Massage Your Dog’s Ears -They’ll Love You for It!

Ever notice how sensitive-to-the-touch your ears are? Well, you aren’t the only one! Just like humans, dogs have a network of nerves around the ears that, when stimulated, release calming endorphins promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being. 

So it comes as no surprise that holistic-health practitioners often target the ears during acupuncture/acupressure, which allows energy to flow to other parts of the body. Because pressure points in the ear (nerve clusters) correlate with different bodily organs, veterinarians are able to target specific areas of function through the nerves around the ears. Endorphins released during a good ear rub are similar to hormones secreted during physical activity, we refer to it as “runner’s high,” providing  natural stress-relief and even complete euphoria. 

Basically, when you massage your pup’s ears they are getting high on their own supply of naturally occurring chemicals. Not only is it a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion, but it is also a valuable diagnostic tool. After all, arguably the most common reason for visiting the vet is  ear infection, and any different reaction/discomfort during a daily ear rub can give you an early indication of infection or clogging of the ear canal.