Frequently Asked Questions
What types of pets can benefit from massage?
- Older pets with arthritis and other joint and mobility problems
- Animals recovering from a recent surgery, illness or injury
- Pets with previous injuries, genetic abnormalities or chronic conditions
- Pets with poor circulation
- Animals that have been, or will be, confined for an extended period of time such as boarding or recovery
- Distressed pets before or after vet visits, grooming appointments, lengthy travel, etc.
- Agility competitors before and after competition
- Show animals that need to be relaxed and look their best
Will my dog/cat like massage?
Most dogs love to be massaged. Every pet is unique and there is a wide variety of potential reactions. Some will fall asleep during a session while others become invigorated. Some dogs and many cats are just not willing to be touched for an extended period of time. Occasionally those animals can be convinced to trust the practitioner after learning that massage makes them feel better.
Especially during a first massage, an animal will often be unsure of the intention of the massage. It’s not uncommon for an animal to be overwhelmed when a human comes solely to "pet" them, but the uncertainty generally goes away and the pet enjoys the massage.
Most dogs love to be massaged. Every pet is unique and there is a wide variety of potential reactions. Some will fall asleep during a session while others become invigorated. Some dogs and many cats are just not willing to be touched for an extended period of time. Occasionally those animals can be convinced to trust the practitioner after learning that massage makes them feel better.
Especially during a first massage, an animal will often be unsure of the intention of the massage. It’s not uncommon for an animal to be overwhelmed when a human comes solely to "pet" them, but the uncertainty generally goes away and the pet enjoys the massage.
What if my dog won’t sit still for a massage?
Clients are often concerned about how their pets will react to a massage session and that they are receiving the treatment they’re paying for. The first step is to meet with you and your pet. During this initial consultation, we will discuss the pet’s needs, medical history, and your goals for massage. At this time I will also begin to initiate hands-on contact with the animal, and you will be able to see just how your pet reacts to a massage. The rest of the session will be focused on gently working on all areas of the pet's body to get a feel for how to best improve your dog's well-being. Keep in mind that it is very common for pets to be apprehensive at first. It is also common to provide 10-15 minutes of massage, take a short break and resume. Occasionally pets will have an “off day” or be unable to focus on the massage. In these instances, we can reschedule the massage and try again on a different day. You will not be charged for a full session if we are unable to complete one. Rarely, there are pets who do not enjoy massage. If your pet is not relaxed or benefiting from massage, I would recommend an alternate treatment.
Clients are often concerned about how their pets will react to a massage session and that they are receiving the treatment they’re paying for. The first step is to meet with you and your pet. During this initial consultation, we will discuss the pet’s needs, medical history, and your goals for massage. At this time I will also begin to initiate hands-on contact with the animal, and you will be able to see just how your pet reacts to a massage. The rest of the session will be focused on gently working on all areas of the pet's body to get a feel for how to best improve your dog's well-being. Keep in mind that it is very common for pets to be apprehensive at first. It is also common to provide 10-15 minutes of massage, take a short break and resume. Occasionally pets will have an “off day” or be unable to focus on the massage. In these instances, we can reschedule the massage and try again on a different day. You will not be charged for a full session if we are unable to complete one. Rarely, there are pets who do not enjoy massage. If your pet is not relaxed or benefiting from massage, I would recommend an alternate treatment.
Do you massage cats and other animals?
Yes! I advertise canine massage because dogs are my primary clientele. I can work on cats and even other small animals too, if they are willing to receive massage. There are quite a fews reasons why cats don't usually like or even need massage:
Yes! I advertise canine massage because dogs are my primary clientele. I can work on cats and even other small animals too, if they are willing to receive massage. There are quite a fews reasons why cats don't usually like or even need massage:
- They spend a lot of time sleeping, mainly REM sleep, when the body does the most healing.
- About 30% of their day is spent grooming, which is like a self-massage. Their rough tongues pull on their hair, which stretches fascia and stimulates hair follicles and skin cells.
- They have porous bones that are very lightweight, and thick articular cartilage that cushions their joints, putting less strain on their skeletal system.
- They have a "righting reflex" triggered by inner ear bones, that allows them to turn their spine and land on their feet when falling, preventing injury.
- Vibrissae, (whiskers) are hollow sensory hairs that detect tiny pressure changes in the air. They are located in several places on a cat's body and are easily overstimulated by touch.
Do you massage horses or farm animals?
No. I am certified to practice small animal massage only. In the future, I may obtain a certification in large animal massage too.
No. I am certified to practice small animal massage only. In the future, I may obtain a certification in large animal massage too.
How often should my pet get a massage?
Each animal is different and has their own unique sets of conditions and circumstances, and of course the owner's financial limitations are important. All of these factors help determine the appropriate schedule for your massage plan. A pet with chronic pain or mobility issues might benefit from a massage one or twice a week while a healthy dog or cat may only require a session once a month or less. One session may stimulate noticeable change in your pet's body, but it will usually take at least a couple of follow up appointments for optimal improvement.
Each animal is different and has their own unique sets of conditions and circumstances, and of course the owner's financial limitations are important. All of these factors help determine the appropriate schedule for your massage plan. A pet with chronic pain or mobility issues might benefit from a massage one or twice a week while a healthy dog or cat may only require a session once a month or less. One session may stimulate noticeable change in your pet's body, but it will usually take at least a couple of follow up appointments for optimal improvement.
How does massage help arthritis?
Massage stimulates cells to increase and maintain flexibility and range of motion and keep joints lubricated, often allowing for improved mobility. Along with exercise and nutrition, massage can play a significant role in keeping pets beginning to show joint stiffness, or those with joint disease, more mobile and comfortable.
Massage stimulates cells to increase and maintain flexibility and range of motion and keep joints lubricated, often allowing for improved mobility. Along with exercise and nutrition, massage can play a significant role in keeping pets beginning to show joint stiffness, or those with joint disease, more mobile and comfortable.
When should I NOT have a massage performed on my pet?
Massage, in general, can be used for most pets and is rarely contraindicated. Always consult your veterinarian prior to seeking massage for your pet if it has any heart conditions, injuries, and after surgery. If your pet has any contagious parasites or diseases, they should not receive a massage for the health and safety of the practitioner and other clients.
Massage, in general, can be used for most pets and is rarely contraindicated. Always consult your veterinarian prior to seeking massage for your pet if it has any heart conditions, injuries, and after surgery. If your pet has any contagious parasites or diseases, they should not receive a massage for the health and safety of the practitioner and other clients.