Reasons for Massage
Many people do not recognise that the changes they are seeing in their dog are not as insignificant as they may seem, and have been putting them down to the dog is ‘just getting older’ or ‘he’s always done that’.
As an owner, can you answer any of the following questions with ‘YES’?
Changes in Character?
Have you noticed that your dog is slowing down on walks or not wanting to go as far anymore?
Slowing Down?
Have you noticed that your dog seems stiff when getting up from lying down?
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Lameness?
Have you noticed any lameness or limping?
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Sporting Dog?
FOR SPORTING DOGS: Have you noticed performance issues in their sport? (knocking down poles/early fatigue/missing out jumps)
Injuries?
Has your dog suffered an injury or hurt themselves when out and about/at home?
Diagnosed?
Has your dog been diagnosed with an orthopaedic condition that causes them discomfort, like elbow/hip dysplasia or arthritis?
Now Not Playful?
Have you noticed that your dog takes himself away to be by themselves more or won’t play with other dogs anymore?
Twitchy?
Have you noticed that your dog’s skin seems to ‘twitch’ when you pet or groom them?
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These can all be indicators of dysfunction with the dog’s muscular-skeletal system. A dog will show pain in many different ways and we can use the 5 Principles of Pain to help us determine whether clinical canine massage may benefit the dog.