Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a dog need a massage? Click Here to Read More…
How is massage any different from petting?
Petting is an important way for you and your dog to connect, but it shouldn’t be confused with massage. Massage is a focused and specialized form of therapeutic touch utilizing specific movements and pressures for specific results. A qualified practitioner should have an understanding of canine anatomy, physiology, psychology, and kinesiology. Massage is formulated to have a significant impact on your dog’s overall wellness greatly exceeding that of day-to-day petting.
How can I expect my dog react to massage?
It may not
surprise you to learn that every dog is different and their reactions to massage tend to reflect this.
That said, most dogs love
massage. Some will even fall asleep during a session. But even the most well-loved and doted upon dog can find a half-hour or hour
of sustained human contact to be a little intense and somewhat overwhelming at first. Their reaction can probably best be summed up
as: “Who is this person? And why am I getting all this attention?” Some dogs are just naturally restless. It can take a little time
for them to calm down and relax, but it’s the rare dog that doesn’t come to enjoy massage.
While many dogs become extremely relaxed
during their session, some dogs, particularly with their first massage, find it extremely energizing and invigorating. They may even
feel the need to leap up and burn off some excess energy. This is not a bad thing—even if you’ve sought out massage to calm down a
super-energetic dog. Massage can provide some much needed catharsis for a dog, helping them release pent-up energy and anxiety in
a positive manner.
Occasionally, due to a trauma or quirk of personality, a dog can have a difficult time accepting attention from a human. In rare, extreme cases, a dog may reject massage, but more frequently, massage can prove highly therapeutic and help with building the animal’s trust and self-esteem.
What kind of dogs can benefit from massage?
Since canine bodywork addresses
a broad spectrum of health care issues—prevention, maintenance, and recuperation—and can be customized to suit the needs of a specific
individual, virtually any dog, from working dog to canine couch potato, from puppy to senior is a good candidate for a massage.
Massage relieves pain, discomfort, and stiffness and helps advance the healing process for dogs suffering from a variety of ailments. It aids and eases the growing and socialization processes in puppies. It enhances comfort and quality of life for senior dogs. It maximizes performance and speeds recovery for athletes and service animals. It can help animals with behavioral issues related to physical ailments or emotional trauma. Even for your average companion dog, massage is a great tool for keeping your pet in top emotional and physical condition.
How often does my dog need massage?
It depends entirely on your dog’s condition. A dog with chronic pain or mobility issues might benefit from a massage one or twice a week. A healthy, active dog on a maintenance and preventative track may only require a session once every four to six weeks. Lisa can work with you and your veterinarian to help determine your dog’s particular needs.
Are there ever cases where massage is not advisable for a dog?
Generally, massage is gentle and non-invasive enough
to be right for most dogs. Massage is only contraindicated as determined by your veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian prior
to seeking massage for your pet.
While performing a session, Lisa is always alert for any signs that your dog might not be responding positively to the massage and will let you know immediately.
The major difference between western medicine and holistic or complementary healthcare (a broad category into
which therapeutic massage and bodywork would fall) is in the underlying approach.
Western medicine is all about rooting out,
diagnosing and targeting specific health ailments for treatment. The relationship between healthcare provider and patient is more
or less defined by the patient’s particular disorders (or lack thereof). No question, the field absolutely represents the most effective
means available to identify and assess health issues and intervene in the case of a crisis.
Holistic healthcare
takes a broader view of the patient and attempts to meaningfully address the interconnectedness of the many aspects of an individual’s
physical and mental well being. The ultimate goal of holistic healthcare is to assist the individual in getting all the body’s systems
working harmoniously and at their optimal levels. Holistic healthcare seeks to provide a means to manage physical and psychological
health on an ongoing basis—while working to prevent health issues in the future.
Increasingly, holistic healthcare is entering the mainstream as a supportive discipline to traditional western medicine. Holistic health care is not a substitute for traditional medicine, but it can be a powerful ally in achieving optimal wellness.
Canine massage is a form of complementary healthcare and not a substitute for the care of a qualified veterinary professional. Always consult your veterinarian before seeking massage therapy for your pet.
