FAQs
Can I stay with my dog during the session?
I generally prefer owners to stay with their dog during the massage especially as the first session will be a new experience and the dog may find it difficult and stressful settling down if the owner is not there. Also, by having the owner there they get to see exactly what occurs during the massage and provides them with the opportunity to ask questions as they crop up. The massage experience should not only be beneficial for the dog but for the owner too. The dog will generally feel more relaxed with their owner there.
I have some clients who prefer not to be at the treatment as they know their dog will relax more if they are not there. I work with whatever works best for the dog as they are my main priority.
Will my dog be different after a massage or experience any side effects?
You may find that following the massage session your dog may be quieter than usual and more lethargic. This is perfectly normal as following the treatment they experience what is known as "The Healing Crisis". This is where your dog's body restores its natural balance and begins to heal itself. It is characterized by a temporary increase in symptoms during the cleansing process which may be mild or severe. Your dog may feel worse for the first 24-48 hours afterwards and you may therefore conclude that the treatment is not working. However, these reactions are in fact signs that the treatment is working and that their body is going through the process of cleansing itself of impurities, toxins and muscular imbalances.
This is a perfectly normal reaction and sets the stage for cellular regeneration. As well as being more lethargic and quiet, they may also experience sleepiness, may want to urinate more, may drink more and you may see them lame for 24-48 hours as a result of increased joint/muscle pain.
However some dogs do not show any symptoms and again this is perfectly normal. All dogs react differently.
If my dog is full of energy after the session why do I still need to make sure they rest and have no walks for the rest of the day?
It is imperative that your dog is kept quiet for 24-48 hours after the massage and has a light meal, plenty of rest and constant access to water as the body rebalances itself and responds to the bodywork which has been performed.
A cleansing and purifying state occurs as the body attempts to dispel toxins and metabolic waste and return to homeostasis; that is a return to a state of equilibrium and natural balance so the body may function normally and naturally. This is all part of The Healing Crisis explained above. As your dog is recovering 24-48 hours after massage, if they do exercise they are more likely to injure themselves because exercising after a massage can increase muscle soreness and compromose the value of the soft tissue work the dog has received.
Does my dog need to have an injury or orthepaedic condition to benefit from massage?
The short answer is No! Any dog can benefit from massage whether they are young, fit and active or very old and suffering from stiff, sore joints. In the same way as humans, dogs can get injured only they can't tell us. General day to day activities can result in minor injury, like jumping in and out of the car or sofa, chasing a ball, slipping on laminate flooring. The dog may not show any symptoms of this injury.
Clinical canine massage can also help nervous and anxious dogs, irritable dogs that do not like to be touched, dogs with trust issues with humans, dogs suffering from unsociable behaviour patterns either with other dogs and/or humans, hyperactive or underactive dogs and can help calm dogs down.
This works by relaxing muscles, easing tension and resolving issues in your dog's musculoskeletal system which may be making your dog grumpy, tense and unsettled. It stimulates the nervous system to bring about new responses and help to forget old behavour patterns. It drains toxins and metabolic waste through the lymphatic system. Many dogs do not like their paws being touched due to the toxins and waste in their bodies. Being toched enables the dog to be more aware of its own body as different sensations are brought about through massage.
For agility dogs, pre-event massage can help by warming up the muscles prior to them competing. It increases the blood supply to the muscles which is important for the muscles being able to perform in top shape during an event and massage will create a state of readiness in the muscles and tissues so that the dog's performance can be optimized.
My vet won't sign the Consent Form - can my dog still have a massage?
Unfortunately without signed consent from your Vet I am unable to massage your dog. If your Vet will not grant consent then it is likely that there is a very good reason why your dog is not suitable for massage. (However I am happy to speak to any Vet that requires further clarification on what is involved in massage before they sign the consent from). There are some contraindications to massage and it may be that your dog has a medical condition which massage could aggravate. Contraindications to canine massage include:
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If your dog has cancer (depending on the type of cancer I can do paliative care massage)
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breaks or fractures that are not healed
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Pregnancy
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Open wounds
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If the dog is in shock
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If the dog has a temperature
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If your dog has regular uncontrolled epileptic fits (I can, however, treat a dog with diagnosed Epilepsy if they have been seizure free for 6 months or more and are on controlled pain medication.
This is another reason why Veterinary Consent is so important!
