Dog Massage

Keeping Fido healthy is more than just not letting him drink soda and eat sugary cereal for breakfast. Dogs need many of the same components that we humans do. A mix of healthy diet and exercise is essential for a long life. If you are an active person, you know the importance of keeping your muscles in shape by stretching and the occasional massage. Until recently, I had no idea this was also available for your pooch. I wanted to get some more info, so I emailed some questions to a local dog masseuse named Hope Lamonica.

What made you decide to get into massage therapy for dogs?

I had a collie named Bear with arthritis. My vet, Dr Eccher, knew I was a licensed Massage Therapist for people and recommended range of motion and stretching. I did it, but needed more education on how to apply what I do for people to dogs in a more effective way. A few years later I saw a woman on TV who was doing massage on dogs who had paralysis. She was helping them to walk again. I immediately researched this and found a school that I liked in Ohio. I came back from school and have been doing dog massage ever since.

Is massage therapy good for any dog or just older dogs?

Massage is great for dogs of all ages and sizes. There are specific benefits and various techniques I use that effect puppies, older dogs, toy breeds to large breeds.

How long are the sessions? and cost?

The sessions are 30 minutes, I come to your home and the cost is $45. Aromatherapy is $50. Raindrop treatment (a specialized essential oils treatment to help align the spine and rid the body of toxins) is $55

How long have you been in massage therapy? people & dogs

I have been massaging people since 2002 and added dogs in June of 2006.

Are most dogs easy to work on or do they get irritated quickly?

Most dogs love it. It takes about 5 minutes for them to calm down. I have had dogs fall asleep during a massage.

What do you do when a dog doesn't want to work with you?

It depends. I had a dog that did not like the massage. I asked the owner to go back to the vet and found out he had severe arthritis that had not been diagnosed. He was in pain and did not want a massage. But, if I did not come to massage him, they would have not gone to the vet for a thorough exam. I had another dog who took a few weeks for to sit for a full 30 minute session. In the end, he stays for his massage, falls asleep and the owner has noticed a tremendous difference.

Does your massage therapy also help stretch the dog?

Yes, I do stretching, range of motion, and teach the owner how to do this.

What are some of the benefits for the dog?

The benefits are endless: helps with circulation, ease the pain of arthritis and hip dysplasia, helps keep the immune system working, reduces stress from loss of pet or separation anxiety, gets the dog used to being touched for vet visits and grooming, relaxes sore muscles from playing, massage also helps the nervous system to relax, the digestive system, repertory system, muscle, and everything in between. I could write a book on the benefits.

What kind of dogs do you have?

I have an 8 yr old Belgain Malnois, Cindarella. Two Collies, Star 4 and Hunter 1.

How often do you massage your own dogs?

At least one dog gets a massage every day. No less than once per week.

What do you think are the most important components to raising a healthy dog? ie exercise, diet...

Having a healthy dog involves time and knowledge. I'm always researching to be up to date on the latest everything. It involves love, hands on attention, nutrition, vet visits, fresh water, walks...etc I take care of my dogs as I would a kid.

What do you feed your dogs?

I have done a lot of research on dog food and I feed my dogs life's abundance. You can read all about it on my website www.floridadogmassage.com

Have you ever worked on any other type of animal?

At this time no.

A lot of people don't know that dog massage therapists exist, what has been your most effective way to get your name out to the public?

I believe it has been a combination of everything I have done. I have been on NBC6, June 21st I will be on WSVN, I have done radio interviews, have been in the Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel. I also do all the dog events that I can. People tell me they see me everywhere. Getting my name out, is not just using one avenue but really getting involved with the pet community

Do you let people bring their dogs to you or do always go to them?

I always go to them. Unless I'm at a dog event. The dogs are more comfortable in their own home. Some dogs, have a difficult time getting in and out of the car.

What kind of certifications do you have?

I'm a licensed massage therapist, certified dog massage provider from the Pet Massage Institute in Ohio and the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage in CO. I have also been trained in aromatherapy for dogs. I'm certified in pet CPR from the Red Cross and I'm licensed. I'm currently in the process of earning my degree as a vet tech.

Do you use a massage table for the dogs?

I use a massage table for some dogs or their favorite spot in the house for others. Some dogs do not like the table, so I leave it in the car. Others jump on the table before I can set it up. It's most important for the dogs to be comfortable.

You mentioned aromatherapy massage, what is that?

I use 100% therapeutic grade oils. They help a dog that is stressed, helps with arthritis, I have also used oils to help heal a dogs wounds after being attacked by a dog. Oils have been used before medicine and can assist with massage in every aspect of his or her health. I do not recommend trying this on your own. Speak to your vet, or have a trained professional show you how.

How long does massage take to see the effect?

Every dog reacts different. I have had dogs after one session jump on the couch for the first time in months, go for longer walks. I just massaged a dog who a year ago had paralysis. After one session, he lifted his leg to pee for the first time in a year. Other dogs can take a month to show signs of improvement.

How often should you get your dog massaged?

Again, this depends on the dog. If massage is more for therapy I have seen the best results on a dog who get massaged weekly. Some go every other week. If Massage is for maintenance then once a month or every other month works. I make the recommendation after seeing the dog and then it is up to the owner.

Contact Hope @ www.floridadogmassage.com