I often get asked ‘what type of dog benefits most from massage and laser?’
People think that a certain breed or size of dog has the most problems. While it is true that some breeds have a higher likelihood of problems due to genetics – obesity or hip dysplasia in Labradors, for example – the reality is that all dogs benefit from touch therapies. That’s purebreds and mixed breeds, toy dogs, medium and large dogs and extra-large dogs.
People also think that you only massage a dog once they are elderly and showing signs of discomfort. While of course you should seek help in these instances, you can keep your dog more flexible in the joints and with good blood flow to the muscles by instituting a regular wellness program that includes massage.
And by regular, I only see some of my clients six- or eight-weekly, because we have their dog responding well to their treatments. They move more freely and comfortably now and only need a ‘top up’ to keep in good shape.
So the other message I have in this post is that your dog’s massage therapy doesn’t have to break your budget. If you get your dog into a regular massage program, you can easily plan for this expense and accommodate it. This is so much better than trying to fund the ‘ambulance at the bottom of the cliff’ approach.
I practice on a mobile basis, and so with lower overheads (no clinic to rent, heat and insure), I pass on these savings to my customers.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
DoggyMom.com 