Gentle massage for your dog
HauHieronta offers massage services for dogs in the Helsinki metropolitan area (Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen) as home visits and at the Koiraparkki dog daycare centers in Kamppi and Herttoniemi.
A trained canine massage therapist will treat your dog gently and with a dog-centered approach.
Dog massage improves mobility, relieves muscle tension, relaxes, and promotes your dog’s health and well-being. It helps with pain, musculoskeletal issues, and stress, and is also beneficial for post-surgery and trauma recovery. Massage is suitable for family dogs, sports dogs, working dogs, and senior dogs
Massage has a positive impact on the overall condition of the body. Here are the 10 most important effects:
1. Blood circulation and metabolism are stimulated.
2. Swelling is reduced.
3. Muscle tension eases.
4. Waste products are more effectively removed from the body.
5. The elasticity of muscles and fascia increases.
6. Formation of adhesions is minimized.
7. Mobility improves.
8. Pain is alleviated.
9. The mind relaxes.
10. Stress is relieved.
Benefits of Dog Massage
When Dogs Need Massage
Massage is an excellent preventive treatment for symptom-free and healthy dogs. However, most dogs already have some muscle problems or symptoms when they visit a massage therapist. How can you recognize muscle tightness and pain in your dog? It’s time to book a massage if your dog...
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Appears stiff, even if stiffness after rest is brief—it still indicates an issue.
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Doesn’t want to move as before. A healthy dog loves to move. If your dog seems "lazy," no longer eager to go outside, or has slowed down, it could be due to pain.
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Is reluctant to jump into the car or onto the sofa or climb stairs.
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Moves in a pacing gait (where the legs on the same side move forward simultaneously).
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Stands with its hind legs positioned under its body.
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Arches its back.
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Stands, sits, or moves asymmetrically.
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Is sensitive in certain areas.
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Reacts to touch by twitching its skin.
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Stretches frequently and for long periods—or has stopped stretching altogether.
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Is restless and frequently changes places.
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Withdraws, seeming passive.
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Has become nervous or snappy toward other animals or people.
It’s always safest to take your dog to a veterinarian before seeking massage, especially if new symptoms are present. If your dog is limping, has swelling, or shows strong pain reactions, schedule a vet appointment immediately.
This list is not exhaustive. During the first massage session, the therapist will assess your dog’s movements and posture and locate potential pain points through palpation. However, it’s crucial to observe abnormalities, symptoms, and changes in daily life and share these with the therapist.
About me
I’m Darja, a certified canine massage therapist from Espoo. I have completed a vocational qualification in animal care with a specialization in canine massage at Taitotalo. My goal is to help dogs live with less pain, greater mobility, and more happiness. My own pack includes three rescue dogs. I love all dogs, but seniors and rescue dogs hold a special place in my heart.