Could my dog benefit from massage?

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, he/she could benefit from massage.

• Sore back – doesn’t like to be groomed or touched, has problems in the weave poles in agility, any movement that involves lateral bending is difficult.
• Lameness
• Head and neck discomfort – chronic head shaking, holding head to the side or down
• Refusing forward motion – refusing obstacles in agility, not willing to go out to a mark in field work, not going to flyball box, doesn’t want to push off from rear, jump out of truck, etc.
• Change in work attitude
• Refusing or hesitating stair climbing
• Stumbling or stutter stepping
• Coordination issues
• Hind leg dragging or “knuckling”
• Shortened strides
• Injury rehab/post surgical support

Benefits of massage:

• Relieves muscle spasms
• Increases circulation
• Encourages and supports healing
• Releases tension
• Hastens the elimination of wastes and toxins
• Prevents adhesions
• Relieves congestion
• Decreases inflammation
• Releases endorphins
• Lengthens connective tissue
• Increases range of motion
• Improves disposition and creates a more willing partner
• Improves performance
• Stimulates lymphatic system
• Reduces fibrosis

What to expect

The first appointment is an initial evaluation that takes approximately one and half hours. In the initial evaluation, we will take a thorough health history, a conformation analysis, and then do a full massage. We will look at conditioning plans, warm up and cool down routines, and stretching. My most important job as a canine massage provider is to educate the owner. When you leave your appointment, you will be more informed about how conformation affects gait, how gait affects the dog’s muscles, what nutrients your dog could benefit from, and what you can do to help your dog achieve its very best physical condition.

Costs, Services Time, and Approximate Price:

• Initial evaluation – includes evaluation and massage: 1.5 hrs / $100
• Full body massage: $50
• Follow up and focus on problem muscle group: 15 min. / $15
• Pre/Post Event massage: $15
• Nutrition Evaluation and Consulting: $50/hr.

Prices available for: Lectures, Clinics, and Workshops.

*Canine massage is not an alternative to veterinary medicine, it does not diagnose or treat. Please consult your veterinarian on all recommendations.

A member of the ACSMA and IAAMB

Heather Mishefske
Certified Canine Massage Provider since 2006
Member – American Canine Sports Medicine Association and International
Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork