What To Expect
What to expect on your first appointment
Gaining Trust
The initial consultation lasts approximately 2 hours.
Time is taken to get to know your pet, as they may be a little nervous, especially if they are experiencing any tensions and discomfort. This gives them time to accept and trust the practitioner, allowing them to feel comfortable with the treatment and to touch. We respect that dogs have choices, building trust is the key with our canine clients and paramount in enhancing the benefits of the massage treatment.
(In fact, it is quite often that during the next session they are excited to see the practitioner and can actually present an area they want massaging).
Health/History
We will gather information about your pet’s medical history, past or current injuries, exercise and lifestyle routine, energy levels, behavioural changes etc. This allows a little more insight into their current well-being.
Observation
We observe your dog in movement (Gait analysis), during a walk and a trot. This is followed by a posture analysis to see how your dog sits, stands and distributes their weight. This allows us to identify signs of discomfort, tensions, restrictions and imbalances. There may be occasions where an assessment is not appropriate, such as; if your dog pulls hard on their lead, or perhaps is in pain or discomfort. We will always work with your dog’s physical and emotional well-being.
We video their gait analysis, so we can observe their movement for a more thorough evaluation and it is also a great tool for monitoring their progress throughout treatment.
Muscular Assessment
Through touch and while working with their feedback signs and reactions, we gently explore their muscular health, highlighting areas that may be carrying pain, tension, spasms, trigger points, muscular imbalances, variations in temperature and the overall quality of skin & coat.
Massage Treatment
With an initial focus on the area of concern, it is not uncommon to detect other issues that may be housing tensions while working deeper in to the muscles, therefore we will work with the body as a whole.
Techniques used are, Swedish, remedial-sports, deep tissue, fascia release, mobilisation and stretch techniques.
Working appropriately with the dog’s responses and reactions to help guide us, we apply the most appropriate techniques for the individual, physical and mental needs of your pet.
There may be occasions during the session when you may witness short intervals. A dog can often have a wonder around, even lie down then return for more treatment. This allows them time to process the effects they are experiencing from the massage treatment. Dogs just like humans can be very in-tune with their bodies and generally know when to take a break.
Feedback/Aftercare and Subsequent treatment
Following all treatments, we discuss our findings and areas that have been treated, then provide a personalised aftercare plan to enhance the recovery of your pet. This could include exercise and/or lifestyle recommendations and gentle massage strokes and stretches that you can to do at home with your companion.
At this point we will discuss subsequent treatments and as your pet’s well-being is our top priority, if we feel that the treatment is not addressing, improving or supporting an issue, we would refer you back to your vet, or suggest other therapies if appropriate.
Recovery &
Well being
All dogs react differently after massage treatment and it is very much dependent on the type of massage applied. There are some dogs that can instantly feel more energised. Some dogs may experience a little stiffness for a couple of days, may feel sleepy/lethargic, they may have an increase in thirst and toilet more frequently.
These are all perfectly normal reactions and a natural part of the healing process, as their body is cleansing itself of toxins/ impurities and muscular imbalances. We will explain this in more detail during our first appointment.
We always recommend your pet is allowed quiet time after massage treatment and refrain from overexertion, so as not to compromise the soft tissue work they have just received, also ensuring they have free access to water and going to the toilet.
After the final treatment, we provide a report for your vet, as they may wish to keep this for their records to show continuity of care for your pet. If your pet was having a general maintenance & well-being treatment, then a report would only be sent if anything was to be found during the session that we felt required further investigation, in which case we would then refer you back to your vet.
Session Well Being
• We like to encourage a calm peaceful environment with little distraction, as this proves beneficial and more relaxing for your pet. Massage treatments can take place in the comfort of your own homes where your dog feels relaxed in their own environment, alternatively, we are more than happy to see your pet at our base in Leintwardine if more convenient.
• Please ensure your dog will not have had new medication, wormer/flea treatments 5 days prior to massage treatment.
• It would be beneficial for your dog to have toileted prior to the session, however your dog will have the freedom to relieve themselves at any time throughout.
• By all means take your dog for a walk as normal, but we like to ask you to refrain from exerted activity and allow at least 2 hours rest prior to their session. We do like to ask that their coat is dry and free from any debris e.g. mud.
• Please ensure your dog has not had a main meal for at least 2 hours prior to the massage treatment.
Please note, before we can provide massage treatment for your pet, we require consent from your vet. For more information on this please see FAQs.
"We can't thank Sarah enough for helping Charlie feel more comfortable and enjoy his walks again".
Graham
Ludlow
“Sarah is such a professional and has a wonderful way with Millie. She is knowledgeable and I completely trust her with my best friend.”
Sue
Hopton Heath
“Sarah is really helping Teddy in preparation for his Knee operation.”
Naomi
Wigmore