10 Ways to Improve Lymph Circulation in Your Dog

10 Ways to Improve Lymph Circulation in Your Dog https://www.topdogadvisor.com/
While most people are familiar with the circulatory system and how it pumps blood through the arteries, veins and capillaries, few know as much about its lymphatic system. It’s time for us to get up-to-speed! Your dog’s health and well-being are dependent on the lymphatic system. Knowing how to support it will allow you to live a longer, healthier, more active life.
Lymph is a clear, milky fluid. It flows through a network known as lymphatics, as well as through lymph nodes and bone marrow. The spleen also contains lymphatics. Lymph is rich in fats, proteins and white blood cells,...
While most people are familiar with the circulatory system and how it pumps blood through the arteries, veins and capillaries, few know as much about its lymphatic system. It’s time for us to get up-to-speed! Your dog’s health and well-being are dependent on the lymphatic system. Knowing how to support it will allow you to live a longer, healthier, more active life.
Lymph is a clear, milky fluid. It flows through a network known as lymphatics, as well as through lymph nodes and bone marrow. The spleen also contains lymphatics. Lymph is rich in fats, proteins and white blood cells, called lymphocytes. Although lymph is often referred to as the body’s waste or sanitation system it also provides nutrients to muscles and other tissues.
The lymphatic system is responsible for absorbing excess fluid and returning it to the bloodstream. It also absorbs fat from your digestive tract, transports white blood cell and certain proteins, and makes antibodies and immunoglobulins.
Health problems can develop when lymph circulation is affected by illness or accidents. The following are the most common lymph-related diseases in dogs:
Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma (a malignant cancer)Lymphadenopathy (a lymph node enlargement)Lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes)Lymphedema (an accumulation of lymph in the soft tissues of one or more legs)
These conditions can be treated with medical attention, but it is possible to prevent them from happening by improving your dog’s lymph circulation. Lymph stagnation can lead to arthritis, pain in the joints, eye drainage, itchy skin, lethargy, frequent infections, low immunity, and other symptoms such as: stiffness, joint swelling, itchy eyes, dry skin, itchy skin, crusty or cracked skin, itchy eyes, dull vision, and frequent infection.
These are 10 ways you can give your dog’s lymph systems a tune up at home, or with the assistance of veterinary professionals.
1. The fastest way to increase lymph circulation is exercise. Exercise stimulates blood and lymph movement, which increases oxygen supply to tissues and enhances removal of toxins from muscles and organs. Deep breathing improves lymph flow, which is one reason why breathing exercises for humans are highly recommended.
Dogs that are in motion can breathe deeply and activate their rib cages. Any movement that your dog can manage comfortably will be helpful. Dogs who are sedentary can be at risk as lymph stagnation can lead to pathogenic substances, inflammation markers, and cell debris that may interfere with their immune response. Even if you exercise at a moderate pace, your dog can benefit from lymph circulation by stretching and bowing.
2. Ayurvedic practices such as dry skin brushing are popular in complementary and alternative medicine. They originate from ancient India. Because the lymphatic system is so close to the skin’s surface, it doesn’t need the same pressure as for massaging the muscles. A coarse bristle brush such as a Japanese bath brush is used to massage the skin. It’s used for massaging the skin from the soles and palms of the feet towards the heart.
Daily brushing your dog with a stiff-bristle brush can also stimulate his lymph system. Start by brushing your dog’s feet towards the heart. Next, brush the abdomen gently.
3. Another popular technique for moving lymph is massage. You may even want to be an expert in it. C. Sue Furman (Ph.D.) explains how to use effleurage to stimulate lymph flow in her book Canine Massage For the Athlete In Every Dog.
Furman says that effleurage is similar to petting. Furman explained that it is called “petting with purpose”. You glide over the coat with your open hands, moving towards the heart. She explains that effleurage is done from the knee to the hip and the toes towards the knee. This may seem unusual, as the hands are m...