FAQ's

By Law, it is necessary for any therapist to seek your vet’s permission in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 2015.

It is also important to understand that there are circumstances in which massage or hydrotherapy could exacerbate an issue or be detrimental to your dogs’ health, so it is important for all parties to be involved and fully informed.

By gaining your vet’s consent you can also be satisfied that the therapist has been trained to a professional standard, qualified and insured.

This is entirely dependant on what is best for your dog and how you feel they would benefit. 

This treatment works best in a quiet and calming environment.  Some dogs are generally happier if their owner is nearby and therefore you are absolutely more than welcome to stay. 

However, I have quite a few clients who prefer not to be present, as they know their dog will relax more if they are not there. 

I work with whatever works best for your dog, as they are my main priority.

Some of your dogs belongings would be preferred.  

For clinical massage, a soft blanket (don't worry if you forget, this is purely for comfort for your dog, there are plenty available at the clinic). For hydrotherapy, your dogs own towels, special treats, a dri-robe (if you have one) to keep them warm after the treatment session on the way home. 

Each dog's treatment is tailored to their needs.  Your dog will never be forced into any situation that they are not comfortable with, everything will be taken at their pace.  As you know your dog better than anyone, we can discuss the best appraoch for your dog so we can acheive the best results.

If I feel that the therapy of your choice will not suit your dog, then I will refer back to your  vet.  You won't go away empty handed though, I will provide plenty advice about changes to your dogs daily activities and environment that could be contributing to any issues they have. 

Absolutely!  The best thing about any of the  treatments available is that any dog can benefit from them, whether they are young, fit and active or very old, stiff, and have sore joints.  

• Pregnant bitches
• If your dog has a temperature
• If your dog is in shock
• If your dog has regular eplileptic fits
• If your dog has open wounds
• Cancer - depentant of type and if it is for paliative care, please contact to discuss

As every dog is different, it is entirely down to how your dog responds to the treatment.

Specifically for clinical massage only, typically improvements are seen within 1-3 sessions, allowing for between 7-10 days in between sessions.  Some dogs will also benefit from further maintenence sessions, to continue with the improved comfort levels.

Clinical massage: Deep tissue work can be uncomfortable, if you have had deep tissue or sport massage yourself, you will fully understand!  However, the tissue is warmed up prior to any deep tissue work taking place and any discomfort felt with be soothed by softer massage techniques, which relax the muscles afterwards.

Hydrotherapy: No known disomfort.  Every dog will be assessed before the session and continually assessed throughout the session. 

It is perfectly normal following the treatment for your dog to be more lethargic than usual.

Some dogs experience what is called "The Healing Crisis', which is where the body begins to restore it's natural balance, and will begin to heal.

Through this process, which tends to last between 24-72 hours, you may find your dog experiences:

• Current issues (e.g.lameness/limping) seems to be worse
• Lethargic
• Quiet
• Drinking more
• Urinating more
• Running poo
• Vomiting

These reactions are a sign that the treament is working, and the body is going through the process of cleansing itself of toxins, impurities and muscular imbalances, setting the stage for cellular regeneration. 

Some dogs may experience these symptoms from mild to severe and some dogs have no reaction at all, it is entirely dependant on each individual dog.

No matter how your dog responds, whether they have a severe reaction or no reaction at all or they are full of energy, it is imperative that your dog is kept quiet for at least 24hrs after the treatment, they need:

• Quiet rest
• Only a light meal
• Constant access to fresh water

This will allow the body to rebalance itself and respond to the bodywork which has been performed.

If it is in the dog's best interest, yes.  Mileage cost may incur.  Please contact me to discuss further via the 'Contact' page

Prior to any treatment session it is imperative that I find out as much as I can about your dog and their activities of daily living, this helps to build a treatment plan that will be individual for your dog.  

First, we will go through a consultation where I will ask you questions about yor dog.  I will then conduct a posture and gait analysis, take measurements and take some photo's & videos.

All of this allows us to have a baseline from where we will be able to see progression from.

If you have any questions at all that are not listed here, please do feel free to contact me via any means in the 'Contact' page.