FAQ
What happens during a canine massage session
Before booking a time make sure, that your dog doesn't have contraindication to massage.
When you book an appointment, I will send you an electronic questionnaire to map your dog’s condition, and instructions.
Before the actual massage, I will ask you to walk the dog back and forth outside to evaluate the dog’s motion.
After that, we move indoors and continue with mapping. Choose a calm and warm corner as the massage place, prepare bedding, for example, a blanket. I will continue with palpation, looking for muscle tension and other abnormalities, and locating the trigger points. I will also observe the dog’s postures and posture transitions.
The dog gets a massage being on his side. You can train the dog to lay on the side in advance, which will help him to relax easier during treatment. If the dog refuses to lay on his side, other variations are possible, like sitting or lying on his stomach.
We are not going to force the dog into a certain position.
The owner should be present during the massage and can, for example, stroke the dog soothingly. I will massage the dog’s whole body, giving extra attention to the tightest spots.
It is also possible to perform passive stretches during the massage treatment.
The massage is performed individually, considering the reactions and the character of the dog.
Anxious dogs may need 1-2 training visits, where we are practicing handling, and the dog will get a lighter treatment.
During and after the massage, I will tell you about the findings, and we’ll discuss a treatment plan.
When not to massage your dog
When booking a dog massage, it is good to be aware of the limiting or preventing factors, which are called contraindications.
Some medical conditions prevent massage absolutely; others restrict the massage treatment locally. Some diseases require the permission of a veterinarian.
If in doubt about the suitability of a massage for your dog, ask your masseur or your veterinarian.
Here’s the list of the most common contraindications to canine massage.
– Infection, inflammation
– Contagious disease (e.g., kennel cough)
– Periostitis
– Bursitis
– Cancer
– Central nervous system paralysis
– Heart disease – ask the permission of a veterinarian
– Epilepsy – case-by-case approach
– Endocrine disorders – with the vet consent
– Vaccinations – 1 week waiting period
– Oestrus (heat)
– Pregnancy in the last trimester
– False pregnancy
– Nursing bitches
– Competitions or intensive training the previous day or in the next 1-2 days after the massage
– Medication – consult a veterinarian
Before and after the massage
Before
Do not feed the dog for about 2 hours before the massage.
Take the dog for a calm on-leash walk and let them do the potty. An energetic dog might need a long walk to be able to calm down better during the massage session.
However, avoid intense exercise (hard training sessions, competitions, rough play, etc.) on the day of the massage.
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After
Let the dog do the potty immediately after the massage, as the massage stimulates the metabolism, and the dog may be in a hurry to eliminate.
Offer your dog water. You can even encourage them to drink by adding something delicious to the water.
Keep the dog warm after the massage, take a coat or a blanket for the trip home (regarding all dogs in cold weather, short-haired all year round). For the rest of the day, as well as the next day, take it easy and avoid heavy exercise.