Myotherapy Frequently Asked Questions.
My dog is anxious, will they enjoy a massage?
Massages are wonderful for dogs with anxiety, because massages soothe the nervous system (just as they do for humans!). Laura has considerable experience with dogs that are shy or nervous around new people, and she will make your dog feel right at home at The Happy Dog Hub. For dogs with anxiety, Laura uses gentle, soothing techniques such as cranial-sacral therapy.
Will massage help reduce anxiety in my dog?
Yes, massages can help reduce anxiety in dogs (along with appropriate behavioural training and/or veterinary treatment). Massages work to soothe nerves and help promote the ‘rest and repair’ part of the nervous system. Massages can also help reduce physical pain that may contributing to a dog’s anxiety. When a dog feels good in their body, they also tend to feel well mentally. The experience of the massage with a caring therapist is also very positive and healing for dogs who are usually nervous around people.
Will it improve the relationship with my dog by increasing human animal bonding?
Massage is a great way to improve the relationship between the dog and their owner. For many dogs, the experience of having a positive and close relationship with a professional can help them be more trusting of humans and be more comfortable being touched. Laura can also show you simple massage techniques you can do at home to strengthen your bond with your dog.
Will myotherapy and massage change outcomes from post-orthopaedic surgery and can it get them back to living their fullest life quicker?
Yes, massage can help your dog recover quicker and more fully from surgeries. Massage promotes tissue regeneration in muscles and helps ensure your dog does not lose muscle mass after surgery. We have seen dogs recover to their full function within 6-8 weeks of surgery with regular massages. Massage can also help prevent bilateral conditions from occurring (e.g. a ruptured ACL on the other side following surgery). Massage works to ensure the whole body stays healthy and there is no compensation/further injury to other limbs while the dog is recovering.
My dog has arthritis, will they be sore afterwards?
No, in fact they are likely to feel much better! Gentle massage promotes mobility and lubrication in arthritic joints. Massage also works directly with muscles that may be under strain due to arthritis. We often find that resolving any issues with the muscles goes a long way to improving the function of joints and overall mobility. Dr Lucie has a special passion for helping our furry friends with arthritis, as she has arthritis herself and she has experienced the benefits of massage first-hand.
What signs would I look for to know that massage is helping my dog and making them happier?
Owners have reported many positive results from massage (even after the first massage),
Including:
After their massage, some dogs will want to have a long nap and fully integrate the relaxing benefits of the massage.
Some dogs will be full of beans and back to their ‘old self’ or ‘puppy self’. They might want to play, walk, or run around now that their sore spots are gone!
We often find that dogs who come for regular massage have much improved mobility, they are much more likely to play or interact with other dogs/people, and they are generally much more engaged in life (rather than sulky, grumpy, or shy).
How many sessions will my dog need to see results?
For a relaxation massage, your dog is likely to experience positive results from the very first massage. If your dog is particularly anxious, it might take them a couple of sessions for them to get used to being touched in a caring and therapeutic way. As for humans, it is a process to learn to relax and let go, but all dogs end up loving their massage sessions!
For myotherapy and remedial massage, your dog is likely to show visible progress after the first session. Depending on the underlying medical condition, your dog may need to have regular sessions at first to snowball their results. Dr Lucie can discuss a treatment plan with your vet to make sure your dog gets the best care possible.
Are there circumstances where a massage is not advisable?
Unfortunately, the massage cannot proceed if your dog has a generalised skin infection, if your dog is wet, pregnant, or very sick. If your dog has a medical condition, you can let us know at the time of booking.
What if my dog can be nippy?
If your dog has been nippy or bitten someone in the past, please let Laura know. She will take extra care during the massage to read your dog’s body signals and make them comfortable. We also have some soft muzzles on hand that we can use so everyone is safe during the massage.