FAQ's

Aside from the pet parent having filled out a Health History and Intake form, prior to session, this will give a chance to discuss in further detail and express any questions, comments, concerns, or goals (that are feasible) one may have for their dog. I will be able to observe their gait and any patterns that accompany, which give information to compensatory muscles. This will also give a chance to become acquainted with the dog and find how they become most comfortable, to create the most ideal and inviting environment for the dog as possible. Even if this is within the comfort of their own home, that doesn’t mean that other variables couldn’t get in the way. Once the mind is calm or content, (whether it be chewing a bone or have a peanut butter kong) sets up for a more productive session.

Consistency is key, especially in the beginning. This is important, in maintaining the level of trust and utmost physical benefit. A plan can be determined, based on the dog’s needs, which may also change over time.

The more massage, the better but more importantly, consistency is key, especially in the beginning. This is a crucial time in making progress, in order to get to a place of maintenance, and for the dog to have built a strong sense of trust with the Therapist. That being said, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly are general markers, which is dependent on duration of session. The course of plan may also be updated/changed accordingly.

All dogs! Whether it be for puppies to become familiar with intentional touch, early on or to help ease joints of senior dogs. The benefits span, whether helping prepare an agility course or to aim at soothing one’s anxious nerves. Massage will help and the timelines will differ with each dog.

Depending on the time of day/eating schedule, it’s generally a good idea for your dog to have something in their systems. While receiving massage on a full stomach could be more difficult for them to digest, potentially affecting the productivity of the massage. Your dog should have eliminated/ been taken out within a reasonable time frame, due to the effect massage can have, in moving things around. Ultimately, the fewer distractions and outside stimuli, the better. For example, It may be hard for your dog to settle, if someone is cooking burgers or if there are kids running around, screaming. Also, have your pets most comfortable bed or familiar space, handy, to aid in creating an inviting and soothing environment.

Yes, massage is contraindicated; If there is any pain, heat, or swelling, present from an acute injury or otherwise. If there are any dermatological conditions (can be agitated by massage). When the canine runs a fever or has any infectious or contagious disease. Massage can still be performed, however a lighter or alternative approach with technique needs to be taken with the following conditions; Cancer Circulatory Problems Heart Conditions Diabetes Post -Surgery Epilepsy

Being the pet parent, you are the (one of the) most comforting people to your pets. It’s only natural, when they lay down next to you, or in your lap, while on the couch, that they are comfortable or even fall asleep. While this offers much benefit to your pet, there may be variables unnoticed/glossed over. This would stand to reason, being that a Canine Massage Therapist goes through training, in order to have an awareness of a dog’s gait pattern, leading to postural imbalances and compensatory patterns. Our assessments help give direction. With direction, one can decipher the type of tissue and which technique(s) are of most benefit. This also points out, that there may be instances where the dog may sensitive or dislike being contacted on a given area. A goal in one’s approach would be to help them become familiar by way of positive reinforcement. So the dog has a sense of safety, just like being on the couch with their owner.

Yes, your dog may experience side effects, post massage. This will depend on the initial purpose of their massage, which goes with type of massage, and the dog itself. Just like people have different thresholds and resiliencies, so do dogs, so age and activity level may play a part. Examples include; soreness, stiffness, appetite change, elimination variances, energy level shifts, and greater range of motion.