Massage and the Arthritic Dog

This one day workshop is intended to demonstrate some of the benefits massage can have on the arthritic dog.

It is primarily intended for handlers that have no massage experience or knowledge of canine anatomy.

How can it help ‘my’ dog?

Gentle specialised massage techniques can really help osteo-arthritis.  The benefits can be astonishing with your dog improving their mobility through easing of joint discomfort therefore becoming so much happier!  Read this article featured Dog World magazine Compensating for Compensation (article Dogworld Jan 10)

…..Osteoarthritis / D.J.D. can also be called secondary joint disease, thought to be brought on as a result of a trauma or injury to the area.  ……  We also found that the average age for a diagnosis for O.A. was 9 years old, 66% were 8 years and over and 25% were 12 year and older; to us 9 years old is very young for a dog to be suffering from any form of arthritis……Of those dogs seen and treated all of the handlers reported improvement with their dog’s mobility therefore their quality of life after having  treatment.  Excerpt DogWorld 2009 written by Julia Robertson.

 The advantages of massage for your arthritic dog

• Aids mobility over the arthritic joint that assists joint health and mobility
• Eases pain and tension all over the body
• It helps ease muscular tension/pain created by compensatory issues
• Influences endorphin release which will help soothe pain
• Helps to clear waste in less active muscles
• Brings fresh blood and nutrients to tissues to help repair
• Enhances your relationship by easing your dogs pain perception
• A ‘feel good’ factor for the handler actively helping their dog

The breakdown of the day

Topics covered:

• A brief outline of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems
• How the body recognises pain
• Gait discussion, effects of arthritis and compensatory issues
• Canine arthritis: how it develops
• The physical and psychological effects of arthritis
• Practical instruction of simple massage techniques that will help your arthritic dog.
• Practical demonstration of “passive movement” to help maximise joint health and natural range of movement

This is an enjoyable and mutually beneficial way for you and your dog to spend a day in the company of other handlers and their dogs with similar issues.

Please bring a pencil and paper. A workbook will be provided.

Please wear suitable clothing for the day.

The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 restricts the treatment of an animal by any persons other than a qualified veterinary surgeon, and the Customer acknowledges this. This workshop does not provide customers with any specific qualification to practice on any animal.

How to book

To book your place on this course, complete our booking form and contact:

• Anne – mob: 07712481363 or
• Wendy – 07810522755

…as soon as possible to confirm availability.