FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will my dog require?
Generally, improvements are seen within 1-3 sessions. Some dogs with chronic orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis can benefit from regular maintenance treatments.
Aftercare advice will be given to help maintain the muscular health of your dog and to prevent re-injury.
Is massage therapy painful for my dog?
Some aspects of the deep release work can be uncomfortable for the dog. If you have ever had a sports or deep tissue massage yourself, you will understand. However, I ensure the muscles are warmed up before the deep tissue work and use soothing strokes afterwards.
Why do I need Veterinary consent prior to treatment?
I always abide by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Exemptions Order 2015, by never working on an animal without veterinary consent. As stated by the RCVS, "Physiotherapy is interpreted as including all kinds of manipulative therapy" (Section 19.21), thus including massage therapy. Manipulation under massage therapy is limited to (or refers to) soft tissue and testing a joint's range of motion.
Is massage covered by my insurance?
The Canine Massage Guild are approved complementary therapy providers officially recognised by insurance companies - Petplan, LV and Pets at Home. Please check your policy for other insurance providers.
Clinical Trials
Canine Massage Guild – Leading the way
The Canine Massage Guild began participating in the world's first clinical trials with Winchester University and Sparsholt University Centre in 2018. The results, published in the Vet Record in June 2021, found "95% of dogs responded to Canine Massage Therapy". The study also shows "significant decrease in pain severity following canine massage therapy".
See our Clinical Trials research in Vet Record
as published by the British Veterinary Association
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