What do you give the dog who has everything?
How about a massage! Dog lovers have been known to go above and beyond for their four-legged friends. Buying the best kibble, spending hours at the park, and buying more toys for your dog than your kids. Even celebrating special days. Visit a pet store at Christmas and there is Santa waiting to pose, and a whole aisle of stocking stuffers just for your fur-kids. What do you bring to a puppy's birthday party? Sure you could bring treats, or a new squeeky toy. Or you could bring a unique gift certificate for a relaxing and healthy massage.
Where I Started
As you are probably aware I am certified in Equine Shiatsu Massage. Though I have been using massage on my own dogs I had never thought of branching out until I met the caring owner of a great dane named R. He had some hip problems and she had been unable to find anyone doing K-9 massage, so being that R is nearly the size of a horse she approached me about branching out my services. I became a massage therapist to help animals live happier lives, so I felt that I could not descriminate based on species. If there is a need, I will do my best to fill it.
Why Massage?
How can you tell if your dog would like a massage? Just ask! Every species, human or animal enjoys the effects of massage. Massage improves circulation, breaks up adhesions, and stimulates the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins from the body. Plus, it feels really good. Any age dog can enjoy the benefit of massage! Older dogs need more work than younger ones though. Young dogs tend to have plenty of energy and flexability, they run around and stretch often, much like small children. Older dogs, like grown people, tend to spend less time playing, more time stressing. Over extended periods flexability can be severely reduced and stiffness developes. Once the muscles get stiff, it can become too much of an effort or too uncomfortable for your dog to act like a puppy. Massage helps get these muscles stretched out and working like they used to. The ideal is to balance the whole body. Your thirteen year old dog may not be a puppy again but improved muscle condition will go a long way toward a happier, healthier life. Massage should not be considered a substitue for vet care, you should check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dogs health.
What to expect:
When working on dogs I follow much the same pattern as I do with horses. You and I will discuss any concerns you have about the session. If your dog has had any injuries, or lameness, it is important to mention. Also, the more handling experience your dog has, the more he/she will enjoy the massage. Rubbing the ears,gums, and feet can be very relaxing for dogs, but some are very touchy about these areas. During the massage it is very important for you to be able to control your dogs head. I do not use muzzles because I think the make dogs feel extremely vulnerable. During the course of a massage I may come across knots or sore areas. If you have ever had a massage you may understand how painful these knots can be to work out. You probably didn't bite you're masseuse because you had the understanding that the massage therapist was helping you in the long run. Dog's often don't make this distinction, especially during the first session. After the massage I help your dog stretch. This can be very important for older and very large dogs.
Cost Factor:
Standard Session: $25
First timers: $20
Gift Certificates $25 Multiple Dog Discount
What do you give the dog who has everything?
Though I have been using massage on my own dogs I had never thought of branching out until I met the caring owner of a great dane named R. He had some hip problems and she had been unable to find anyone doing K-9 massage, so being that R is nearly the size of a horse she approached me about branching out my services. I became a massage therapist to help animals live happier lives, so I felt that I could not descriminate based on species. If there is a need, I will do my best to fill it.