Hope Veterinary Clinic - Enhancing the health and wellbeing of animals and pet owners.

ROUTINE DENTISTRY PHYSICAL THERAPY ACUPUNCTURE MASSAGE HOSPICE COUNSELING

Massage therapy is rapidly growing as a modality in the field of holistic care and rehabilitation for animals. It is a noninvasive therapy involving manipulation of muscle and other soft tissue. The techniques used are similar to those used on humans, but are modified for animals. Though any gentle touch can be beneficial for animals, it is different from random petting in that massage is much more focused, intentional and organized to achieve a specific wellness goal.

Dogs and Cats can receive the same benefits from massage as humans:

Improved circulation

Relaxed muscles, and the release of muscle tenderness and spasms

Reduced anxiety, tension and stress

Improved relaxation and sleep

Enhanced range of motion

Reduction of pain

Enhanced overall good health and promotion of the healing process

Improved performance of agility and show dogs

Support for older and less active animals (through increased muscle tone, flexibility and circulation)

Support for post-surgical recovery

Addressing behavioral issues

Why massage?
…especially if you pet your pet a lot? General petting is great. However, massage is methodical, focused touch with the intention of producing specific results. Your pet can experience the relaxing and stress-reducing benefits of massage. But it can be particularly beneficial for older, less active pets dealing with age-related ailments such as arthritis, and for patients in post-surgical recovery by improving circulation and increasing muscle tone and flexibility. Massage enhances overall good health and promotes the healing process. By reducing anxiety, massage can also improve behavioral issues. It is very gratifying to see a dog or cat feeling total enjoyment during massage, and especially heartwarming when some of their youthful vigor returns to them.

Will massage hurt?
A potential client is more likely to ask this if they have already witnessed their pet experiencing pain and discomfort from aging issues such as arthritis or the recovery from an injury or surgery. I make every effort to ensure that the massage does not hurt. My hands will cover sensitive areas and stress points that the animal may react to. If the body language of the dog or cat tells me that he is experiencing discomfort, I will find a less painful approach. The ultimate goal is for the massage to be a pleasurable, yet effectively rehabilitating, experience.

What happens during a massage session?

I work with many animals on the floor (especially, larger dogs), and nearly all smaller dogs and cats are comfortable being massaged on a table. I adjust to support the animal’s comfort. Most sessions consist of a full body massage with focus on troubled areas and stimulation of acupressure points that will support and benefit the animal’s current conditions. The parts of the body needing attention are most benefited with the entire body and all muscles groups are working at their ultimate state of health. To introduce myself and the work to the animal, I begin each session with very light strokes over the entire body. A full body massage begins at the head, face and neck. Most dogs and cats find this pleasurable and can often help them cope with more sensitive areas later in the session. The massage strokes are slow and rhythmic. A variety of massage techniques are used — the same techniques used on humans, but tempered to suit the animal’s body. The session ends with gentle closing techniques.

How often should I schedule a session?
This will depend on the severity of the issue that massage is being used to address. If dramatic and consistent improvements are observed, massage may be scheduled less frequently.

Does every dog and cat accept massage?
No. But MOST do. I have only encountered 2 dogs that would not allow me to touch them. (I do not like to muzzle dogs as it will usually make them stressful — and that is counterproductive to massage.)

Massage for my cat? How will a cat tolerate a massage?
Most of my feline patients have been wonderful, cooperative massage subjects.

Are any instruments used during a massage session?
No. HANDS only! Massage is noninvasive.

Are there times when my pet should not be massaged?
Yes. If your pet is not feeling well or obtains an injury, it is important to consult your veterinarian. Massage is contraindicated when trauma, injury, infection, fever, inflammation, or any acute condition exists.

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Hope Veterinary Clinic, 390 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217 MAP (718) 852-4219