Pampered Pets: The Benefits of Gua Sha, Massages and Reflexology for Your Fur Babies

Written by: Grace Umeadi

Published on: March 15, 2025

We all know and can agree that taking care of children is a no brainer. 

Feeding and clothing them daily, monthly medical checkups, teaching them to interact and communicate better.  Yes, these sorts of care and oh, let’s not forget the spa treatments you have to take your babies to also. Certainly, that’s very important for physical and therapeutic sake!

Your babies, in whatever shape or form they come in; human or fur babies, are qualified for spa treatments.

Yes, you read that right, ’Fur babies.’ Many know and refer to them as pets and some others just know them as their kids, babies, of course, definitely adopted, fur babies!

Our fur babies, the emotional support animal that showers their humans with all the companionship and love, would need more than just a good bath, meal and a walk. Just like how you go for your weekly spa treatments, your pet should get the same.

Spa treatments make you feel relaxed, healed, even your mentally health could switch up for the better. Well, that’s exactly what spa treatments can do to your pets too.

Is this something you’d likely be looking into for your fur babies? If it is, then don’t stop reading just yet!

Reflexology and Gua Sha for Pets

A professional setting that deals with the proper therapeutic care for the face and body of a pet doesn't go around really calling the practice, ‘spa treatments.’ There are two names involved here; Reflexology and Gua Sha.  

For pets, reflexology has got to do with applying gentle pressure to paws, ears and face. And why? Because these areas contain rich nerve networks that link different body sections.  

And for Gua Sha? Well, it's more like a special or modified massage for pets. Instead of using hands, a smooth tool (usually made of stone) is gently rubbed over their skin and fur. These therapeutic techniques help pets feel calm, happy, and healthy.

Well, while scrolling through your feed, you’d likely have come across cute, well trimmed and happy fur-babies. Shiny fur babies that could make you jealous to the bone and your pet stare down at you. The secret is out of the box now; Gua Sha and Reflexology.

Proper and deliberate pet grooming is now taking over and so, it would be a crime not to involve your pet in these luxuries!

The Potential Benefits of Reflexology and Gua Sha for Pets

“Emeritus Professors” of reflexology and Gua Sha for pets said these therapeutic treatments reduce the anxiety in animals with separation anxiety or noise fears.

But they don’t just work on a pet’s mental health, the treatments also help to relieve pain in animals suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, post-surgical discomfort, bloating, breathing issues… In short, they help a pet’s physical health a great deal!

Does Reflexology and Gua Sha Work for All Pets?

With the testimonies flying around that reflexology and Gua Sha work for pets, can we agree that they work for all pets?

Imagine massaging your dog’s paws and it suddenly gives you the “Hello, are you okay?” look, then it jumps from the stool, looks back and gives a look that says: “Don’t you ever try this nonsense with me again!” Lmao. Then you’ve got to buy his favorite food so that you can settle the scores.

So, What Then Is The Truth?

The truth is, while some animals enjoy the gentle scrubbing of their bodies, some find it uncomfortable. That’s why the effectiveness of reflexology and Gua Sha depends on a pet's sensitivity to touch and disposition type, a person's skill level and experience, and the specific health condition being addressed.

Some pet owners claim that reflexology or Gua Sha have improved their pets’ overall well-being, while some, well, they don’t share this same thought.

Well honestly, the way a pet responds to reflexology or Gua Sha remains entirely different from other animals. The techniques that work for a dog might completely miss their mark on a cat.

But you really don’t have to worry much about this or probably even at all. Since reflexology or Gua Sha are alternative therapies, it’s best to keep an open mind yet receive veterinary guidance. Everyone can experiment with reflexology or Gua Sha for their pets to see what results they bring. The goal is to ensure that your pet is comfortable!

But really, you never can tell, Mrs Sparkles and Little Dumbledore might just even get obsessed! So when are you scheduling an appointment?