Contraindications
Bodywork should not be applied to dogs who have the following conditions.
- Altered Vital Signs (your dogs temperature/heart rate is irregular)
- Dehydrated (your dog should be hydrated as bodywork pulls fluid from interior organs)
- Dog has eaten 2 hours before the session (If your appointment is at 1:00pm please ensure your dog has finished eating by 11:00am)
- Wounds, if your dog has a fresh or healing wound please see your attending veterinarian.
-Skin Lesions or skin diseases
-Recent surgery or trauma, the minimal time a body work session can be done on a dog is 7 days post op with veterinarian clearance.
-If your dog is on drug therapy/your veterinarian has not given clearance
-Dog shows pain or discomfort that has not been cleared by a vet
How Can Canine Massage/Bodywork Help your dog?
Canine Massage/bodywork is beneficial and safe on most dogs.
- Can reduce Stress and Anxiety
- It improve circulation and can help with lymphatic drainage
- Can help senior dogs whose muscles have hyprotrophied
- Can assist in improved Range Of Motion
- Creates a positive human-canine interaction/relationship
- Can help ease discomfort
- Can help activate muscles
- Exploratory massage can allow masseuse to find "sore areas" for your vet to look into
- Can help improve conformation by addressing muscle tone on each lateral side
- Helps post surgery recovery (with vet clearance and 7 days after)
- It can help monitor physical condition.
There are several instances where I take Precautions when doing Bodywork. Please contact me if your dog is one of the following
-Pregnancy
-Puppies
-Dogs with behavioral issues
-Senior/geriatric dogs
-Diagnosed conditions(non acute)
How to Prepare for your Dogs Bodywork Session
To ensure your dog gets the most out of the Session please make a note of the following
Prior to the Massage-Please bring the following items to your first consultation/massage session; collar, leash, treats, your dog's favorite pillow or blanket, muzzle (if necessary) and brush.-Please ensure your dog's last meal has been at least 2 hours prior to massage session
-Please ensure your dog's coat is clear and clean of any mats that would interfere with the comfort of the dog's massage session.
During the Bodywork Sesesion
I do recommend the first session for the owner to stay: however you are more than welcome to leave during your dogs bodywork session. Additional "hangout time" can be purchased if you need additional time before picking up your dog.
After the massage
-A non strenuous short walk is recommened
-Hydration( water) to be given
-Allow your pet to rest and relax
Want more information on how Canine massage is beneficial?
https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/the-basics-of-canine-massage.html https://www.veterinarians.org/dog-massage/ https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/5-benefits-of-canine-massage/
