Furry Dogmother Huyton

07/10/2025

🐾 Fascinating Fascia — the hidden hero of movement 💪

Fascia isn’t just filler, it’s a dynamic, fluid-filled network that wraps around muscles, organs, and nerves. When it’s healthy, your dog moves with ease. When it’s not? You’ll see stiffness, twitching, flinching… even changes in posture or behaviour.

💡 Groomers, owners, therapists, you can help:

✔️ Gentle handling
✔️ Non-slip surfaces
✔️ Light massage
✔️ Movement breaks
✔️ Spot the signs early

Fascia matters. Muscle matters. Your dog’s comfort depends on both.

07/10/2025

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04/10/2025

During my grooming sessions, I often integrate gentle Swedish massage strokes to help dogs feel calmer and more relaxed throughout their groom. This isn’t a treatment for any injuries or medical issues — it’s simply a comfort handling approach designed to support calmness and connection.

I start right in the bath, using slow hand-over-hand strokes and small occipital circles around the back of the neck. These gentle movements help to activate the dog’s parasympathetic nervous system — that’s the part responsible for rest, relaxation, and a sense of safety.

You’ll often see a dog give a shake afterwards — that’s a lovely sign that they’re “resetting” their nervous system, releasing any tension, and returning to a calm, balanced state.

Once on the table, I continue with slow effleurage strokes, helping the dog stay settled and comfortable as we move through the drying and clipping stages.

By the time I start clipping, you can really see the difference — the dog is calm, trusting, and at ease. 🐾

Comfort handling isn’t about fixing or treating — it’s about creating a positive grooming experience that supports both emotional wellbeing and physical ease.

04/10/2025

Fascia and when its stiff or restricted what are the signs? One sign is twitching which I often observe in my groom room.

This lady explains it so well and demonstrates a little technique here you could try at home.

As a Canine Massage Therapist we are trained in both direct and indirect myofascial release techniques. This is something we can help with.

🪰 even the flies love a good massage 😂

Learn how to soothe your dog with myofascial release massage techniques in this video. This is great for older dogs or those who have had any type of injury ...

04/10/2025

03/10/2025

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02/10/2025

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We are proud to announce Lintbells as supporter of Canine Muscular Health Awareness Month! If you subscribe to emails from Lintbells, look out for more information on Canine Muscular Health Awareness dropping in to your inbox along with a great competition you can enter to raise awareness of the importance of canine muscular health.

02/10/2025

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💪 What do healthy muscles really look like? 🐾

It’s not just about strength, it’s about balance, comfort, and control. From supple movement to even temperature, your dog’s muscles tell a story.

Lumps, tightness, or pain? That’s not “just age” - it’s a sign.

💡 Muscles are the body’s engine. Keep them tuned.

02/10/2025

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Like and follow this page for more information on how you can spot muscular pain in your dog and ways you can help them.

01/10/2025

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30/09/2025

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When a dog has been diagnosed with arthritis then it's time for professionals and canine guardians alike to know that the joint is only 50% of the problem... help is available to look after your dogs muscles with a range of therapies like Clinical Canine Massage therapy, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, conditioning and laser to choose from. Manage don't mask.
Remember....if muscle isn't being addressed then half of the problem is being ignored

26/09/2025

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The splenius is more than just a neck muscle; it supports feeding, carrying, chewing, listening, and overall stability. It works quietly in the background, but without it, many of a dog’s daily activities would be harder, less efficient, or more tiring

We'll be breaking down some of the individual and main muscle groups in our muscular info series for pet owners.
For those who want a bit more detail then keep an eye out for our Professional Series with more anatomical detail later in the month of October!

Did you know....

Splenius in the Dog – Functional Role

The splenius muscle lies along the upper neck and is part of the epaxial muscle group. Beyond simply extending or rotating the head and neck, it has direct links to everyday functions that matter to dogs and their guardians.

1. Feeding

When a dog lowers their head to eat or drink, the splenius helps them raise their head back up.

During chewing and tearing, the splenius stabilises the head and neck, allowing the jaw muscles to work more efficiently.

2. Ball Carrying or Holding Objects

Dogs often carry balls, toys, or sticks with pride. The splenius helps maintain an extended neck posture, resisting gravity so they can comfortably hold objects in their mouth.

This muscle provides the endurance support needed to keep their head lifted while carrying.

3. Jaw Function

Although the splenius does not directly move the jaw, it provides a stable base for powerful jaw muscles like the temporalis and masseter.

This stability allows dogs to bite, chew, and tug without their head being pulled off balance.

4. Ear Function

The splenius does not move the ears directly, but by turning or tilting the head, it helps dogs orient their ears toward sound.

For example, when a dog pricks their ears to listen, subtle neck adjustments supported by the splenius make this possible.