What’s the difference between massage and stroking my dog?
Massage involves skilled intentional touch. Massage practitioners are trained in anatomy and the identification of areas of tension and restriction that may be causing pain and discomfort, and how to gently address this.
Can you diagnose what is wrong with my dog?
I can assess your dog for pain, discomfort and areas of tension. I cannot provide a diagnosis. Only your veterinarian can diagnose. If there is any concern regarding your dog’s health at any point I will refer you back to your vet.
Can massage cure my dog?
Massage therapy is not a replacement for veterinary diagnosis and treatment. It can work alongside and potentially enhance appropriate veterinary treatment and other therapies, to support your dog either with recovery from acute injuries/conditions, or with ongoing chronic conditions. Or it can be a support for active dogs, aiding in their fitness and recovery from work.
What benefits does massage offer?
Please see this post: Understanding Canine Massage Therapy
How many treatments does my dog need?
It depends! Your dog’s condition, lifestyle and any ongoing physical/medical issues will all play a part in how frequently treatment would be recommended. Their response and acceptance of massage therapy will also play a big part.
Usually an initial three to four sessions spaced two weeks apart would be ideal. This helps us to move at your dog’s pace and build trust, as well as see results from treatment. Following this, maintenance massages every 4 to 6 weeks are recommended to support dogs with ongoing conditions, or to support well-being and performance as part of an active lifestyle.
What type of dogs do you treat?
I work with all breeds, shapes and sizes of dog.
Why do I need veterinary consent?
I work in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act, 1966 / Exemptions Order, 2015. The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962 (SI 1962/2557) exists for treatment of animals by physiotherapy. The conditions imposed by the order are that for the treatment to be given to an animal they must have been examined by a veterinary surgeon who has then prescribed the treatment, with the non-veterinarian thus acting under the direction of the veterinary surgeon. The RCVS guidelines to section 19 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Exemptions Order 2015 interprets “physiotherapy” to include all kinds of manipulative therapy.
This means that your veterinarian can also make me aware of any potential contraindications or cautions to treatment. Contraindications are where something means a particular treatment should not be carried out, or require further veterinary advice prior to treatment.
When can you not treat my dog?
With the above in mind, there are some contraindications where massage may not be appropriate.
- When veterinary consent is not provided.
- Fever and infection
- Sickness/diarrhoea
- Immediately following an accident/injury
- Over an open wound or bruising
- Cancer
- Some skin conditions
- During pregnancy or post-partum (unless vet referred)
If your dog is unwell, it is better to reschedule appointments for when they are feeling better.
I cannot treat your dog without consent from your veterinarian. When you contact me to book the first session, I will send a consent form for your veterinarian to complete and return prior to the session.
My dog is reactive and/or aggressive. Will you treat them?
My approach is completely consent based and dog-led. This means that I work at your dog’s pace, giving them the freedom to make choices. There is no force or restraint involved. My aim is to build trust with your dog, so that they opt in to their treatment. I don’t approach sessions with a set plan or routine, they are entirely based on your dog and their response.
If your dog is muzzle trained with an appropriate and well-fitting muzzle, and is very reactive or aggressive, I may ask you to use their muzzle. This would be purely for safeguarding, and the same consent-based approach would be used for the session.
It is your responsibility to inform me if your dog has a bite history, or has behavioural issues. The aim is to set your dog up for success and keep everyone safe.
If you have any further questions, please do get in touch.