless; and/or if your pet has displayed any changes in their behavior. These issues can lead some pets to avoid being touched since they may have sore muscles. If these symptoms are chronic or serious, a visit to your veterinarian may be necessary to "clear" your pet of other possible medical problems before trying any relaxation techniques.
Massage Therapy for Body Relaxation

Regular massage will also help reduce stress levels in your pet as well as assist with increasing the range of motion of injured or arthritic pets.. When you give an animal a massage, please perform slow/gentle strokes while paying attention as to what your animal is doing as you apply each stroke and if they are showing any signs of discomfort during the application of the massage techniques. If any signs of discomfort are present, please stop immediately and seek assistance from your veterinarian or a qualified animal massage therapist
Other Ways to Help Your Pet Relax

Besides using massage for relieving stress on your body, there are other ways to relax, such as engaging in light exercise on a regular basis, having soft/comfortable bedding, resting in quietness, and having a balanced diet. If you provide your pet with enough water and have a consistent routine, both of you can reduce stress levels. You may also wish to participate in activities like playing/interacting, stretching slowly based on advice from a veterinarian, and/or spending time together as a family to promote physical and emotional wellness with them
Benefits of Regular Body Relaxation

Incorporating body relaxation into your pet’s lifestyle will provide various long-term benefits. When your pet has relaxed muscles, he/she will be able to move more freely without discomfort. He/She will also have healthier joints due to less stress on those joints. By allowing your pet to have regular body relaxation, your pet will sleep better, have less anxiety, and increase his/her flexibility. To build positive, calming interactions and to develop a stronger bond between you and your pet, body relaxation should be incorporated into your pet’s routine. Along with regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and daily routines, body relaxation will contribute to your pet living a healthier, happier, and more comfortable life.