+ Do I really need my vet to sign a consent/referral form?

In short, yes, it is a legal requirement. In order to comply with the Veterinary Act 1966 and Veterinary Exemption Order 2015, I am unable to treat your dog without the consent of your vet. Massage may not always be the right treatment for your dog and your vet may be aware of a contraindication. It also helps to ensure that there is communication between the group of professionals treating your dog and so continuity of care is maintained.

+ My dog is healthy with no orthopaedic conditions or injuries. Would they still benefit from massage?

Yes! Maintenance massages will help to keep your dog in tip top condition, feeling good and loving life, as they do for us humans.
Minor stiffness, injuries or soreness that may not yet be obvious but picked up during a muscular health check can be dealt with early so that they do not progress in to bigger problems.

+ How many sessions should I expect my dog to need?

The best results for your dog are usually gained in 1-3 sessions. As tissues can take more than one session to 'let down' and allow deeper massage to occur, three sessions over three weeks are the gold standard in clinical massage treatment. It also maximises the opportunity for trust building with your dog around the massage experience.

As Guild therapists work to best practise, if you have not seen an improvement in your dog after 3 sessions, you will be referred back to your vet for further investigation.

Maintenance massages on a regular basis can be very beneficial for dogs with orthopaedic conditions or regularly active dogs such as sporting or working dogs.

+ Does it hurt?

If you have ever had a sports massage you will know that sometimes deep tissue work can bring a level of discomfort. Therapeutic discomfort doesn't last long though and can be minimised with a thorough warming up of the muscles and techniques to interrupt pain responses. Your dog and their comfort is always my number one priority.

+ Can I stay with my dog?

Yes. Dogs will usually settle much quicker and feel much more relaxed if they know their significant human is nearby!

+ What is a muscular health check and what does it involve?

A muscular health check is advanced palpation of your dog's muscles using hands and fingers. Over 80 muscles (or 40 pairs of muscles) are checked and assessed. A muscular health check can identify things like muscle strains and trigger points to which can then help the therapist tailor treatment to each individual client.

+ Is there anything I should do for my dog before a treatment?

• Your dog should not have been fed immediately before a treatment or be overdue for their next meal.
• Before I arrive, please make sure that your dog has been to the toilet.
• Do not exercise your dog immediately before a treatment.
• REMEMBER YOUR CONSENT FORM