Canine Massage Therapy
Approximately 45 - 60 minutes.
All massage services consist of a full body massage performed at your
location.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
- Enhances muscle tone
- Reduces inflammation and swelling in joints, thereby
alleviating pain
- Increases the flow of nutrients to the muscles
- Stimulates circulation and releases endorphins
- Helps to maintain the whole body in better physical condition
- Eases muscle spasms
- Increases synovial fluid in joints
- Lengthens connective tissue
- Generally improves the disposition of the animal
Why Massage?
Canine massage therapy is beneficial for all types of dogs, from pets to
dogs active in obedience, agility, search and rescue, police K-9 units and
guide dogs, to family companions.
Progressive dog owners are realizing the same benefits for their animals
as those in the equine field. 60% of your dog’s body weight is muscle. It is the system
that is responsible for movement. Maximum function and comfort in the muscle
system will result in the greatest motion possible.
The moving parts of the canine body were designed to
move freely and without pain. All too often the loss of this free motion is
the result of muscle tightening which has developed from repeated strains
and exertions. The other contributing factors of age, nervousness, overuse
and residual effects of injury further compound the issue.
Muscle soreness can be the result of injury, structural imbalance, over
stretching or over use/misuse. Muscle problems are cumulative. If a problem
exists in one area, the dog will have to compensate by tensing up and/or
using other muscle to protect the injured muscle. Any number of secondary
problems can then occur which will in turn compromise movement.
Regular massage can aid in the prevention of these issues. Once a problem
exists, massage helps to break up the tight knots of adhering muscle fibers
which restrict full muscle extension. Massage will find any damaged or
potentially compromised area of muscle and restore it to improved function.
Massage therapy can benefit your dog during recovery from injury
or surgery. Consult your veterinarian prior to massage for guidance on post-operative
and post-injury massage.
Medical science is making it possible for our dogs to live much longer
lives. However, with that comes the problems that are associated with aging.
Massage therapy helps the older, less active dog live a more comfortable
life.
The fundamentals of canine massage can also be used on other small
animals. If you have a pet, other than a dog, that you want to
have the benefits of massage, please contact us to discuss the possibility.
