Massage therapy
Click for details on how to Book a massage or assessment for your dog
What is massage?
The word massage comes from the Greek word “masso” which means “to knead” It has been practised for thousands of years. The Surnet, which is one of the oldest known medical works from around 2598BC, included descriptions of techniques that can be recognised as massage forms. Hippocrates, the Greek founding farther of modern medicine, stated that warriors and sportsmen should receive massage to maintain their fitness and physical condition. Massage was used in 5000BC in China. Galenum was a Roman doctor who managed and maintained the techniques passed to him from Greece. Today’s massage techniques originate from these times and were passed down from early civilisations such as China, Greece, India, Babylon and the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages massage was frowned upon as sinful by the religious and it started to disappear. In the 16th century, a French doctor called “Pare” reinstated it as a form of treatment and it has continued to increase in popularity since then.
Animal massage
Ancient Greek and Egyptian literature includes illustrations of massage being carried out on horses, dogs and cats. Work on horses has been carried out for many decades as owners realised that treatment would increases the profitability and performance of these competition animals. 15th century illustrations depict men caring for their hunting dogs with massage. There are also Egyptian wall carvings that show animals being massaged. During the 1950s research at the University of Wisconsin reported that the experience of being touched was vital for animal well being. Methods of canine massage have been around for the last 20 – 30 years. More and more owners are seeing and understanding the benefits of massage for their dogs. Courses are available and specialist massage therapists can be consulted. Some behaviourists recommend massage as a way of treating dogs with problems, such as nervous aggression, anxiety or depression.
Why massage your dog?
The benefits to your dog –
- Bones
- posture and balance is improved
- the nutrient flow to the bones is increased
- reduces muscle tension that could lead to serious problems
- Breathing
- helps to reduce any respiratory problems
- improves the pattern of breathing
- Circulation
- any toxins stored by the dog’s body are released
- the immune system is strengthened
- the blood and lymph circulation is stimulated
- Digestion
- the blood is cleaned by the action of toning the kidneys
- water retention is reduced
- massage is a good remedy for constipation
- relieves spastic colon
- Nervous system
- balances the dogs energies
- aids sleep in restlessness dogs
- relaxes and calms the dog
- endormorphin levels are increased, which helps healing and happiness
- destructive tendencies are decreased and released safely
- Muscles
- muscle tension and spasm is released
- blood and nutrient flow to the muscles are increased
- joint flexibility is increased
- helps muscle tone to be restored
- removes lactic acid and other waste build up after exercise
The benefits to you -
- Health checks
- any lumps or abnormalities in the dog’s body will be noticed
- the skin and tone can be checked on dogs with heavy or thick coats
- visits to the vets will be calmer as the dog is used to being touched
- if the dog visits a groomer this will help in him being settled
- Health care
- any stiffness in the dog’s joints can be dealt with at home
- it can work along side medical cures and may even cheapen the cost
- older dogs will benefit from massage and it will improve their lives
- regular massage on younger dogs should help them stay healthy
- injury will be reduced in very active dogs. E.g. from agility or flyball
- your own health and happiness will increase
- it is a good way to slow down and relax from day to day stress
The benefits to both you and your dog -
- Bonding
- the bond between you and your dog will increase a great deal
- that bond will stay very tight so any unhappiness on either side will be noticed by the other
- New arrivals
- rescue dogs can be calmed and relaxed into the new home
- new dogs and puppies can be introduced to massage straight away and it will help them adapt to the new environment
- Training
- because of the better understanding between you and your dog, training will be easier and more fun
- Behavioural Problems
- any behavioural issues will be easier to solve with a calmer, more relaxed dog
- these problems may be easier to diagnose correctly with a calmer dog
- any health issues which may be leading to problems will be identified more easily
What Muppets Canine Therapy can do for your dog
Whether your dog is an agility athlete, a working professional or the faithful family pet, massage can help in his/her on-going health and well being.
Massage can be used to improve the performance of sporting and working dogs. It can help prevent injuries and allow existing injuries to heal faster and more efficiently. It can increase muscle and tissue flexibility, toning and condition. Structured massage therapy will create focus in the dogs mind before the event and allow him/to relax faster afterwards.
In dogs with structural disorders such as Hip dysplasia, Arthritis or Osteochondritis, massage therapy can help to ease the pain and discomfort felt by the dog and slow down the effects of the condition. Massage will influence the cleansing and removal of toxins and waste from the tissues and allow them to become stronger and suppler. This will help in the dog’s mobility and prolong his health and quality of life.
In older dogs, massage will keep the tissues, muscles and blood vessels in good working order and can become part of a quality maintenance routine.
Click for more information about the benefits and applications of massage therapy.
How to book an assessment or treatment for your dog
Massage therapy is a very effective hands-on therapy and by law, a dog can only be treated once veterinary consent has been granted. This is rarely a problem and most vets are happy to sign a referral form in order to the dog to receive massage therapy. Please click to download a copy of the referral form and simply take the form to your vet to sign.
I can offer assessments without referral and these can be arranged to take place at shows or at my studio. If you are at one of the shows where my unit is, and would like your dog to receive either a treatment (if you have the signed referral form) or an assessment please just call in, there is no need to book in advance.
If you would like to book either an assessment or treatment please email me.
Treatments can be booked to take place at my home in Derby or at Tomlinsons kennels, Markfield, Leics. I am also in the process of getting a clinic room in Sheffield. Alternatively check which shows I will be at on the news page.
Click for detailed information about massage techniques.
Click for detailed information about how massage can help your dog.
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