Future Client:  How does massage therapy help when my pet is compensating for an injury?

Compensation, when referred to in rehabilitative health care, is referencing the body's response to an area of the body that is suffering from some sort of discomfort. The body seeks to remove or reduce the sensation of pain in the damaged area by ceasing movement in the affected area and shifting away from that area. This means the centre of gravity changes and the balance of the body is shifted away from the painful area to healthier areas that are suffering less (or no) discomfort.  

This shift occurs in the opposite direction and the opposite side in relation to the painful area. It is a counterbalancing of the structure or function of one part of the body by increasing activity or muscle development in another or other parts of the body. For example, if a dog is suffering from arthritis in her right hip, she will shift her weight forward to her front assembly (opposite direction), and most of the weight towards her left forelimb (opposite side).

Compensation protects the injured area and allows for healing, but this counterbalancing asks the body structure to perform tasks it is not originally intended to handle. Over an extended period of time, the compensating structures, while allowing healing in other areas, are themselves weakened and fatigued, leaving them susceptible to dysfunction and injury. This is why massage therapy is crucial in relieving this overused area (however temporary this overuse may be).

Massage therapy works to keep the body as centred as possible, minimizing the weakening of an injured area while promoting healing, as well as relieving the fatigue from overwork that counterbalancing muscles and structures will suffer. This keeps the areas of compensation strong and healthy, so they don't become a new area of injury even as the original injury heals.

Often, as in the case of arthritis, massage therapy can be conducted in/around the area of pain (the arthritic joint) as well as the compensating muscles opposite, but in other cases, such as damage to the actual bone, you do not want to perform any massage therapy in the area of injury, however, massage therapy CAN be administered in compensating muscles, therefore giving your pet a lot of relief, as these muscles are being overused.

What else can you do? In large part, the injured or painful area needs to be healed to whatever extent it can be, so that compensation is no longer necessary, or at least lessens.

Thanks for reading!

Want 50% off your next (or first) pet massage session? Email/Call/Text me with the code word COMPENSATION when you book — anytime before November 19th, 2019.

Also, keep in mind that a group of three-four massages close together (no more than one week apart each) is the best way to see results more quickly. I offer packages of four massages for large dogs ($216), medium/small dogs ($168) and cats ($120), which will save you 20%! (This package cannot be combined with the above 50% off first massage offer).

Look for my next post in the series, which deals with how massage therapy is a part of an injured pet's rehabilitation program, Tuesday November 19th, 2019…

Click HERE to read the previous FAQ post...

Future Client:  Will massage therapy help my pet's anxiety?

Me:  Yes, but anxiety is always complicated.

And now for the longer answer…
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease typically associated with an imminent event or uncertain income. Our pets can experience anxiety for a number of reasons from changes in their routine or schedule, to moving to a new home, loud noises, visual stimuli (hats, umbrellas, wheelchairs and other apparatuses), car rides, introducing a new person or pet into their lives, when a traumatic memory is triggered, or they are forced to confront any new situation—these are mainly fear based anxieties. Separation anxiety (being apart from their humans) is one of the most common anxieties a pet can experience. Anxiety can also develop as they age and is associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (memory, learning, perception and awareness decline, leading to confusion and anxiety).

Touch through massage therapy is a comforting and close one-on-one experience which can create a sense of trust, relaxation, and well-being. Pets that have trust issues, anxiety, or that have been neglected or abused at some point in their lives can learn to trust, and gain confidence.

The comfort and feeling of well-being provided by massage helps improve mood and therefore the mental state of an anxious pet. This is important for a number of physical reasons. The mental state of an animal (or human, for that matter) affects the sympathetic nervous system. Shelter dogs, for example, experience stress symptoms including elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Massage therapy helps reduce heart rate and blood pressure, therefore reducing stress, which is important because illnesses gain a foothold when stress diminishes the body's immune system.  Massage therapy reduces the physical and mental components of stress, which in turn helps the body feel balanced and rejuvenated, able to defend itself properly.

For pets that are experiencing the stress of recovery from an injury or those in emotional distress from being in the shelter system, mental state is key. Massage therapy stimulates the release of oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins, all of which improve the mental state, which is critical to their rehabilitation. Massage also helps to manage pain, therefore alleviating the associated depression and/or anxiety a pet experiences.

How do you know if your pet is experiencing anxiety?

Dogs experiencing anxiety may experience the following symptoms:

• Aggression
• Urinating or defecating in the house
• Drooling
• Destructive behaviour (tearing apart your upholstery, or digging for example)
  
• Depression
• Excessive barking
• Pacing and restlessness, even trying to escape
  
• Repetitive, compulsive behaviours
  
• Try to keep you from leaving the house
  

Cats will often develop destructive behaviours that they have not exhibited before, such as scratching furniture or clawing at curtains. They also may:

• Not use their litter box
• Hide more than usual
• Become aggressive
• Vocalize excessively
• Have a change in appetite and/or weight
• Follow you around the house
• Become lethargic
• Vomit due to an anxious, upset tummy

Massage is a great way to help your pet deal with anxiety, but you can also try aromatherapy via a calming collar, or Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy (via spray or drops), acupuncture or medication — always get the advice, prescription or referral from your veterinarian — that includes massage therapy. You and your vet must always be on the same page when it comes to the mental, physical and emotional health of your pet. There is also the behavioural training option, involving desensitization and counter-conditioning. And don't forget Reiki, a wonderful energetic healing modality (also available through Kuri K9 Massage)!

Thanks for reading!

Want 50% off your next (or first) pet massage session? Email/Call/Text me with the code word ANXIETY when you book — anytime before November 5th, 2019.

Also, keep in mind that a group of three-four massages close together (no more than one week apart each) is the best way to see results quickly. I offer packages of four massages for large dogs ($216), medium/small dogs ($168) and cats ($120), which will save you 20%!

Look for my next post in the series, which deals with how massage helps pets with compensation when injury occurs, Tuesday November 5th, 2019…

Click HERE to read the previous FAQ post...
Click HERE to read the next FAQ post...
And here's the Facebook Live I did for this post:

Future Client:  Will massage therapy help my dog's arthritis?

Me:  YES! Yes, yes, yes!

And now for the longer answer…

Arthritis is one of the most common ailments an older pet can suffer from. It is a chronic pain that occurs when an unstable joint causes the bones to move abnormally within the joint. Over time this unnatural movement causes the cartilage that lines the joints to erode. Then the bone rubs against bone, which creates chronic inflammation. Large and Giant breed dogs are probably the most prone, but it can happen in any dog or cat breed.

Massage therapy eases arthritis because it improves range of motion by stimulating blood circulation to the bone, directly nourishing it. Regular sessions keep joints well nourished and therefore well lubricated, which maintains, and even increases, range of motion. Your pet experiences less pain, and their mobility improves.

CHECK OUT THE FACEBOOK LIVE INTRO I POSTED ABOUT THIS POST!

So, how can you tell if your dog or cat has arthritis? You need to get an official diagnosis from a vet (they would do an physical exam, an x-ray or possibly an analysis of joint fluid to determine if arthritis is affecting your animal), but there are a few clues to watch out for:

• Limping
  
• "Slowing down" — not walking as often or as far as they used to, taking the stairs slower than they used to and other signs of general fatigue
  
• Difficulty standing up or staying in one place rather than following you around
• Taking longer to recover after a long day of playing
• Cats may urinate or defecate outside their litter box (because they find it too difficult to jump in)
• Cats may groom excessively where they feel soreness (dogs may lick sore areas, too)
• Your cat or dog may be irritable because of their pain
• At a certain point, muscles will begin to atrophy, as they get less exercise
• Other behavioural changes (for example, not eating like they should, or showing signs of depression, which could be due to pain)

Dogs and cats that are overweight have a more difficult time with arthritis, therefore one of the best things you can do, besides massage therapy, is make sure your arthritic pet is a good weight. Supplementation is also a possibility (glucosamine, chondroitin, fatty acids), but keep in mind that getting the balance right in your pet's diet is not easy and should be done with the advice of your vet. Your vet may also recommend CBD oil or pain medication.

You might also consider hydrotherapy wraps — in this case, hot wraps placed strategically over the arthritic area(s). This is a service I also provide, but soon I will also have a Hydrotherapy How-To (for dogs) video uploaded, so that you can try this method on your own (with your vet's okay).

Light exercise (brief and frequently throughout the day, rather than longer play sessions or walks) to keep the joints loose and to help tone those atrophied muscles can be helpful, especially while the arthritis is in an earlier stage. Traction is important, too, so make sure to have plenty of carpeting for your pet to walk on (in some cases you can also use socks with tracking pads on the soles, if your pet will wear them). Ramps or steps to help your pet get up and down from the couch or bed will be appreciated, too. A comfortable and supportive bed will also go a long way. For more information about keeping your pet safe from common injuries, download my "5 Tips To Keep your Pet Healthy and Happy At Home...Between Massage Therapy Sessions" document HERE.

Thanks for reading the first post of my new blog series! Want 50% off your next (or first) pet massage session? Email/Call/Text me with the code word ARTHRITIS when you book — anytime before October 22nd, 2019.

Also, keep in mind that for conditions like arthritis, a group of three-four massages close together (no more than one week apart each) is the most effective way to tackle both pain and mobility. I offer packages of four massages for large dogs ($216), medium/small dogs ($168) and cats ($120), which will save you 20%!

Look for my next post in the series, which deals with how massage helps pets with anxiety, Tuesday October 22nd…

Click HERE to read the next FAQ post...

And now we've reached the Non-Sporting Group, starting with the American Eskimo Dog. These guys functioned as watchdogs, performers and farm workers! Their coat is a straight, stand-off double coat of medium length coming in white or white with biscuit cream colour.
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American Eskimo Dogs descended from a variety of spitz developed in Germany. They are bright and eager to please as well as independent and tenacious. They also love cold weather, naturally. Daily long walks or good jogs are necessary, but the smaller Espies need only a short walk or lively romp. The double-coat needs brushing and combing twice weekly (and more often when shedding).
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Health concerns include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia and PRA.

The Bichon Frise originates in the Mediterranean region and functioned as both a companion and performer. Their undercoat is soft while the outer coat is coarse and curly, coming in white with possible cream shadings.
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Bichons come from a family of dogs known as Barbichons—they were once divided into four types, but it is the Teneriffe type that later became the Bichon Frise (developed on the Canary Island of Teneriffe). Bichons are perky, bouncy, playful fellows that are also sensitive and affectionate, and can bark a lot and may also be hard to house-train. They need a romp or short walk daily and their coat needs combing every other day plus trimming every two months. It is also difficult to keep the beard white.
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Health concerns include patellar luxation, allergies, cataracts and hip dysplasia.

Boston Terriers were always companion animals, but were also once ratters.  Their coats are smooth and short, coming in brindle, seal or black with white markings on the muzzle, between the eyes, and forechest, possibly with a white collar and lower legs.
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Coachmen around the year 1865 employed wealthy folk from Boston to interbreed some of their employers' one dogs—one cross being between an English Terrier and a Bulldog, resulting in a dog named Hooper's Judge, whose progeny were bred to smaller dogs. These are saucy and playful dogs devoted to their owners. Some bark a lot and some may be aggressive toward strange dogs. Most of their exercise needs can be met with a romp in the yard or similar. Some wheeze and snore and most don't tolerate heat.
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Health concerns include patellar luxation and brachycephalic syndrome

Okay, so I’ve got a plan…

I want to address the two biggest, broadest questions I get when I’m out there talking to pet Mommies and Daddies about Canine and Feline Massage Therapy.

Those questions?  Why does my pet need massage therapy? AND What’s involved in pet massage therapy?

How will I tackle these two questions?  I’m going to break them down into smaller questions and answers!

The first question is definitely the biggest — that’s going to involve an ongoing series of blog posts. I will post more specific questions and answers every second Tuesday…for example, how does massage therapy help a dog or cat with arthritis?  I may stray a little outside the bounds of the “why massage therapy” question, too, so I can’t talk about when NOT to have your pet massaged.  This will also lead to other important information…for example, if your pet has a fever, they should not have a massage session until well after the fever has resolved and they are fully recovered from whatever caused the fever in the first place.  But how do you even know if your pet has a fever?

These posts will bring you important knowledge about the health and quality of life of your fur baby and answer all the questions I get about pet massage therapy.  And don’t feel like you must be entirely passive during this series — email me your questions any time (kurik9massage@gmail.com) and I’ll make sure I answer your question during the series!

Best of all, every post in this series will include a code word, which you can use when you book your first or next massage therapy session and you’ll receive 50% off the appointment you book with me!  One code word can be used per pet—sorry, no multiple code words/discounts for one pet…but I offer other ways to save on your massage therapy sessions, so be on the look out!

And as for the second question — what’s involved? — I’ll cover this in a five-post blog series Monday to Friday COMING SOON! Watch the Kuri K9 site, social media and newsletter (sign up HERE) and be the first to know what week that blog series will land.

I’ll be back in a couple of weeks with my first Why Pet Massage FAQ post…in the meantime, check out my breeds info posts (including the most pressing health concerns for each breed), past events and adorable photos and video on kurik9massage.com, Kuri K9’s Facebook Page and Instagram. Join the Kuri K9 Group - Pet Massage and Alternative Therapies on Facebook for another opportunity to interact with a community that cares about the wellbeing of fur babies. And as always, I’m available to answer your questions directly.

Japanese Chin were bred as lap dogs. Their coats are long and silky, coming in black and white, red and white, or black and tan and white. They are actually of ancient Chinese origin, probably sharing a close link with the Pekingese.
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These are devoted pups that are playful and sensitive, tending to shadow their owners and becoming friends with virtually everyone they meet! They only need a short walk or romp daily, but their long coat needs combing twice weekly.
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Health concerns include patellar luxation, dry eye and cataracts.

Maltese were bred to be lap dogs and did originate in the island of Malta. Their coat is long and silky, coming only in white, though they originally came in colours other than white early on (they are mentioned in writings as early as 300 B.C.).
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Maltese are bold and feisty dogs that are playful and sweet. They are reserved with strangers and sometimes bark a lot. They only need a short walk or romp every day, but their coat needs combing every 1-2 days (or clipped for easier care).
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Health concerns include patellar luxation, hydrocephalus, liver shunt, dental problems and eyelid problems.

Toy Manchester Terriers come from England and where originally meant for hunting small rodents. Their coats are short and sleek, coming in black and tan, with a black "thumbprint" patch on the front of each foreleg and "pencil marks" on the top of each toe.
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These are sensitive dogs that are playful with family but timid with strangers. They can also be tough when needed. They only need a short walk or good romp daily. Coat care is minimal.
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Health concerns include vWD and cardiomyopathy.

The Welsh Terrier was bred for hunting rats, badgers, otter and fox. Their coat is wiry and medium length, coming in deep tan with black or grizzle jacket.
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Welsh Terriers are playful and mischievous, but calm enough to be good house pets. They are independent and sensitive, reserved with strangers and tend to dig or bark. They can be scrappy with other dogs. They need a moderate leash walk every day or an invigorating play session. Their wiry jacket needs combing two or three times a week, plus shaping every three months.
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Health concerns include lens luxation and glaucoma

West Highland Terriers come from Scotland (of course!) and were hunters of badgers, fox and vermin. Their coats are straight, hard, medium length and white.
* Westies are happy and curious dogs. They are both affectionate and demanding. They also bark and dig…just like the Scottish (I can say that—I have Scottish blood). They need a short walk or play session every day. Their coat needs combing two to three times a week, plus shaping every three months.
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Main health concerns include Globoid cell leukodystrophy (caused by genetic defects in a lysosomal enzyme and results in progressive damage to the nervous system), Legg-Perthes, jaw problems, copper toxicosis, cataracts, patellar luxation.

Now we arrive at the Toy Group, and begin with the Affenpinscher, originating in Germany and one of the oldest toy breeds. They were originally bred for vermin hunting and as a lap dog. Their coats are medium and harsh, coming in black, grey, red, silver, black and tan or beige; with or without a black mask.
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These are playful, busy and bold dogs that can also be stubborn and tend to bark and even climb! Their exercise needs can be met with vigorous indoor games or romps in the yard, or short walks. Their coat needs shaping every three months, but combing two-three times a week.
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Main health concern is patellar luxation.