Petting your dog has all sorts of benefits for you and the animal. When we pet a dog it releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin for both parties, which improves mental health and facilitates bonding. Petting, however, is different in the same way you would rather have a trained massage therapist treat you to a spa day than your friend or neighbor. Massage therapists are trained to take into account an individual dog's history, anatomy, injuries, and behavioral concerns to provide healing and relaxation. Just like for humans, massage can be used to manage specific issues like pain or tissue healing after an injury, or simply for long-term maintenance to facilitate healthy aging and overall wellness. In dogs, massage can also greatly help with behavioral issues such as anxiety and overexcitement, which can improve your pup's quality of life.

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At your dog's first massage session, we will spend a bit of time discussing their specific needs and what you as the owner are hoping to get out of the massage. Part of the massage journey involves building a trusting bond between myself as the therapist and your dog as the client. In some cases this can take multiple sessions. We will also discuss if it's best to have you in the room for massage sessions or not, because every dog is different!

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Dog massage is not a substitute for veterinary care. I will discuss my findings and treatment plan with your dog's veterinarian if there are any specific medical concerns.