Canine Massage Therapist Works Out The Ruff-ruff Spots

By The Associated Press

And don't forget that little spot behind the ears.

Some four-legged clients have joined the two-legged variety at Secor at Smith Masage Therapy in Lambertville, a town on the Ohio border in Monroe County.

Secor at Smith owner Jonathan Rudinger says about 30 percent of his patients are animals, primarily dogs and horses.

"Dogs do get stiff necks," Rudinger said.

Rudinger, a nurse and licensed massage therapist, works his magic in the pets' homes or at veterinary clinics. The techniques he employs are similar to those for humans.

He gives nose-to-tail massages to relieve tension and stiffness and to help animals after surgery.

This is new territory, that's what's exciting," said Rudinger, who recently released an instructional video called "Effective Pet Massage for Dogs."

Rudinger says animal massage goes beyond simple petting.

"It's a very deliberate touch," he said.

"There's a form. You work all the way from the nose to the tail and down the sides. There's an order and a sense of feeling."

Recently, Rudinger used the techniques on Bailey, a golden retriever whose hamstring muscles had atrophied during recovery from surgery.

"By the end of the second session, it was running and playing and you couldn't tell it had surgery," Rudinger said.

Rudinger says he can tell when he's doing some good when an animal relaxes its muscles or sighs with pleasure. He says he's never had an animal bite him - not even a Doberman that had a sore hip.

"I have an agreement with an animal. They sense that my presence there will help them. That sounds weird, but it's true," he said.

According to Rudinger, pet massage is spreading nationally as therapists treating humans look for new markets.

Dog groomers are also learning basic techniques to help calm animals.

"It gives them a feeling that it's okay and safe and possibly fun to come to the vet's office," Rudinger says.

Although his practice isn't limited to horses and dogs, Rudinger said he's not comfortable massaging birds or reptiles.

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