Touch is a very effective mode of promoting well-being for pets. Think of when your pet is feeling a little anxious and you pat their side gently to reassure them, or rub their belly when they roll onto their back — they convey a sense of gaining comfort, don't they?

Another way to offer comfort using touch where pets are concerned is canine massage. Dogs all over the area have been able to benefit from reduced pain, increased flexibility, muscular balance, among other things — thanks to Stephanie Kiszka, BS, LVT, CVMRT.

Kiszka is a canine massage therapist on staff at Ann Arbor Animal Hospital and talks about the benefits of canine massage on this week's Ask Your Local Expert segment.

Canine massage is a widely used adjunctive therapy to help dogs of all ages and breeds, and can bring relief from physical discomfort when it's combined with approaches such as rest, prescription medication, acupuncture and Penetrating Laser Therapy.

Used alone, it provides benefits like increased circulation systemically and range of motion, and a physical and psychological boost to the companion animal.

Massage is also ideal for pets who do not tolerate prescription medication well.

Lorrie Shaw is lead pets blogger for AnnArbor.com and owner of Professional Pet Sitting. Shoot her an email or contact her at 734-904-7279.