Please remember that all appointments all for up to 45 minutes of massage per dog. How long your dog is massaged for will depend on your dog’s willingness to engage in line with the Positive PACT principle.

The following guidance is provided prior to treatment to ensure we get the most out of the session. 

Preparing for the appointment

Environment is important in ensuring treatment is not only effective, but also enjoyable for you and your dog.I carry out treatments on the floor to allow the dog the freedom to move away if they need to. 

To prepare the environment - 

1. Please ensure there is enough space for both me and the dog on the floor. There should also be enough space for the dog to move away. 
2. Limit access to too many distractions, for example, there should not be too many toys out and the area.
3. Please ensure the area chosen for treatment is calm and quiet. If there are other people and animals in the house they can be present, but it is essential the dog being treated is free from disruption. You will need to be present during the treatment. I will give you instructions during the session to help your dog engage.
4. I bring a treatment mat, but it can help to provide a blanket that your dog has used.
5. There should be fresh water available. 
6. It is important that there has been adequate opportunity to toilet before the treatment.
7. Massage can interfere with digestion so please ensure your do is not fed 2 hours before or after treatment. 
8. Exercise should be completed 2 hours before your appointment. Your dog's exercise routine may need to be reduced following treatment to allow muscles to heal. 

I will provide a treatment mat which acts as the treatment area. 

It is important that dogs are fit and healthy prior to massage. Please inform me of any change to your dog's health. Some health issues are contraindications to massage and therefore the appointment may need to be rearranged. Failure to inform me before my arrival for the appointment will result in a cancellation fee being charged. 

Appointments are an hour and half for initial assessment, and an hour for maintenance. This allows time for around 45 minutes massage - but this is taken at your dog's pace. 

Following treatment 

During Treatment your dogs’ tissues and muscles have been massaged and kneaded increasing blood and lymph flow, moving fluids in and out of the tissues. Overall, this can have a healing effect, but you may notice that your dog is experiencing the following changes –

• Drinking more water
• Looking stiffer with less energy
• Looking less stiff with more energy
• Sickness and diarrhoea (this is not common)

Please ensure your dog has –

• Access to plenty of fresh water 
• No food for 2 hours following treatment (massage may interfere with digestion)
• Plenty of opportunities to rest.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me on Whatsapp 07891865972 or email liz@lmcaninetherapy.co.uk