Dog Massage FAQ:
Frequently Asked Questions about getting your dog a massage.
Here are some of the common questions people ask when they are interested in bringing their dog to a canine masseuse to have bodywork done on their dog. In general these FAQs also apply to other animals, so if you are also interested in having your cat or horse treated, you can review this information for some insight.
Do you offer home visits, or where do the massages take place?
Dog massages are offered to clients at one of Animal Intuition’s offices and/or at your home, for those living in the Twin Cities metro area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Check the Contact Us page for the current locations and hours of operation. If you live within the Twin Cities metro area and prefer that Animal Intuition comes to your home for your pet, we will coordinate our schedules to arrange something provided you are located within our Travel range.
How do I book a dog massage?
Please contact Animal Intuition directly to schedule an appointment. info@animal-intuition.com or call/text: (952) 484-4396.
How long is a dog massage?
Your dog’s initial massage appointment will be booked for an hour so that we can cover goals, history and a canine evaluation before your dog’s first the massage. Follow ups are 30 minutes.
Do I stay with my dog during the massage?
Yes, you can stay with your dog throughout their massage and most people stay throughout their dog’s massages. The first visit we will be going over a lot of information and your presence will be necessary. Also, it is often helpful to have you present to help manage and direct your dog throughout the massage.
Once you and your dog are comfortable with the process, you may leave the session. Some prefer to multi-task with work while waiting in their cars or our reception area or if at home, going back to their office.
If you leave, you will need to be available again to wrap up the session – updates, payment, scheduling, etc. by the end of the session. Your dog cannot be held for any time after the designated time slot. The room and practitioner will need be available for the next client.
If you will not be in attendance, an update of any changes is helpful for your dog’s massage appointment, especially if there are specific concerns and/or goals we are working on. Texts and emails are an option if you have news to share and you will not be present during your dog’s massage.
How long is the appointment?
Your first session will be an hour to give us time to discuss your goals, your dog’s full history and answer questions you may have about the process as we go. This is followed by a physical evaluation and the first canine massage.
Follow up massages are scheduled for 30 minutes. This gives us time to discuss progress, modify at home activities and perform the massage.
What do I need to do to prepare for my dog’s massage?
Here’s a link to the top ways to prepare for your dog’s massage. Use your judgment about your dog and what you feel will work best. Sometimes it takes a bit for dogs to get used to be handled during the bodywork sessions. We can work together to see what options fit your dog the best.
How long will it take before I see results?
This is a loaded question and will really depend on so many variables such as; what’s happening with your dog’s health, what are you doing between appointments, what has been diagnosed and the projected outcome? What kind and type of physical activity did they do, other environmental stressors, etc. The list could go on.
In general, dogs are very receptive to bodywork and you often will see immediate positive signs. Things like sleeping more restful, better appetite and calmer demeanor. You may notice them having an easier time getting up, maneuvering stairs and/or seeing more fluid movements. These things can show immediately or they make take a few sessions before their body feels more comfortable.
How long should I wait between appointments?
Each pet is different based on what’s happening and the goals you have for them. It is recommended that we have a few sessions more frequently initially, such as weekly. This will allow for the body/muscle memory to respond better to the treatment to lock in results, accelerate healing, and optimize both short and long term results. Also, this helps establish pattern recognition for your dog, which will help maximize benefits.
Will my dog be sore?
Most often dogs are not sore after their massages. This is due to the techniques used as well as their innate ability to tend to their needs; such as drinking sufficient water. Unlike many humans after their massages, dogs are not known for meeting up for happy hour and ingesting diuretics, skipping the extra water intake and forgoing stretching. While a slightly humorous take, it’s actually true.
A canine massage will help the body to detoxify and balance physically, mentally and emotionally. She will need hydration to continue to flush toxins and dogs tend to naturally drink when they are thirsty. If you know your dog is not a good drinker, then adding some water to their meals can be supportive.
The gentle techniques used during dog massages, minimize the impact of soreness. That said, on occasion, dogs will be sore after their massage. Usually, this is due to an acute injury or major chronic pain. When the tissue, blood flow, and inflammation get disturbed, it can cause discomfort when resettling in those vulnerable and weak areas.
As mentioned, it is best to offer additional water on the day your dog receives their massages. Encourage stretching and feel free to take them for an easy short walk to provide a little extra movement.
What can I do at home between appointments?
Your dog will receive a specialized care plan that we work together to come up with based on what’s happening with your dog, your goals, your comfort level and desire to perform additional activities. At home activities can be really beneficial in supporting your dog’s health and wellness between massage appointments.
Will you teach me massage so I can do it myself?
Based on your comfort level, you can be taught things to do between appointments. However, you will not be certified or trained on canine massage. This takes many hours to complete and an accredited education facility. You can review certifications and training here if you would like a glimpse at what type of training is required and what Animal Intuition has done to give you the best knowledge, experience and outcome for your dog.
How much does it cost?
Animal Intuition does not publish prices. Please contact us directly to discuss.
Do I tip?
This is at your complete discretion. There is no expectation of leaving a tip. Your care and dedication to your dog warms our hearts.
Can I work during my dog’s massage appointment?
This has become an increasingly popular question, and most can appreciate the desire to multi-task during working hours. We can work together to accommodate you best as possible. Your attention and engagement in your dog’s initial appointment will be required when we gather important health information, history and goals.
You can work from your phone or laptop during your dog’s massage appointment if your dog can be handled and cooperates during his/her session without your assistance. If your dog requires assistance to keep still or focused, then you will need to be available to tend to your dog. Many dogs will get used to the process or if they have something to keep them busy such as a bully stick or frozen kong, they may be still and cooperative. You can read more about how to prepare and get the most out of your dog’s massages.