Loving pet owners who spend tactile time with their companions every day might question the necessity of a pet masseuse.

Richard Wasserman would like to change that.

"Massage can help dogs recover from surgery or traumatic injury, ease suffering from arthritis, help them regain mobility they've lost or relax nervousness," said Wasserman, of Peaceful Paws Dog Massage. "It might look the same as petting, but the effects are very different."

Wasserman and others in the Salem area are riding on a surge of interest in holistic pet care and alternative treatments for animal companions that might sound new-age, but thrill those engaging their services.

"Holistic care is about more than herbs and natural remedies," said Julie DeMarco, veterinarian at Whole Pet Veterinary Care in Salem. "It's about looking at all aspects of an animal's needs and trying to cure their problems - not just treating the symptoms."

It's not that DeMarco eschews Western medicine, but she's open to the potential benefits of Eastern practices.

"Western medicine and its tools are superior for acute injuries. Eastern practices are more appropriate for issues that can be attributed to personality, habits or diet," DeMarco said.

Salem's Everything Pawsible offers canine swim therapy for animals recovering from injuries, surgery or simply needing to learn to swim. A heated, 20-foot pool and assisting trainer provide pooches with a low-impact way to stretch their limbs.

"We've had performance dogs take lessons to hone their field trial skills and older dogs who need the exercise but had trouble bearing their own weight," said Melodee Glaser, owner.

Whether in a pool or through massage, therapeutic repetitive motions may help dogs increase the production of joint fluids and ease pain attributed to arthritis and injury and help dogs increase their range of motion or regain prior mobility, said Wasserman, a graduate of the Northwest School of Animal Massage.

Before working with any animal, Wasserman consults with the family's veterinarian to ensure open lines of communication about what has gone on before and to make sure he doesn't aggravate injuries more than he helps them.

He's worked with breeds as different as chihuahuas and pit bulls, and is careful to ease his furry clients into the routines.

"Dogs tend to be more accepting of my presence, but I've got a cat at home who will sit in my lap and be massaged for hours," he said.

DeMarco has used herbs and aromatherapy on cats as well. Regardless of the species, tapping into the holistic offerings for one's pets requires an open mind on the part of owners.

"Most of the people who come to my office already know we do things a little bit differently, but they're also people who understand that health is more than the latest drug," she said.

For more information about Peaceful Paws Dog Massage, visit peacefulpawsdogmassage.com. For more information about Whole Pet Veterinary Care, visit www.wholepetvetcare.com. Call 503-399-0500 for more information about hydrotherapy or swimming at Everything Pawsible.