Why pet massage is even more important in the winter months...Part 5

How about trying a hot wrap to warm and relax tissues, act to detoxify by opening the pores of the skin, and draw up the blood? Sounds like a great indoor activity and a good way to keep the cold out. 

Hydrotherapy is the scientific application of water in the treatment of disease. To find out how to do hot hydrotherapy wraps.

There are several different types of hydrotherapy methods, but the one I use, hydrotherapy wraps, involves:

• 1 five gallon bucket
• 1 cup of Epsom salt
• a piece of fleece or wool that is large enough to drape over your dog's entire body, or the portion of your dog's body you wish to treat.
  

WARNING: Be sure to discuss with your vet and/or canine massage therapist whether a hot wrap is right for your dog.

Fill up the bucket with hot water (just hot enough to be a bit uncomfortable to keep your hand in) and Epsom salt. Soak the fleece in the hot water, wring it out, then place the fleece over your dog for 30 seconds. Then submerge the fleece again, wring it out, and place it on your dog again for another 30 seconds. Then repeat the process one more time.