While stress busting techniques such as massages and spa-days might be the latest fad, ever wondered whether such therapy could benefit animals in any way? Well, Bhopal is giving it a shot this Eid al-Adha.
The billy goats in the city are enjoying massages and dermatological case at a government veterinary hospital. The medical experts there feel this can help keep the animals fit and healthy before Qurbani (animal sacrifice).
Since last two weeks, we are offering treatment to around 150 to 200 billy goats that includes massage, spa, as per the requirement.Anil Sharma, In-charge, Sadar Manzil veterinary hospital
Sharma added that the animals that usually come to veterinary hospital for such treatment include billy goat, goat and sheep.
Bhopal’s Veterinary Hospital Offers Unique Facilities
Eid al-Adha, also known as Id-ul-Adha or Bakrid or Bakra Eid, is one of the two main festivals of the Muslims. Muslims around the world observe Bakrid on the 10th day of the Islamic month Dhu al-Hijjah. Every year around this festival, thousands of domestic animals (camel, goat, sheep, buffalo, bullock or ram) are sacrificed to appease God by donating something in the form of charity.
According to prevalent custom, animal purchased for Qurbani should be healthy, clean and disease-free.
We’ve been offering such treatment for animals for years. Few weeks before Bakrid, people come here and demand for spa and massage for their animals, mostly billy goat.Anil Sharma, in-charge, Sadar Manzil veterinary hospital
The Sadar Manzil veterinary hospital is the oldest and the only ISO-certified government vet hospital in Madhya Pradesh. The hospital boasts of unparalleled facilities such as X-ray, sonography, operation theatre, lab, dental scanning, physiotherapy, dermatological care (spa), and lay-in machine.
Spa and its Many Advantages
The facilities offered by the hospital are one of their own kind across the entire state of Madhya Pradesh. For instance, reports of tests are delivered within record 45 minutes.
Facility of physiotherapy for stroke-affected pets is also available at the hospital. In order to ensure hygiene and sanitation, vitrified tiles have been laid inside the veterinary hospital which also has water purifier and a separate waiting room as well.
The assistant in-charge of the hospital, GP Mastakar said:
Whenever we talk about spa and massage, we only think about human beings but at our hospital, we provide same facilities to animals so that they can be fit and healthy, thus, increasing their lifespan.
Mastakar further added, “Moreover, during the month of Bakrid, we are under a lot of pressure to administer proper treatment to every animal, in fact, there are long queues at our hospital.”
There are many benefits associated with massage and spa with doctors confirming that it adds to an animal’s health.
Massage increases flexibility, improves blood and lymph circulation and also increases appetite and results in sound sleep.Anil Sharma, in-charge, Sadar Manzil veterinary hospital
According to Sharma, list of potential advantages is a long one:
Just like in humans, massage and spa help to relieve pets’ muscle tension, stiffness and pain. It can also help in improving metabolism in overweight animals, relieve nervous tension in hyperactive animals and support the immune system by enhancing circulation of blood and lymph fluids.Anil Sharma, In-charge, Sadar Manzil veterinary hospital
But a Word of Caution!
During massage, risk to animals can be minimised only if a trained professional handles animals. Animal experts know how much pressure is to be applied, as well as the proper way to move joints.
There are a number of techniques used in pet massage, that includes Swedish (a deep tissue approach), sports (focused on flexibility and injury prevention) and hydro therapies (which incorporate the use of water).
So pet your animals all your like, but it is safe to say that you should let a professional handle their spa day.
Also Watch: This Bakr-Eid, Meet the ‘Sultan’ of Bakras
(The writer is a Bhopal-based freelance journalist. He can be reached @MallickKakvi.)
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