Before your dog's appointment
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In compliance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, and the Veterinary Exemptions Order 2015, Four Borders Canine Massage Therapy must be in receipt of a signed Veterinary Consent Form before I am able to treat your dog. This is a legal requirement and will provide relevant information such as your dog’s medical history.
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A form may be downloaded here, or if you would prefer, I can send a copy to you by email.
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Once signed, your Vet may return the form directly to me. I will let you know by email as soon as I receive it and we can arrange an appointment to suit.
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If the form is returned to you first by your Vet, then I shall need to see a signed copy prior to scheduling any appointments, so would kindly ask that you submit this to me as soon as possible either by post or by email. If there is any medical or health reason that your Vet advises massage is not beneficial for your dog, I will contact you in the first instance.
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Home Visits or Other Locations​
I will bring a mat for your dog to lay on if they choose to do so. They may choose their bed or lay on the carpet or a favourite rug. Some giant breeds prefer to remain cool, so weather permitting, I will be happy to adjust my routine and work outside if your dog prefers this.
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I can supply a massage couch if you feel your dog would benefit from this. Some smaller breeds prefer to be higher up, rather than laying on the floor.
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We will allow time for your dog to greet me on their terms. It is important that they are happy.
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Dogs are not like us during massage sessions, and may not just lie quietly. Some dogs may sleep during each session, and some may wriggle or want to play. This is the reason I allow plenty of time for each session, so that I can work at your dog’s pace giving them the time they need to settle.
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I will provide a Welcome Pack which will include some information on the benefits of Canine Massage Therapy, and some advice on Activities of Daily Living.
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I will be happy to wear a face mask if you request this, however please do consider how your dog may respond to a mask.
The first session - approx 90mins
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Consultation - We will discuss your dog’s personality, behaviour, their lifestyle, and Activities of Daily Living, and what you may be hoping for from the treatment sessions.​
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Gait and Postural Analysis – This analysis allows me to determine how your dog moves, and how they sit and stand and distribute their weight.
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Palpation – (image on the right) is a full body routine which, by using a hands-on assessment approach will allow me to feel for any changes in over 40 pairs of your dog’s muscles, identify any possible changes in the Fascia, and any soft tissue irregularities.
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Massage Session – This will be approximately 30 minutes on each side, depending on how your dog responds. Please don’t be concerned if I stop to allow your dog a break, as it is important that your dog has space and time to settle, and I will ensure that the massage therapy routine can be adapted, if necessary, to suit their needs.
Subsequent treatment sessions
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Each subsequent massage session will be 60 minutes. Results may be seen in as little as one to three sessions, which will be scheduled over a period of approximately three to five weeks.
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If I consider any identified issues may not respond to massage therapy treatment, I will discuss with you first, and refer your dog back to your Vet.
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Following the completion of three sessions, I will send a report to your Vet for their records.
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If you feel your dog may benefit from maintenance massage, we can agree a suitable plan individual to your dog’s needs.
Helpful tips for your dog's daily activities
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I have put together some helpful hints and tips on how to help your dog avoid potential soft tissue injury, and therefore to feel more comfortable.
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Activities of Daily Living
Watch our video on helpful tips on how to help your dog during every day activities​
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Canine Massage Guild Clinical Trials Research
Find out what the Clinical Trials research shows about the effect of massage therapy on pain and quality of life in dogs.
The British Veterinary Association
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Canine Massage Guild Clinical Trials article