Shardlow Animal Massage
(As seen on BBC February 2008)
Massage is good for all breeds of dog and cross-breeds, whether they are working dogs or family pets.
What exactly is Canine Massage Therapy?
Canine Massage Therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on deep tissue techniques to the voluntary muscle system - for the purpose of increasing circulation, reducing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, promoting healing and increasing range of motion in all breeds of dogs. The main purpose of massage and stretching is to maintain and improve mobility, increase the blood circulation and have a relaxed and happy dog.
How can massage benefit my dog?
Massage Therapy is beneficial to all dogs including those associated with Agility, Obedience, Showing, Working, Flyball, Heelwork to music, Sledding, CaniX, and of course the much loved family pet.Massage can do wonders for dogs that are recovering from surgery or injury. Massage and stretching exercises aids faster recovery to normal.
Massage promotes the healing process by increasing the flow of nutrients to the muscles, and aiding in carrying away excessive fluids and toxins.
Massage stimulates circulation by defrosting frozen muscles, thereby releasing endorphins - the body's natural pain killers.
Massage can help in pain management for dogs suffering with Hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament and other common problems by helping to reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints and easing tension throughout both the areas affected and the areas under stress from that compensating.
Massage will both help to prevent injuries and improve performance in all types of working/performance dogs, helping to bring your dog to its full athletic potential .
Sparkle and Andy on completion of the first CaniX event to place at Crufts in 2008. Sparkle received pre- and post-event massage on the day and has regular massage sessions from Jane.
Massage relaxes and stretches muscles, enhancing muscle tone, allowing show dogs of all breeds to reach their maximum range of motion around the ring. Maintains skin elasticity and conditions the coat.
Massage maintenance treatment helps your canine athlete maintain its optimal performance level. Post-event massage removes the lactic acid build-up and reduces post-event seize ups.
Massage is brilliant for dogs in their “golden years”. While it cannot claim to heal conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism it is however highly effective in reducing the resulting pain and muscle tension and is said to slow down the degenerative process.
Massage is extremely helpful in increasing muscle tone, circulation and flexibility in dogs with reduced activity or mobility levels.
Massage helps rescue dogs settle in their homes and renews their trust.
Please contact me if you wish to discuss massage for your dog: Tel 01452 312668 or email jane@shardlowanimaltherapies.co.uk
The fee for a massage session is £25, plus travel expenses if more than 10 miles from Gloucester.
Massage only takes place with your vet's permission. You can download a veterinary consent form (pdf) for completion.
© Jane Paradise 2008
