Prior to your initial appointment, it is imperative that you prepare your dog to ensure a thorough assessment and session. Kindly review the following guidelines to ensure your dog is adequately prepared for their session. An email containing the outlined requirements will be sent to you upon booking.
Preparation for the Session:
Long-haired dogs: Brush your dog thoroughly if they have long hair, or actively blow dry their coat if it is prone to matting.
Dry fur: Ensure your dog is completely dry. Wet fur can be uncomfortable for your dog to be worked on. Wet feet are acceptable.
Limited activity: Restrict your dog’s activity on the day of the session to a normal walk. Avoid hiking, daycare, or extensive workouts that they are not accustomed to.
Post-session activity: Refrain from giving your dog any medications or meals within one hour of the session.
Comfortable environment: Prepare a comfortable area for your dog with minimal distractions.
The Initial Session:
The initial session will commence with an in-depth analysis of your dog’s gait (walk, trot, canter). A backyard or green space close to your home is ideal for this assessment. Once the gait analysis is complete, we will move on to evaluate your dog’s natural movement and behaviour. Following this, I will conduct a hands-on assessment of their range of motion, structure, conformation, and document all findings.
The initial bodywork session is not necessarily aimed at “fixing” specific issues but rather to establish a trusting relationship with your dog and identify areas of concern that may not be immediately apparent.
Working within your dog’s comfort level:
Maintaining your dog’s comfort level is crucial for their ability to trust and find relaxation and release of muscle tension. Some sessions may be extended beyond the scheduled time if your dog permits, while others may be shortened if they indicate they are finished.
Post-session recovery:
Following the session, it is normal for your dog to feel tired and may sleep for the remainder of the day. They may also appear more stiff initially due to increased blood flow to the affected area. Allow your dog to relax and recover without engaging in high-endurance activities for the rest of the day.
The modalities employed during the session include, but are not limited to:
* Massage
* Myofascial release
* Therapeutic laser
* PEMF
* Acupressure
* Active release
* Trigger point therapy
* Aromatherapy
* Exercise and rehabilitation programs