Download Your Vet Consent Form Here!
Forest Canine Massage acknowledges the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Exemptions Order 2015, therefore before I can massage your dog you will need to obtain a signed veterinary consent form. This is not only a legal requirement but also informs me of any contraindications to massage.
What is Canine Massage?
Canine Massage Therapy is a highly skilled, non-invasive and very effective hands-on therapy which specialises in the rehabilitation of soft-tissue injuries including strains, trigger points and myofascial issues. It also helps to provide chronic pain relief for orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia and is an excellent therapy for rehab work and post-operative care.
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In Clinical Trials with the University of Winchester 95% of dogs responded positively to Clinical Canine Massage Therapy. Improvements to your dog’s mobility, activity levels and pain management is often seen in just 1-3 treatments.
What Are The Benefits of Canine Massage Therapy?
Canine Massage therapy benefits all dogs regardless of their breed, age, temperament, capabilities or medical history.
Young, Active, Working Dogs
Has your agility dog started knocking poles, skipping weaves, missing contacts, measuring between jumps or lacking drive?
Working & competing dogs work extremely hard. Even young, active, pet dogs will expend huge amounts of energy on their daily walks. This puts them at a greater risk of sustaining a muscular injury.
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Canine Massage Therapy releases tight, sore, restricted muscles which improves your dog's mobility & flexibility, thus enhancing performance and improving energy levels. Minor injuries and underlining problems can be detected and treated early which will prevent injury.
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Read why Michelle Waugh (Champ Agility Handler & Trainer) uses Forest Canine Massage to treat her competing Border Collies.
Dogs with Orthopaedic Conditions
Has your dog been diagnosed with an orthopaedic condition such as arthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia, spondylosis, luxating patella or cruciate ligament tear?
Orthopaedic conditions affect the bones and surrounding muscles. They are degenerative meaning they get worse overtime. This causes your dog pain and mobility issues.
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Canine massage therapy can release tight, sore muscles and treat areas of over-compensation. This improves mobility & joint flexibility, manages & reduces the sensation of pain and ultimately improves your dog's mood and quality of life.
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"Titch the Patterdale Terrier Finds Relief from Osteoarthritis with Canine Massage Therapy"
Dogs with Soft Tissue or Muscular Injuries
Does your dog have an injury? Is your dog lame or suffering with intermittent lameness?
If your dog has sustained an injury and your vet has given consent for massage then Canine Massage Therapy is excellent for rehabilitating soft tissue injuries.
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Canine Massage Therapy will improve the circulation of blood and lymph in the tissues, thus speeding up the recovery process. Restore normal range of motion, flexibility and mobility, reduce levels of chronic pain and treat areas of over-compensation.
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"Canine Massage Therapy Resolved Barney's Intermittent Lameness"
Middle Aged Dogs
Does your dog seen old before their time? Are they slowing down on walks, reluctant to jump in/out of the car or on/off the sofa? Have they developed a new behaviour, appear more withdrawn or lack in energy?
They could be harbouring a soft tissue injury and silent pain.
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Canine massage therapy can detect soft tissues injures and treat primary and secondary areas of concern by releasing tight, sore muscles and treating areas of over-compensation. This improves mobility & joint flexibility, manages & reduces the sensation of pain and ultimately improves your dog's mood and quality of life.
Elderly, Senior Dogs
Is your dog looking their age? Are they stiff, finding it difficult to stand up and lie down? Are they reluctant to go on walks, struggling to get around, withdrawn, lost their sparkle or have a glazed look about them?
All dogs age! This creates the impression that it is inevitable and we cannot do anything about the general wear and tear on their muscles and joints.
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With the application of specific techniques and releases, canine massage therapy can restore flexibility and suppleness to the muscle tissues. Thus increasing mobility and reducing pain. Your dog will be happier and more active.
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"At 14 years of age Tally is still able to enjoy her daily walks!"
Nervous, Anxious, Reactive Dogs
Does your dog become overly aroused by certain stimuli or situations? Do they always appear stressed or show signs of fear & anxiety?
A dog that is constantly stressed, anxious, nervous or suffering with trauma will be in a constant state of high alert. Known as the fight, flight or freeze response.
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Canine Massage Therapy lowers the fight flight or freeze response by stimulating the rest and digest response. This calms the mind, allowing your dog the time and space they require for them to process emotional distress and cope with the world around them. Your dog will feel calm and relaxed in their body.
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"From Rescued to Revitalised: How Canine Massage Therapy Transformed Letty's Life!"
For more information about muscular & orthopaedic conditions, silent pain and how to prevent injury, visit my Blog page.
Treatments
All treatments are tailored to the individual needs and requirements of your dog.
First Appointment
First Massage session will last approximatley 1hour 30 min. This includes a full consultation, gait analysis, postural analysis, palpation, full body massage & Aftercare advice.
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Cost - £45
Massage
Subsequent treatments will last around 1 hour and I usually work on 3 sessions over 3/5 weeks as this produces the best results. If your dog has a course of 3 treatments, I will write a report and send it to your veterinarian for their records. Forest Canine Massage works best practice. In the unlikely event that after 3 sessions your dog has not responded to treatment, I will refer your dog back to your vet for further investigation.
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Cost - £40
Maintenance Massage
Maintenance sessions can help active working/sporting dogs improve their performance, mobility and flexibility, by detecting and treating underlining problems early before they become an issue. Elderly dogs and those with orthopaedic conditions such as Arthritis can also benefit as maintenance sessions help to improve your dog's mobility and comfort levels.
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Cost - £40
Muscular Heath Check
A muscular health check is a skilled hands-on assessment that takes around 10 min.It is the only accurate way to identify if your dog is harbouring silent pain or carrying a soft tissue injury.
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FREE
Pre & Post event massage
Existing clients can benefit from a 20 minute warm up and cool down massage at events and shows that I attend.
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FREE - To existing clients
Facebook Group
Join our FREE facebook group "Forest Canine Wellness," a supportive community for passionate pet parents and canine enthusiasts seeking advice, tips and valuable information on how to optimise their beloved four-legged friend's overall physical wellness and longevity.
FREE
Fuel Charge - 50p per mile (after the first 10 miles)