Recognising pain in animals can be difficult because animals do not act the same way that people do when they are in pain. For example: dogs may still wag their tail or they will find a way round a muscle or joint problem so they can still function in their environment. But the result is the same, if pain is not recognised whether recent or has become chromic, it results in painful, rigid muscles / joints / ligaments and fascia which in turn affects the nerve pathways and causes pain resulting in the only way a dog can present itself to us in unwelcome behavioural problems.
It is important to note that sometimes it can be related to a characteristic or a common problem relating to a particular breed or when breeding programs merge one breed with another which can lead to physical and health problems common to that breed.
Dogs communicate with us in body language, verbal cries or noises so it is generally harder to recognise and less obvious when an animal is in pain or sick. So a good way to pick up on their signs of pain or discomfort is to stand back, observe and ask yourself these questions.
- Are they eating less?
- Do they look as though they have lost weight?
- Do you think their breathing has become heavy and laboured?
- Are they restless or withdrawn?
- Are they continually licking, biting, or rubbing a particular area on their body?
- Has their normal behaviour changed?
BENEFITS OF DOG MASSAGE:
Increases:
* Energy * Flexibility * Performance * Socialization * Muscle Tone * Range of Movement * Trust and Bonding * Oxygen to the Cells * Nutrition to the Tissues * Circulation of Blood * Clearance of the Lymphatic System and node groups * Boosts Immune strength * Relaxation * Toxin Release * Removal of Metabolic Waste Products from the Body * Bone density and muscle mass * Comfort * Endurance in exercise and work situations.
Decreases:
* Pain / Soreness * Stress * Muscle Tension / Stiffness * Blood Pressure * Anxiety and Fear * Injury Recovery Time * Inflammation and Swelling in joints * Oedema * Reduces Recovery Time after Surgery.
Also:
- Helps maintain the whole body in better physical condition.
- Rehydration of the fascia and releases sticky points.
- Improves elasticity of muscle fibres, lengthen connective tissue.
- Breaks down scar tissue, calcium deposits, adhesions, fibrosis and spasms in muscles.
- Improved blood circulation to nerves, organs and muscles.
- Ongoing health care maintaining dogs vitality.
- Helps a matured aged dog get pain relief from arthritis and stiff muscles due to slowing down.
- Dogs are calmer, happier, more alert, active and responsive.
- It releases endorphins that work as the body’s natural painkiller and provides a feeling of wellbeing.
- Relieves discomfort for young adolescent dogs from rapidly growing muscles and bones.
- It benefits young dogs as they learn to feel comfortable with people touching their paws making it easier for nail clipping and grooming.
- Relieves pain from Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia.
- Reduces problems and disorders in joints / ligaments which causes inflammation and swelling.
- Reduces stress caused by separation anxiety, vet or grooming visits, boarding kennel stays, memories of prior abuse, abandonment and loss of another family pet.
- Massage prior to and after exercise, ongoing exertion or as part of the dogs work life reduces the risk and prevents injury.
- Warms the muscles, improves performance and increases range of movement.With the application of professional therapeutic dog massage, expert understanding, patience and care by a qualified CMT therapist and with the assistance of the dog, health conditions and wellbeing issues may be improved and in some cases overcome.
Techniques:
There are a number of very specific strokes and techniques used for different reasons. Each massage is tailored to each animal’s individual needs, such as its physical health, condition, age, ailment and reason for the massage.
Treatment time:
Taken into account is the age, general overall health of the animal and the reason for the massage. Some accept and instinctively welcome the hands on touch therapy very easily from the first treatment, feeling the beneficial effect quickly, while others may be nervous, or not used to hands on therapy, they may need several short sessions first becoming relaxed and the massage lengthened in time.
Post-massage:
It is good to encourage the animal to drink water and given the opportunity to go to the toilet after the massage is finished as they may have the need of a bowel and/or bladder movement removing toxins and waste material accumulated over the massage period. Because massage releases feel good endorphins some animals feeling less pain and discomfort and better range of movement may want to go for a walk. It is best to make the walk short and not vigorous. On the other hand some animals want to have a nap due to their blood pressured being lowered, feeling less stressed, anxiety, pain and discomfort. No two animals are the same so allow them to dictate what they would prefer or need to do after each and every session.
Conclusion:
No matter how well we care for our animals, disease and injuries still do occur. It is important to keep a close eye on them for any signs or symptoms that they are in pain or injured. It is our responsibility as guardians to keep them strong, healthy, pain free, well balanced in mind and body. By looking after our animals well we allow them to retain agility and health well into their mature years. In return, they reward us tenfold with happy, alert, responsive loving companions.
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Other services:
Workshops – Animals love a massage, especially cats and dogs and will love it even more when their owner/s take the time with them to massage them. It will not only distress and calm both of them but it also establishes a new bond with a new pet or strengthens an existing one .It also gives owners the opportunity to get to know their pets body through their massage sessions and is more likely to pick up any recent changes e.g. lumps, cuts, inflammation hot spots, injuries etc and with this knowledge are alerted to take their pet to their vet early.
Workshops are organised either as a one on one private tuition or a group. Families are encouraged to book a private session or come to the workshops, this allows more than one member to learn and be involved in the massage sessions, If an animal was at risk previously by a member of the family unit, by including that person and teaching them how lovingly massage the family pet, this increases the likelihood that a bond will create between them and see the pet as a vital protected member of the family unit and therefore less likely to abuse the animal at the same time.
Bereavement Support Service – Some owners are on their own, others have family members that do not understand or simply cannot be with them at the moment of euthanasia. My Bereavement Support Service offers to come and be with you and your pet in the comfort of your own home or vet clinic and assist both of you through the process. Your pet may be in pain or discomfort or stressed by simply picking up on the owners uncertainly and sadness. To help this, I give your pet a massage to relieve any pain and discomfort and help quieten, relax and calm it. I am there to support sympathise and assist you through the process, before, during and after the event so you and your pet can make the most of your time together on the day allowing quality time to say your farewells.
Canine Myofuncational Therapy (CMT) is a complementary form of health care. It does not substitute, nor is it intended to take the place of traditional professional medical veterinary care. If your animal is sick or injured please consult your vet. If you are unsure your pet would benefit by having massage, simply ask your vet about the suitability of CMT for your animal. Depending on the reason for the massage, CMT can work well on its own and when combined side by side with veterinary science and other natural health therapies such as homeopathy, naturopathy etc.
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Biography:
Beth Parton has over 30 years experience in massage therapy in both Australia and New Zealand, with diplomas in Remedial, Lymphatic and Swedish massage and certificates in many other different modalities including Trigger Point, Reiki, Reflexology, Infant Massage Instructor, Aromatherapy, Bach Flowers, Holistic Counseling, Emotional Links to Disease, Indian Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage etc.
In 2009 Beth completed her studies in Canine Myofunctional Therapy and is one of the first in New Zealand to offer qualified professional CMT. She is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of NZ dogs and other small companion animals through professional CMT.
Her business, KARMAK9 DOG MASSAGE – NZ Canine Myofunctional Therapy Centre is based on the Hibiscus Coast, Auckland. She offers a mobile service to most areas in and around Auckland including North Shore, Albany, Hibiscus Coast , Warkworth etc to private dog owners, breeders, dog clubs, grooming companies, working dogs, boarding kennels etc and is available to treat your dog directly or as a referral by your vet, homeopath, naturopath etc. If you live outside of the normal service areas you can either bring the dog to her at Red Beach, or arrange for a special distance home visit if required.
Member:
Small Animal & Equine Naturopath Association (SAENA)
New Zealand Companion Animal Council (NZCAC)
Massage New Zealand (RMT/MNZ)
Lymphoedema Support Network New Zealand (NSNNZ)
To make an appointment or for more information contact Beth on:
Phone: (09) 421 1812
Mobile: 0272 665 010
Email: beth@karmak9dogmassage.co.nz
website : www.karmak9dogmassage.co.nz
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