For thousands of years, massage was used to promote human healing. Using it to promote animal health is a more recent development. For several decades, hardworking equine show jumpers, race horses and racing dogs have received vigorous rub downs as a way to increase flexibility and increase performance. Now massage is used for companion pets. Among its many benefits, massages seems to mitigate the affects of anxiety and stress, help animals recover faster from trauma or surgery and reduce the chronic aches and pains of elderly canines. To help insure that massage therapy is effective, be sure to hire a trained professional who understands canine anatomy. Remember to pamper your dog with lots of exercise dog toys and treats as well.