Dog Massage?

[mbarker]

Do dogs really need a special massage?

The other day, a roving report happened to take a stroll through Azabu Juban, in Tokyo. This is a pretty ritzy area, with lots of specialty stores. Maybe kind of like Rodea Drive in Beverly Hills, from what I've heard of it? Or pick your ritzy area.

One of the stores that they looked in at was a storefront massage parlor for dogs. They even showed us a couple of dogs having their ears and neck worked on by the masseuses. Apparently people bring in their dogs and pay reasonably high fees to get a massage.

While I will admit that the dogs seemed to be happy, relaxed grins and eyes closed as the masseuses worked away at them, I wasn't quite sure how this differs from me rubbing the ears of our friend's dog. He certainly seems quite happy to have me do it, and I never get paid.

So is this just conspicuous consumption? When your pet gets a massage by a professional, as opposed to all those amateurs scratching ears, chins, and other bodily parts?

Would you pay for your dog to get a massage?

Comments

[dialyn.livejournal.com]

Well, my dog has some problems with her back legs. If I could afford it, I might indulge in a massage for her if I thought it would help ease her pain. Since I can't afford it, she makes do with some belly rubs and hip rubs from me. She seems to be satisfied with that, but that's what is great about dogs.

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Ah, good point. Some breeds do have trouble with their hips and such, and if it helps with that, having a pro do a rub (or chiropractor straighten the bones?) would be nice. This didn't seem to be that level of massage, but perhaps they were just showing off for the cameras.

Dogs are pretty accommodating, aren't they?

[dialyn.livejournal.com]

Dogs have a great capacity to accept us, and forgive us, no matter how oddly we behave. I know one person who took his dog for therapy swimming to help the dog with joint issues. Good for horses too. I don't think it works with cats.

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

It may work, but the cats won't admit it :-) I've seen cats climb their favorite person trying to avoid that wet stuff...

[dialyn.livejournal.com]

I knew a guy who showered with his cat every morning. I guess he started when it was a kitten so it was used to the situation, but I can't imagine a cat being happy about the idea. On the other hand, when I was a girl, I used to have a cat who would balance on my head when I took my baths (I used to fall asleep in the tub). That didn't seem like the smartest idea but she never fell in or scratched me.

[saruby.livejournal.com]

Therapeutic massage is supposed to be very good for pets, although I wouldn't pay for it probably. OTOH, it might have been good for my cat that had arthritis. I have heard that it is also good for mood and general wellness. Again, I would pay for it, but I'm cheap.

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Interesting. I have to admit, I grew up with dogs, but most of them were from the animal shelter or friends, and the idea of spending money on a massage... nah. Thanks!