Dogs can be fearful for many reasons
Sometimes its just their nature, sometimes it is because of a bad experience, and sometimes it can be because they are in pain. So can McTimoney for dogs and sports massage help my dog?
If your dog is generally fearful or is wary of strangers please let me know before I arrive for our appointment. If you are working with a trainer or have a method that works for you for letting strangers into the house please let me know what this is so I can follow the steps. The safety of you, the owner, your dog and myself is always a priority.
A Fearful Nature
Some dogs, despite the best efforts of their owner, trainer and breeder, just have a fearful nature. McTimoney and sports massage can help in this case as it gives your dog a good experience of a stranger coming into their home and subsequent good thing happening.
A Bad Experience
Some dogs are fearful for a reason. They have sadly had a bad experience in their lives. This may be something the owner is aware of, or something that has happened in the dogs unknown past. Again I will work with you and your dog to ensure they have a good an experience as possible. Having a stranger make friends with them, and then experience a positive and relaxing treatment can help the mental well being of a dog in the same way it can help people. As part of the aftercare I can show you massage techniques to help continue the relaxation between treatments.
Pain
I will always ask for veterinary permission before I treat your dog to comply with my own insurance and to fill me in on any medical history. I also fill out my own record card and I will ask you in detail about any previous health problems your dog may have had.
You may have noticed your dog is in pain by visible signs such as limping and yelping, but sometimes pain in dogs is subtle and they hide it well. In this case the only clue you may have is in their behaviour. For example, not wanting to play or being aggressive around other dogs, especially if this is unusual for them, growling at you in certain situations, and appearing fearful and not wanting to be touched.
I will assess your dog as gently as possible and try to find the source of the pain. In some instances if I feel it necessary I will refer you back to your vet. Otherwise we will proceed with the treatment and try get your dog back to feeling like their old self again. It can sometimes take a couple of treatments to see an effect although most people report improvements straight away. A treatment program will be devised to ensure your dog remains pain-free.
There are several steps I will take to ensure your dog has the best possible experience with me.
1) I always visit your dog in their home environment.
I personally feel that a dog is more relaxed at home and will be happier for me to treat them. When I first arrive at your house I will generally ignore the dog until they have got used to me being there. I will sit on the sofa or on the floor to appear less intimidating. I can also give some treats to your dog if that is a method you use when strangers come to the house.
2) I will leave plenty of time for your appointment so we are not rushed
Taking a full history of your dog takes a bit of time and this also gives the dog time to get used to me. We will take it slowly and no part of the treatment will be rushed.
3) I will handle your dog on the lead outside the home when we do a gait analysis.
After I watch your dog move I will also do some lead work with your dog. This can help them relax around me and start to listen.
4) Make it a positive experience
It is important that your dog has an enjoyable experience. This may mean we don’t get to do as much as we’d like on the first visit but hopefully subsequent visits will be easier as the dogs gets to know me and understands that the treatment is relaxing, enjoyable and ultimately makes them feel better.
5) Use of a muzzle (only when the dog is muzzle trained and has positive associations)
A muzzle can be used when treating your dog but only when your dog has been positively trained to wear a muzzle and is comfortable doing so. The use of a muzzle in fear aggressive dogs can give piece of mind to you as the owner, me and also protect the safety of everyone, including the dog.
McTimoney and Sports massage not only has a positive effect on the dogs physical state but can also have a positive effect on their mental well being. For more information about the treatment read here.
Book a McTimoney Canine Chiropractic Treatment
Areas covered in UK: Worcestershire and surrounding counties.
Book a McTimoney Canine Chiropractic Treatment or Call Emily Walters on 07983 565 438
