Are there Dogs that this therapy is not suitable for?

There are some contraindications that prevent us from treating:

• Pregnancy

• High temperature

• Suffering from shock

• Epilepsy (please contact us for a consultation as treatment may be possible if the seizures are under control)

• Open lesions

• Broken bones that are not fully healed

• Cancer (palliative care may be possible)

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Do I stay with my dog during treatment?

This is dependent on the individual dog. Generally the dog will feel more relaxed when their owners are with them, especially during the first session. The dog is our main priority, so we work with whatever situation and environment benefits them most.

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My dog does not have any issues. Is treatment still beneficial?

Most definitely. All Dogs can benefit from massage in some way. Dogs are unable to tell us when they feel discomfort and are masters at hiding pain. Some of their daily activities can cause minor issues that may not give any symptoms for years, such as jumping in and out of a car, ball chasing or slipping on floors.

Clinical Canine Massage is also a great tool to help with behavioural issues like anxious and nervous Dogs, Rescue and Dogs with trust issues, Hyperactive Dogs to help them relax.

For Agility and Working Dogs, a pre-event massage can help to warm up the muscles prior to them carrying out an activity. This increases the blood supply to the muscles allowing them to work at their best. Massage creates a state of readiness in the muscles and tissues so that the Dog's performance can be maintained.

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Is the treatment painful? 

The dogs muscles are thoroughly warmed up before we perform any deep tissue work where at some points they may feel some discomfort as we work deeper into tight muscles to relax the built up tension and release by-products of metabolic activity; the muscles are relaxed afterwards to ease. We watch and assess the Dog closely at all times during treatment.

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Are there any side effects?

Following treatment, as your Dog’s body restores its natural balance and begins to heal itself, you may notice what is referred to as the Herxheimer Reaction (The Healing Crisis).  It is characterised by a temporary increase in symptoms during the cleansing process which may be mild or severe. Your Dog may feel worse for the first 24-72 hours, and you may therefore conclude that the treatment is not working. But these reactions are instead, signs that the treatment is working and that their body is going through the process of cleaning itself of impurities, toxins and muscular imbalances. This is a perfectly normal reaction and sets the stage for cellular regeneration and homeostasis.

Signs & Symptoms of the Herxheimer Reaction may include:

 

• Lethargy                                             

• Increase in sleeping

• Very quiet

• An increase in joint or muscle pain (you may see lameness for 48 hours)

• Frequent urination

• Running poo

• Increased thirst

• Increase of original symptoms (good sign)!

 

Some dogs may experience these symptoms from mild to severe. However, some dogs do not show any symptoms. All dogs react differently to treatment.

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