Massage History-
While the practice of animal massage may be thought of as a new fad for crazy pet owners, it actually isn't. Evidence of the use of massage for animals has been traced back to ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Middle Eastern Indians, and more.
Some of the first known books on human and veterinary medicine are dedicated to putting massage therapy to use. Ayur Veda (the art of life) is dated to 3,000 BC. Another, The Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine, is dated to 3rd Century BC China.
As for hands on proof of animal massage use- Race horses have been massaged for centuries to better their health and performance. Cattle have been massaged before slaughter for years in numerous countires and in religious rituals in India. Smaller animals are no exception, they too have been massaged for ages. In the late 1800's there was a significant move towards the use of massage therapy for humans and animals. Later studies determined that the affects of massage on horses somewhat replicated social grooming seen in bands of wild horses.
More recently entire companies have been formed for the sole purpose of animal massage. One of the most notorious companies is Equissage, founded by Mary Schreiber in 1989. It is is devoted to training the practices of Equine and Canine Sports Massage Therapy. Since the formation of Equissange many more companies and associations based on animal massage therapy have been formed. In the last 10 years the IAATH (International Alliance of Animal Therapists and Healers) and the AMTIL (Animal Massage and Therapies) have become 2 of the larger and more well known associations. Both are also advocates of other hollistic and natural treatments.
*Although massage works wonders for animals it is NOT a substitute for veterinary care.