What is Canine Massage?

Clinical Canine Massage is a vet-approved, holistic therapy that offers pain relief and improved mobility for dogs with soft tissue injuries and orthopaedic conditions, like Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia.

 

Using a blend of 4 styles of massage (Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release) combined with Advanced Canine Anatomy to produce a non-invasive, remedial treatment designed to relieve painful trigger points, strains and myofascial injury resulting in improved flexibility and range of motion, while benefitting the overall mobility and well-being of your dog.

‘Holistic’ means that the whole body is treated, not just the injured spot. Often there is referred pain from the primary area of injury to another part of the body. This is because other muscles and tendons must work harder due to joint or muscle weakness, this extra workload creates areas of overcompensation in muscles and limbs causing injury to them, further exacerbating your dog’s mobility issues. 

This unique, strong, manipulative Clinical Massage for dogs works by releasing tight, sore muscles, removing debilitating ‘Knots’ or Trigger Points that cause pain and helps rehabilitate injuries by breaking down restrictive scar tissue caused by daily activities that may be responsible for your dog’s discomfort. It can help to resolve many day to day mobility issues whether they have suddenly come on or have been there for a while.

Canine Treatment FAQs

Here are the questions most asked about canine massage and techniques. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any other questions.

 

Why do I need vet consent to get my dog a clinical canine massage?

Well the short and simple answer is because it is a legal requirement under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, The Veterinary Surgeons Exemption Order 2015 and ultimately the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to never work on an animal without gaining prior vet consent. Breaching this can result in hefty fines or worse.

However, I also have a duty of care to you and your dog to make sure that the dog is protected from pain, suffering, injury & disease. The veterinary consent, along with talking to you as a guardian, can provide valuable information about current, and historic, issues that may benefit from massage treatment as well as highlighting any contraindications to massage. So, the vet consent form ensures I meet all the above requirements to give your dog the most appropriate treatment.

Will massage hurt my dog?

Some deep muscular release work can be uncomfortable – if you’ve ever had a sports massage yourself, you’ll understand! But I carefully warm up the muscles before any deep work and ensure that I use soothing strokes after deep work so that your dog feel relaxed afterwards.

Can I stay with my dog?

Yes, you can. Massage is a different type of touch for your dogs and having you there is comforting and helps them relax.

Do you use a massage table?

In general, I will massage your dog on the floor, however there are instances where I use a massage table. There are some dogs that prefer being up high and will choose to get on the table-so they get treated there! It maybe that you, as a guardian, cannot get on the floor to be close to your dog, and you need to have a seat. If this is the case then I will use the table so the dog can get the comfort they require from you. Don’t forget massage is a strange experience for your dog and they will want reassurance from you. And lastly I will use the table if I can’t get on (or off) the floor that day, very rarely, and usually when I need a massage myself!

Canine Massage Workshop FAQs

Here are the questions most asked about canine massage workshops. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any other questions.

 

I don’t have a dog can I still come?

You do need to bring a dog to work with, and it is best it is one that you know and trusts you, I am unable to provide dogs for you to use.

What should I wear?

You will be on the floor (unless otherwise arranged) so you should wear stretchy, comfortable trousers. You will also have your shoes off so you might want to bring some cosy socks too. I know I get cold feet!

My dog is reactive can I still come?

You need to be able to ensure that your dog is comfortable in a new environment with new dogs, whilst I can provide some space between dogs this is not a training or behaviour workshop…BUT this doesn’t mean that you or your dog need to miss out!

Just keep checking back and at the end of the year I will be offering the workshops online, so you can learn in the comfort of your own home and not have to worry about your dog being anxious or upset by new situations.

What do I need to bring?

  • Your Dog

  • Your dog’s lead and harness/collar

  • Lunch (Refrigerator in kitchen for storage)

  • Your Dogs Water Bowl & Poo Bags

  • A soft mat for your dog to lie on

  • A small cushion for your knees

  • Comfortable, flexible clothing

Does this 1 day workshop qualify me to work on other people’s dogs?

Categorically NO! This workshop does not permit you to teach canine massage or perform it on anyone’s dog. This is a self-interest workshop only. If you are interested in training as a therapist the full Clinical Canine Massage Practitioner Programme can be found here