Tuesday 14 January 2014

Canine Massage and Veterinary Care

Canine massage therapy can have a symbiotic partnership with veterinary care. It is unfortunate that most vets, unless they have a special interest in alternative therapies, do not recognise the benefits of working with canine massage therapists.

Veterinarians are where we take our animals for treatment, these are the wonderful experienced people that diagnose medical conditions, do surgery if needed, prescribe medications and give great general animal care and advice. Once the animal (dog) is well on the way to recovery this is where a canine massage practitioner can be a great help to the veterinarian. Massage therapy is similar to physiotherapy and has many benefits to assist in the recovery and ongoing health of your dog.

Massage therapy can help maximise blood flow to organs, increase circulation to promote healing of scars, and helps reduce recovery time after surgery or injury. It can assist in the final process of rehabilitation and restoring normal function from recent orthopaedic surgery.

Massage also helps to improve mobility and flexibility. Helps relieve pain from arthritis in hips and joints along with the use of prescribed medications from your veterinarian.

When next you are visiting your veterinarian, ask about canine massage and how it could help your doggie mate and if they can recommend a practitioner to you.

To find a list of certified canine massage practitioners here in Australia through the National College of Traditional Medicine Melbourne http://nctm.com.au/list-qcmt.html#nsw

Please consider using a canine massage therapist as a part of your dogs healthcare team. Your dog will love you for it.

Canine massage therapy is in no way a substitute for veterinary care, nor do canine massage therapists offer veterinary advice or diagnose medical problems. 

Please contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog is suffering from any type of illness or injury.


Written by Heather Brook (copyright 2014)