Below
is a list of questions that I’m often asked when speaking
with new clients.
If you have a question that is not addressed below, please
contact us.
Q.
What is canine massage?
A. Canine massage is the hands-on manipulation
of soft tissue for the purpose of increasing circulation,
relaxing muscle spasms, enhancing muscle tone and increasing
range of motion.
Q.
Can you diagnose my dog's illness/lameness?
A. No, that is a job for your veterinarian. Massage is never
used to diagnose or treat pain or injury, or prescribe or
administer treatment of any nature for the prevention or relief
of bodily injury.
Q.
What types of dogs should get a massage?
A. Massage can increase comfort and promote joint mobility
in older dogs, and can quickly acclimate puppies to human
touch. Using massage on post-operative dogs can shorten recovery
time, and dogs with emotional issues often relax after massage
sessions. Competitive canines enjoy improved athletic performance,
and even dogs without any specific health problems benefit
from maintenance massages.
Q.
How often should my dog get a massage?
A. The frequency of a massage program depends on many factors,
including the dog’s age, show schedule, workload and
overall health. Generally, dogs benefit most from a massage
every 6-8 weeks.
Q.
How long does a massage typically last?
A. A full-body canine massage usually lasts approximately
one hour. The first visit can take a little longer as the
dog becomes accustomed to the massage, and I get an accurate
health history.
Q.
Why do I have to walk my dog after a massage?
A. During a massage, the dog is actually
getting an anaerobic workout. Walking for a few minutes after
the massage can help the muscles cool down and prevent any
stiffness the dog may feel due to the toxins released during
the massage.
Q.
Will a massage affect my dog's training/show schedule?
A. No. While some dogs experience a
slight stiffness the day after a massage, you do not need
to alter your training or show schedule.
Q.
Are there times when my dog should NOT be massaged?
A. Yes. Dogs that are in shock, running a fever, suffering
from a skin disease or have been diagnosed with cancer should
not be massaged. Massage is never used on abscesses or areas
of heat or swelling. If your dog is suffering from an injury,
he should first be seen by your veterinarian.
Q.
Why do you massage the entire dog when only a specific muscle
seems sore?
A. It is important to evaluate the entire animal. Often, the
muscle that seems the most sore is compensating for an underlying
issue. A full-body massage is necessary in creating an overall
balance in the body.
Q.
Should I incorporate stretching exercises into my dog’s
training program?
A. Yes! Stretching is important in preventing
muscle injuries and increasing your dog’s range of motion.
However, it is important to remember that you should never
stretch a cold muscle; incorporate stretches only after a
workout or massage, when the muscles are warm.
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