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

[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!