K9 Massage

    Your dog works hard for you every day.  Whether your dog is involved in a competitive sports activity like fly-ball, herding or agility, or you just go for long hikes in the woods, your dog is using it’s muscles.  Help your dog relax, recover from work-outs faster, and enjoy the overall health benefits that a regular massage routine can provide.  (It even benefits couch potato dogs too!)

Intent

    The intent of maintenance massage is to help a healthy pet stay at a specific level of work for as long as possible and as safely as possible.  Maintenance massage is perhaps the most common type of massage, and one of the most valuable.

Physical Benefits

1. •Decreased recovery time between workouts (removal of metabolic waste products)
   

2. •Decreased post-workout discomfort (release of naturally occurring endorphins)
   

3. •Decreased chance of overuse/stress related injuries (lengthening muscle fibres)
   

4. •Stimulation of lymphatic system (improved immune function)
   

5. •Prevention of chronic conditions (regular monitoring and early detection)
   

6. •Improves the quality and symmetry of movement
   

7. •Balances muscle tone for better joint health and function
   

8. •Stimulates circulation for greater health of all tissues
   

9. •Improves athletic agility and coordination
   

10. •Promotes strength and endurance
    

11. •Improves skeletal alignment and posture for more efficient movement
    

12. •Releases endorphins (natural “feel good” painkillers)
    

13. •Lowers blood pressure
    

14. •Improves digestion
    

15. •Reduces swelling
    

16. •Optimizes the training and learning process due to better health, calmer mind, and greater body awareness and comfort
    

17. •Improves the quality of sleep
    

18. •Increases flexibility and resilience
    

Candidates for Massage

    The typical candidate for maintenance massage is any animal who has a regular routine or activity level.

1. •Companion animals
   

2. •Healthy athletic animals
   

3. •Geriatric pets
   

4. •Working Dogs (scent dogs, police dogs, assistance dogs) in the normal course of duty
   

Typical Maintenance Massage Schedule

    Maintenance massage programs are designed for individual needs and budgets.  Maintenance massage is the most common and the most valuable to the dog’s continued health and well-being.  Sessions can be performed anytime, although it is best to schedule when the dog is typically well rested, and the household is fairly quiet.  Also, about one hour before or two hours after feeding is best.  The frequency of sessions is dependent on several factors; condition of the dog, time and budget constraints.  For most dogs, one to two sessions per month is adequate to promote good health and general well-being.  I may suggest that the initial few sessions be spaced fairly close together. This will help me get a better picture of what the dog may need, as well as time to create trust and form a bond between the dog and myself.  

What Happens During a Session?

    On our first session I will gather information about the dog; age, breed, heath history, etc.  At the start of the session I will practically ignore the dog.  This doesn’t mean I am not paying attention to her, I will be observing her the whole time.  This will give the dog a chance to “feel me out” and get used to my presence on her terms.  Once the dog is comfortable with me I will do an all over body assessment.  This will provide me with information about the dog’s current state of being.  I will feel for any tension, inflammation, tenderness, heat, or discomfort.  I will also check range of motion of the joints.  All the while I will be paying careful attention to her body language for signals that will guide me in my assessment and subsequent massage.  Once I have determined where the trouble spots are I will use various massage strokes and techniques to work out the kinks.  At the end of the session the dog and I will sit quietly for a few minutes while the dog processes the experience and I close the session.

What You Can Expect After the Massage Session

    Your dog will naturally want to drink after the session, and may drink more than usual.  She may also need to relieve herself more due to the increased intake of water.  This is totally normal.  She will probably sleep soundly after the session, so let her rest and adjust to the work that has just been performed.  She may also move a bit slower right after the session, this too is normal.

What You Need to Provide for the Session

    A quiet area of the house that is not the dog’s typical place to sleep.  Lots of fresh water should be available for your dog.  Massage releases toxins and waste products and drinking plenty of water is very helpful in flushing them from the system.  I would ask that the excitement level is kept to a minimum and that there be very little talking while the massage is in progress.  Also, treats and toys are not a good idea during the session as they can be distracting and keep the dog from focusing on her body. 

What I will Bring to the Session

    Along with my skills as a small animal massage practitioner and many years of dog handling experience, I will bring a dog bed with a clean blanket, relaxation music that has been scientifically proven to help dogs relax (www.throughadogsear.com) and some natural calming remedies to use if needed. 

To schedule a massage assessment for your dog, please call:

Ken at 250-858-6463

or email: ken@zuludog.ca

www.zuludog.ca