Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare my pet for their massage?
It is best to schedule a massage at a time when your pet is most relaxed. Make sure your dog has had sufficient water for the day, has gone on a short walk with a potty break, and it has been at least two hours since their last meal. The massage should be in a quiet comfortable space, free of other pets, noises, aromas, and other distractions.
What if my pet won't sit still?
Unlike humans, pets don’t always calmly lay in one spot while you massage them. This means adapting to what your pet will allow you to do while building trust, which eventually lets you perform deeper work, for longer periods of time. It may take a handful of sessions for your pet to fully relax and be comfortable. What usually occurs is once your pet realizes how good the massage feels, the initial apprehension wears off.
How often should my pet receive a massage?
Every massage session is tailored to your pets' individualized, changing needs. A pet recovering from surgery, chronic pain, and/or mobility issues might benefit from a massage once or twice a week, while a healthy pet may only require one or two sessions a month.
What results should I expect and when?
Noticeable results may occur after one massage session or after several. Owners report their pets feeling more at ease, sleeping and eating better. Anxious and young pets becoming more relaxed and calm. While senior pets experience higher energy and are more comfortable in general.
My pet is hurting. Can I try getting my pet a massage before seeking
veterinary care?
Massage is not a substitute for veterinary care and massage practitioners do not diagnose. Even though massages are beneficial with most injuries and illnesses, I will always recommend taking your pet to their veterinarian first, then contact me.
Why should I pay a therapist to massage my pet when I do it all the time?
What you probably don't know is animal massage requires as much study and knowledge as human massage. An animal massage practitioner must be well-educated and intensively trained in specific massage techniques, kinesiology, anatomy and physiology, and behavior and handling. And, because animals can not speak, they must be evaluated by other means: palpation, conformation, and gait analysis (how they stand and hold themselves) and observation of their movements.
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Think of it this way, if you ask a friend or spouse to rub your neck, it feels really good, but when you have a trained practitioner work on the same area, they utilize techniques that work the muscles differently, having a bigger impact.
Do I need to tip my dog's massage therapist?
No, It is not necessary to tip the practitioner. If you feel that they have gone above and beyond your expectations, you can provide a gesture of appreciation. Please note, a positive Google/Facebook review and referral are one of the BEST ways to show a job well done! It means the world to me.