Pet Massage

*sprinkles*

*sprinkles*

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Sort of testing the market slightly here .... Would any of you consider getting a massage for your dog or even your cat? What would be your reasons, for example if your pet had a specific health problem or just to promote their general well-being? What would your expectations be for the appointment? Would you expect the therapist to come to you or would you be willing to bring your dog to a local appointment? What sort of price would you expect to pay for this service?

I have run this business (fully qualified and insured of course) when I lived abroad and am now considering beginning to build it again now I am home in the UK but not sure what people's attitudes to this service are in this country. Obviously it will be different in different areas of the country but looking to get a general opinion. Thank you :)
 
Been thinking about it for my old BT who has been getting Metacam for his arthritis - but as a trial thing he's being used a case study for acupuncture. During the course of treatments he's been getting, I have thought he might also benefit from massage as well. My equine physio also does dogs, so I may speak to her about it.
 
I tend to stick to known practices ie mcTimoney is my choice.
I would only use them if my dog was uneven, arthritis and possibly post injury and muscle wastage.

I would contact vet first though and with most insurances I believe you need vet consent first
 
I would consider it.....in fact my dog has more regular massages than I do since shattering his elbow in january. He has them alongside McTimony chiro work as he also has hip dysplasia so the elbow issue caused a whole load of referred problems. I would say go for it, just ensure you have all the correct insurances in place.
 
Think I'd doit myself but I wouldn't pay. A mate is an equine massage therapist and could teach me if I fancied. Saying that, I've used her for the horse and would again.
 
IME your best market would be those who seriously compete in agility, have racing greyhounds and some WT or gundog people who understand that their dogs are athletes and need to be treated as such.

These dogs would require a sports massage to treat/prevent specific issues and optimise range of motion and general performance....not just a 'feel good' massage.

A lot of people think that there is no skill/knowledge required to massage and that this is something they can do themselves. To an extent that is true, but to be effective to address any issues you need an in depth knowledge of A&P that cannot be taught on the numerous weekend courses that I see advertised. Also, palpation skills have to be acquired over many years; educating your fingers to notice inflammation at the myofibril level. Then once you have identified an issue, the next step is what to do about it and how to address it. Just my opinion, no offence intended to anyone else.

I would suggest OP that you check that your qualifications are recognised in this country and that you can obtain insurance.
 
Is it also something you could do as a teaching workshop - showing owners basic lighter-touch 'feel-good' techniques they could use, for example to help a stressed dog? If so, I'd consider contacting local dog training schools and see if they would be interested in hosting you for a one-off session, or in promoting such a session to their clients, maybe at a village hall, charging a relatively small amount per head.

You could then use this to drum up business by explaining to owners the circumstances under which they might want to take their dogs to a pro, and why this can be worthwhile. :)
 
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