How to Massage Dog Ears
Massaging a dog's ears is a great way to help a dog relax and gain its trust. A dog's ears are full of muscles, and therefore very sensitive to touch. Massaging a dog's ear may also treat minor aches and pains and certain health problems. It can also help make your dog more calm and happy.
- Help the dog get into a comfortable position. If the dog is comfortable, it will be able to relax easier. This will help make the muscles easier to massage and make the massage more affective.
- Pet the dog to get it used to your touch. This is especially important if the dog does not belong to you. Pet the dog’s head, ears, muzzle and the area under its neck.
- Locate the dog’s ears and place your thumb on the inside and your fingers on the outside. Do not extend the thumb deep into the dog's ears as this could cause pain and damage to the ear.
- Move your fingers town the ear towards the dog's head. Do this movement over and over again for at least a minute.
- Pull the dogs head back towards your body and gently use your thumbs to massage the inside of the ear. Again, be careful not to extend you fingers to deep into the ear. Rub this area for another minute.
- Massage the area behind the ears and near the head. Use one or two fingers to rub the area in a circular motion. Move the fingers around the entire outside of the ear. Repeat these steps as often as needed to help the dog relax and enjoy the massage.