Dogs benefit from massage the same as humans. Unfortunately, dogs can't tell us if they have a stiff neck, bad back or just need some relaxation. Dogs tend to “hide” many discomforts they have. Research show the enormous benefits of touch both physically and mentally.

Dogs can suffer issues from:
Pulling on a lead/harness (stiff neck/back).
Jumping into and out of a car/on and off the sofa or bed (stiff neck/back).
Muscle weakness in older age.
Muscular skeletal conditions which can cause restricted movement.
Overexertion and ball chasing.
Recovering from an injury or operation.
Being uncomfortable after a slip or fall.

Massage is beneficial for:

Puppies - it can help calm and relax especially through adolescence and while they are not able to exercise too much before their growth plates close (https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/puppy-exercise-and-growth-plate-development.html). It will also allow the puppy to become used to being handled which is helpful when visiting the vets or groomers.

From maturity to senior years – a gait analysis will show whether there are any muscle tensions which can be helped with massage making the dog feel more comfortable and movement easier.

Senior years – many senior dogs will slow down due to conditions such as arthritis. Massage can help with keeping them more mobile and can offer them relaxation. “Arthritis (osteoarthritis – OA) is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs. It affects 4 out of 5 older dogs. It is a disabling, non-curable, and progressive disease which initially focuses on moving joints but eventually affects the whole dog” (https://caninearthritis.co.uk/what-is-arthritis)

As a qualified Merishia Canine Practitioner I am trained to apply non invasive, yet effective gentle techniques to facilitate both superficial and deep release of tension within the muscular system. Veterinary permission is legally required before a session can commence. Merishia Canine Massage Practitioners are trained to assess how a dog moves. This assessment can show if there is any tension, restrictions and discomfort in the muscles and fascia within the body. Common canine conditions associated with abnormal gait (movement) include arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, patella (knee) luxation (displacement) and invertebral disc disease.

An appointment will comprise of a full consultation, gait analysis of your dog (this analysis will show where your dog may have some tension in their muscles for example), massage treatment and after care advice. I work in conjunction with veterinary professionals (Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Exemption Order 2015) and other professional holistic therapists offering a multimodal approach to ensure the best possible care for your dog.

Why massage for dogs?

Massage not only works the muscular system but also benefits the cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous, skin, respiratory and digestive systems in the canine body.
Dogs have 700 muscles and these muscles, joints, ligaments and bones all work together to produce movement. Dogs use their forelegs for direction and shock absorption and their hindlegs for propulsion.

Some of the benefits of massage include:
Relieving tight/overused muscles, releasing trigger and stress points. This increases flexibility and tone in the muscle and improves range of movements in the joints making life easier and more comfortable for your dog.

By completing further Continuous Professional Development courses this has allowed me to enhance the effects of my massage techniques by applying, Light therapy (Photizo Vetcare, Acupressure Therapy, Reflexology, Tellington TTouch techniques and Myofascial release.

Acupressure
Acupressure is the palpation of points used by acupuncturists, but without needles. Acupressure allows the relief of muscular spasms, strengthens bones and tendons, boosts the immune system, improves the condition of the coat and aids digestion. This therapy is can be very beneficial for older dogs who are unable to undertake a full massage.

Light Therapy using the Photizo Vetcare has proven to be effective in the treatment of:
Musculoskeletal problems: Arthritis, neck and back pain, overuse injuries, muscle spasms, trigger points etc.
Post-op: any area treated surgically, including skin grafts.
Skin conditions: wounds, lacerations, hot-spots, abscesses, acral lick granulomas, bruising, otitis externa, skin allergies, eczema, etc.

Light therapy works by restoring energy in damaged cells and increasing blood flow using highly beneficial wavelengths of red and infrared light. The function of a cell will be compromised after damage caused by injury, surgery, disease or if the body is slower to heal from conditions such as diabetes. When light therapy is applied quickly after acute injury, the process of cell death can be prevented which will lead to quicker healing and recovery following injury.

Cells in people and animals are receptive to light and from numerous clinical and scientific studies, the proven effects of red and infrared light are:
Increases energy in cells (production of ATP in the mitochondria)
Increases circulation
Increased cell regeneration
Reduces inflammation and increases lymphatic activity
Increases immune system activity
Cell death is reversed when applied within 4-6 hrs of injury
Regulation of collagen production helping to reduce scarring
Pain relief and calming by increasing endorphins and serotonin.

TTouch for Dogs
TTouch is beneficial for all dogs regardless of their age or breed. TTouch recognises an inextricable link between posture and behaviour. Observations are key to helping owners and carers understand their dog(s) on whole new level.
Coat changes often appear where there is underlying tension in the body and the appearance of the ears and tail can give you vital information about muscle development through the neck, back and hindquarters. The way a dog moves will usually have a direct influence on how he responds to stimulus and physical, mental and emotional balance cannot be separated
Tension in the neck and back is common in dogs that are reactive to other dogs and strangers and the gentle body work TTouch techniques help to release tight muscles and create a sense of calm. (http://www.ttouchtteam.co.uk/TTouchDogs.shtml)

Reflexology
Reflexology is a method of working points on the paws to help with overall well being. It is based on the premise that specific points on the paws correspond to specific areas on the body.

Myofascial release
Myofascial release (Muscle Fascia Release) is used for the release of fascia (connective tissue) which has become stuck, hardened and dehydrated. Fascia is a three dimensional web that surrounds every bone, muscle, nerve, organ and vessel down to the cellular level from head to toe. Restrictions can develop in fascia from trauma, poor posture and repetitive training. These restrictions can create pain, swelling, misalignments, poor muscular biomechanics, decreased range of motion, decreased strength and lameness.