Warm up and Cool down your dog Before Playtime

Please remember that anytime you exercise your dog and this means playtime too, warm him up first and cool him down afterwards.  This is the best way to prevent injuries to your dog.  In this, age doesn't matter.  All dogs need a good warm up and cool down, even younger dogs.  The warm-up stimulates the delivery of increased oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.

Don't forget to stretch your dog too.  Stretches will limber up the tendons and ligaments.  You should encourage your dog to do some play bows - you can think downward facing dog if you're a yoga buff.  You can also encourage some spins and waves.  You should teach your dgo to do bends by having him face you and then reach to either side to get a treat.  This is a great stretch for loosening the neck and body muscles.  Give a quick 2-3 minute all-over massage to loosen stiff muscles and joints and you're ready to go!

Have fun Safely!

Benefits of Massage for a Stressed Dog

Prolonged periods of stress can negatively affect many systems of the human body, so to can it effect that of your dog.

Stress in dogs can aggravate, or even cause, such problems as gastrointestinal disorders and decreased immune function. You may notice an increase in whining, pacing, hair loss or even lethargy.  Stress effects your dog both mentally and physically.  It can even make your dog anti-social.
Dog massage therapy is one of the best antidotes for stress. We know this is true on an intuitive level but I know some of you find it hard to process even to this day.  Massage for dogs is not a SPAW DAY.  Massage works to soothe aches and pains and diminish anxiety and other stressors.  Imagine this type of therapy given to your dog by a certified expert and the benefits are increased.

Think about the rituals of massage which includes dimmed lights, soothing music, the pleasant fragrance of a mild oil or candle - even without massage, these can help your dog relax! Why do we think dogs are so different.  If we benefit from these things so can your dog.

Massage boosts your dog's immune system, which can become compromised from extended periods of stress. Tension can build up in their muscles, causing a decrease in circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues.

Manipulation of the soft tissue decreases muscular tension, increases removal of metabolic waste and promotes nutrient delivery to healing tissue. Knots in their muscles can inhibit their ability to perform everyday activities like going for a walk with you or playing in the dog park. When other parts of their body try to compensate for the ache of a tight muscle, they also start to become tight and uncomfortable. After a while, an injury that began in neck area can gravitate to their leg and even to their hind quarters.  The chain reaction can take many forms and none are pleasant.

In short, therapeutic massage can help to significanlty reduce stress. This, in turn, will increase energy, improve your dog's health and boost his immune system function. Add some good holistic nutrition, exercise and music therapy and you will see a different dog.... a happy dog.

Learn why we should Thump the Thymus

In the early years of a dog's life, the thymus is an active organ supplying the immune system. Over time, it seems to become less active although some studies indicate this is due to toxins or vaccines. Stimulating the thymus gland helps animals and people respond to stress and illness. When petting your dog you can feel gently down the front of the throat until you reach a bony area (in humans, this is just below the notch in the clavicle). Tap gently. In a person or big dog, you can use a fist gently; for cats, use one finger.  (In this picture the Thymus is indicated by Number 11)

Take a moment.....

Take a moment to BE in the moment with your dog. They will appreciate your full attention. Let your love flow from you to them while you touch them gently, stroking their fur, feeling it between your finger tips. Express your love through touch....

Groom Groom Groom!

Groom your dog as much as possible!! Long, short or no hair, brush your dog as much as possible. Brushing allows dead skin follicles to be removed and allows the skin to breath. This helps tremendously with detoxification. The skin, also an organ, is crucial in pet health. Grooming, petting and massaging all fall under... this category and also do wonders for your relationship. Also, brush the teeth too if you can! Although, if you are feeding a fresh diet, you likely won’t need to do it all that much. But, if you must, just do it! It's a challenge, but, it is better than putting your dog under anesthesia just for a teeth cleaning.See More

What's all the Scruff about?

Many articles and books say that holding the dog by the scruff of the neck shows dominance. Others say it’s just a plain no no. More often than not, they say it’s a sign of aggression.

From a canine massage perspective, it’s one of the dog’s most favourite places to be worked on.
Think about it. You dog wears a collar 7/24 and is on a leash every time you take them out for a walk. Well, that’s a lot of strain on that neck!

My rescued Aussie Jazz is collar free when bedtime comes. I look at it this way, how would I like that thing around my neck when I’m trying to sleep? It’s noisy and sometimes the tags get in the way . If you decide to try this, please keep the collar close by in case of emergencies or if you have to leave the house quickly.

Although spot massage is not recommended, I have developed a simple and gentle technique that can be done just to the scruff for relaxation and pain relief. Since this is not a deep tissue massage it will not cause compensation issues,
Neck Rolling ™ is a process by which I apply wringing techniques to the scruff of the neck to stimulate relaxation and relieve anxiety. It also works to relieve the stress to the neck from walking on leash and from collars that are too tight.

See the picture for an example of Neck Rolling ™ which can be done anytime with your dog. For more information on Neck Rolling ™, please contact me. I can explain the how, when and why in more depth.

PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION AT: 416-452-1588
or
fortheloveofhope@ymail.com

For the Love of our Dogs

True dog lovers know that they will do pretty much anything for their dogs’ health and well being. Many non-pet loving individuals will look at us a little funny, perhaps snickering under their breath about how “nuts” we are for buying that doggy coat, those Muttluks or spending more on their food than we, perhaps may even spend on our own! Holistic pets? Yep, that’s right!

Well, they can laugh all they want. We have the privilege of coming home each and every day to a dog that showers us with love and affection, sits with us when we’re feeling sad and makes us laugh at the silliest things they do!

Once you experience that connection with your dog, there’s no looking back! We’re hooked!

I’m very happy to say that as times have changed and so has our view as a society on how we treat and care for our animals. More and more animal lovers are realizing that proper care of your animal requires gaining knowledge, hard work and initiative. It’s truly a labour of love! We have banded together as animal lovers and are demanding products and services which will give them the quality of life they deserve!

A true dog lover will have the patience and diligence to work with their pet to bring them to their fullest potential, seeking to provide harmony, inner peace and overall well being.

As with humans, our dogs experience stress and anxiety in their everyday lives. Sometimes it’s from a past trauma or an issue that has recently presented itself to you. In any case, we should work diligently to ease their anxiety in more natural and holistic ways.

There are a number of relaxation and calming methods that can be used such as:

• Canine Massage
• Animal Reiki
• Bach Flower Essences
• Doggy Meditation
• Doga
• Music Therapy; and
• Neck Rolling

These methods are some of my favourites and ones which I teach and have workshops for.

I believe that our society as a whole is finally moving away from the toxic and manmade stimulants and anti-depressants, so should we as dog lovers. Alternative methods are the key in our dog’s health and well being.

Join me as we explore the many methods of relaxation.

If you would like to learn more about what I do and more about these methods, please contact me at 416-452-1588 or at fortheloveofhope@ymail.com