Question 1

Do I need to provide a Vet Consent form?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is a legal requirement as canine massage is considered a manipulative therapy.  In order to comply with the Veterinary Act 1966 and Veterinary Exemption Order 2015, a Vet consent form must be signed by your Vet. There may be reasons why massage may not be beneficial to your dog, or there is a contra-indication to massage, such as, but not limited to : Cancer, Pregnancy, Epilepsy, Inflammation, Skin conditions, recent surgery, broken bones, shock, and Neuropathy.

Question 2

What training have you had?

Accepted Answer

I completed the rigorous two-year Clinical Canine Massage Practitioner Programme, Canine Massage Therapy Centre, with Natalie Lenton. On the Practitioner Programme, Therapists are taught a total of 60 canine massage techniques which cover disciplines of Swedish Massage, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue Massage and the renowned ‘Lenton Method’which is a group of unique protocols.   There are multiple Modules to complete, including Anatomy and Physiology, with both a thorough Practical and aTheory exam at the end of the course.

I am a proud member of The Canine Massage Guild, and one of the requisites is, we are expected to complete at least 25 hours of CPD (Continuation of Professional Development) per year, allowing us the opportunity to review our existing skills, and to learn new skills, further developing our knowledge and technique.

Question 3

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

Four Borders Canine Massage Therapy is based on the edge of the New Forest, in Ringwood, and mainly covers the areas of Ringwood, Verwood, Bournemouth, Ferndown, Poole and Southampton.
If you are outside of this area, please visit the Canine Massage Therapist Register to find your local Therapist.

Question 4

How often will my dog need a massage?

Accepted Answer

Results may be seen within just 1-3 sessions. Clinical Canine Massage Therapy appointments, where possible, should be arranged over a consecutive three week period, as this allows the body to recover in between each session, and therefore benefit from massage.

There would then be an option to continue with maintenance sessions if this was considered appropriate for your dog and their lifestyle/daily activities.  Maintenance session frequency can be tailored for your dog.

Question 5

Will my insurance company cover Canine Massage?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to your insurance company for clarification. I will be happy to provide information as they require.

Question 6

What happens if my dog won’t settle?

Accepted Answer

I will always work at your dog’s pace and adapt the session to suit them. It is important that trust is built between the dog and therapist, and time will be taken to ensure they are happy, and are not forced, and have choice.  Please do not be surprised if your dog does not completely settle in the first session.

In some cases I can offer a 'familiarisation session' so that your dog can visit the clinic for a short period to get used to the surroundings.  There would be no massage in this session. Please do ask me for more information on how this works, if you feel  your dog can be anxious  in new environments.

Question 7

My dog can be anxious when meeting new people, and sometimes avoids touch.

Accepted Answer

It is important that I work with your dog, and at their pace, and that trust is gained. They will have the choice to sit with me, or they will have time to wander in your home. Dogs can display various distraction techniques when they are in pain, and often refusing or avoiding touch can be as a result of being in discomfort. Often, they will present the area of pain to the therapist, and once trust has been gained, a calming ‘hands on’ approach will be used to continue to reassure your dog.

Question 8

I’m not aware that my dog has any injuries. Would he/she still benefit from massage?

Accepted Answer

Massage can help our dogs in many ways, whether they are pets, or take part in a discipline such as agility, flyball, cani-cross, or gundog work, or assistance dogs.

It can help to improve mood and temperament, enhance performance, relieve pain, soreness and stiffness, and increase energy levels. It improves cell regeneration, reduces inflammation and muscle splinting, stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, and improves venous return and circulation of lymph. It provides a strong feeling of touch, and aids in breaking the pain cycle of conditions such as Arthritis and Dysplasia.  It can also aid in certain cases of palliative care.

Question 9

Am I able to stay with my dog in the room whilst they are having treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most dogs relax easier with their owner’s close by, however some may prefer to just be with the therapist. This is something that can be discussed before or during the appointment.

Question 10

Are you able to diagnose if you identify an issue?

Accepted Answer

A Canine Massage Guild Therapist is unable to diagnose conditions but will refer your dog to your Vet if, after three sessions, there are still any concerns.  The referral will be discussed with you at the appointment, and if you wish, you may be copied into my correspondence with your Vet.

Question 11

Will I need to bring anything with me?

Accepted Answer

Please just bring your dog. I will provide fresh drinking water for your dog, and blankets post session (if needed), and clean vet bedding. The Clinic will be temperature controlled for the comfort of your dog, and there will be space for them to investigate.  The Clinic will be deep cleaned between clients, and is well ventilated.

Question 12

I’ve heard that Canine Massage Guild Therapists offer free muscular health checks. What is a free muscular health check, and how long does it take???

Accepted Answer

A free muscular health check (FMHC) or Palpation, is the art of feeling and checking over forty pairs of muscles through the fingertips, working from head to tail, identifying musculoskeletal issues, such as strains, trigger points, muscle tone, and fascial restrictions, and temperature changes within a muscle. This careful targeted process allows me to understand where your dog may be in discomfort. I can then adapt subsequent massage sessions to benefit your dog and help them to feel more comfortable.  This check usually takes about twenty minutes.

Question 13

Do you use a massage table?

Accepted Answer

Some smaller breeds prefer to be higher up, but I will always check with you (the owner) first, and allow your dog the choice of laying on the massage couch, or on the floor on clean vet bedding.

The massage couch may be lowered if needed, and we are trained in how to safely, and carefully lift your dog on to the couch.

Question 14

Are there any side effects following the massage session?

Accepted Answer

You may have heard of the Herzheimer Reaction, which is also referred to as The Healing Crisis. Following massage, your dog may need 24-48hrs to recover, as the body clears the wastes and toxins that will have been flushed through. It is advisable to keep exercise to a minimum, avoid dog sports such as Cani-cross or Agility, or Flyball, and provide plenty of fresh water, and a lighter diet for the first 24 hours.

Question 15

Can I have my other dogs in the same room when massage treatment is being given?

Accepted Answer

If I am visiting your home, please provide a quiet space for the massage session if possible, so that your dog may fully benefit, and is as relaxed as possible without distractions.

If you are visiting the Clinic, then very occasionally, a dog may settle better if one of the other family dogs are there too, but it will depend on their relationship.   If you feel this may be necessary, this would need to be discussed prior to the appointment.

Question 16

Should I feed my dog before or after the appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please avoid giving your dog any food at least two hours prior to the session and allow them some short exercise time, one hour before the appointment.

Question 17

Will you be able to massage my other dog/s at the same appointment?

Accepted Answer

In compliance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, and the Veterinary Exemptions Order 2015, I cannot provide canine massage therapy treatment without a signed Vet Consent form for each individual dog.  If your Vet has provided a signed form for each of your dogs, then I will be happy to discuss appointment times with you.

It will also depend on the relationship between your dogs as to whether it would be condusive to each dog's massage if you were to bring them both in at the same time.  Again, this would need to be discussed prior to the appointment.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions