Emma Burt Canine Massage Therapy

05/02/2023

Really enjoyable & informative 4 hours of CPD yesterday (as a Canine Massage Guild member we have to complete a minimum of 25 hours per year).
Whilst none of it was totally new to me, I had definitely got rusty on some of the details and feel a lot more confident that, should I need to act in a dog first aid emergency, I will know what to do & be able to act with more confidence than if I had not had this refresher - though I do really hope not to need it any time soon!

A packed course in Romsey today - 28 newly certified Dog First Aiders!! Well done to everyone that completed their Emergency Canine Care course with me today, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you all!! ⭐️ 🐶 ⛑️

22/12/2022

So that is a wrap for 2022! I am now closed till 4th January 2023.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Looking back over 2022, it has been a brilliant year with so many fantastic clients - a wonderful set of dogs with a wide range of issues who have been just brilliant to treat, trusting me through the process to work with them & to all their super owners too thank you all for asking me to treat your dogs xx

It has also been a sad year for too many of my clients, saying goodbye to their wonderful canine companions - if dogs have a fault it really must be that their lives are much too short 🐾🐾

This photo is not from my last client of the year, as yesterday this lovely boy decided he really wasn’t going to settle for a massage - but hey, sometimes a massage just isn’t what you want, so this photo is from a couple of months ago - see you next year Joker xx

18/06/2021

Very proud (again) to be part of the Canine Massage Guild and of our association with this amazing research project x

Background Clinical canine massage involves muscle tissue manipulation and fascial release techniques to rehabilitate injured soft tissues. Quantitative efficacy data are lacking. This cross-section...

16/04/2021

More cases reported of Alabama Rot across England.
Devastating for those affected but it is good to see from Anderson Moore’s reporting that the numbers, compared to the numbers of dogs in the country, are still very low.

CRGV is a disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney. It causes tiny blood clots to form in the blood vessels which blocks them and can ultimately lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration; however, in the kidney it can lead to severe organ dysf...

11/04/2021

The lovely Jake, a dog who I was lucky enough to have treated last year, is now really struggling with his mobility and his owner has started a GoFundMe appeal to raise some money towards getting him a dog wheelchair to help him get out and about more again

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-jake-get-a-doggy-wheelchair?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram

Hello, This is my precious boy, Jake. Jake is a 12 year old smooth coated Border Collie. … K Ellison needs your support for Help Jake get a doggy wheelchair

25/03/2021

One of the largest UK microchip databases, Petlog, has upgraded its systems and it seems to have hit a ton of issues 😞

My dogs are registered with a different company, Identibase, and hearing of the Petlog issue, I logged on to quickly check them.

Identibase has also changed something on their systems (coincidence?) as I had to re-register.....and only one of my dogs was showing. That issue is now resolved and I’ve got two dogs linked to my account again - phew!

I’ve also seen mention over the last day or so of at least one other company with possible similar issues.

I would suggest that everyone takes a few minutes when you can to double check your pet’s microchip registration with the relevant company. Better to check now and get it sorted than find a problem when your dog is missing 😞

At the same time, please do take a minute to check you have registered them with one of the approved registers, as shown in the photo attached. There is a company that appears right near the top of Google which seems legit but that isn’t on this list which would mean that your dog isn’t properly traceable if registered with them 😞

12/02/2021

A super article from one of my fellow Canine Massage Guild therapists 🙂

Here we explore the 5 principles of pain and pain's effect on behaviour more deeply, detailing exactly what we need to look for.

05/12/2020

Another great article from the Canine Massage Guild.
This covers the decisions involved in deciding whether to treat your dog on a massage table, on the floor or somewhere else altogether.
The decision is based, as far as is possible, on what suits your dog best, some prefer to be on a table, others prefer the floor x

Whether on a massage table or the floor, the best outcome comes from a dog that is as happy and settled as possible throughout treatment.

01/10/2020

Timed our visit to perfectly today! Well nearly. As we pulled up onto the parking area those black clouds in the photo were directly overhead and emptying their rain, but 5 short minutes later they had moved on and we have had a lovely time in the sunshine ☀️

07/09/2020

September is Animal Pain Awareness month.
🐕
Have you noticed any of these indicators in your dog recently?

The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management () has proclaimed September as Animal Pain Awareness Month, which coincides with human medicine’s Pain Awareness Month. ‘Animals suffer from pain just like people do. Pain comes in many forms: surgical pain, arthritis and cancer related pain, just to name a few.  Acute pain is obvious and distressing. Chronic pain can be subtle, and masked as “getting old” or “slowing down.”  Old age is not a disease, but pain is. There are many options to treat the various causes of pain in animals including pain medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy, and therapeutic massage.’ Visit ivapm.org for graphics, posters, and additional ways to engage your clinics during this awareness month!🐱🐶🐰🐴🐾👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

25/08/2020

Great fun, if just a tad blustery 🤣🤣, up at Hoe Cross Fields - Dog Park earlier, despite being blown about we got very lucky with the weather and even saw some sunshine!

22/08/2020

Aww, x2 here too xx

X 2 🐾🐾🐾🐾🥰

17/08/2020

I is for Injury
🐩
If your dog has a soft tissue injury, such as a strained muscle, they will be uncomfortable, as we are when we have this sort of injury.
🐕
Once past the acute initial phase of the healing process, massage can help to relieve the pain associated with that injury and can also help to remodel the scar tissue which naturally forms as the injury repairs itself.
🐕‍🦺
Massage can also work on the whole body of the dog, ensuring that the compensations they are making for the initial injury are relieved and encouraging the dog to use it’s body in a more even way.
🐾
Can you suggest any other dog related I’s so I can keep this going?

16/08/2020

Some good advice from Whole Dog Journal about the benefits of maintaining your dog at a healthy weight.
🐕
One of my dogs was at the vets last week and I was horrified when the vet said she had put on a bit of weight since last visit!
🐩
But then I remembered Lucy was in the middle of a tummy upset last time she was there so would have been lighter than normal.
🐾
I did wonder how it could be, since I weigh her weekly and adjust food accordingly.
🦮
Lucy was considerably heavier a few years ago - at her heaviest 8.8kg, now 7.2kg, and I do try hard to keep her weight down as she seems more comfortable not carrying any extra!
🐕‍🦺

In 2013, the American Medical Association defined obesity in humans as a disease. The veterinary medical profession is also pushing to have obesity in companion animals similarly designated. In October 2019, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) released a position statement (the “Glob...

14/08/2020

Well I don't know about the rest of you but I am VERY relieved the weather has cooled down a bit!
🐕
Today I had the pleasure of a visit from Oscar again whose recovery from his knee (CCL repair) operation is continuing.
🐩
He is such a friendly boy and seems to be really settling into having his massages now which is great as it means I can apply more techniques to help him feel more comfortable.
🦮
He has some way to go to build the muscles in his repaired leg back up but with his areas of over-compensation in his neck, back and the other hind limb addressed he should be feeling much more comfortable.
🐕‍🦺
Look forward to seeing you again in a few weeks, Oscar!
🐾

12/08/2020

Sharing another great post from a fellow Canine Massage Guild therapist on the topic of ball throwing.
🐕
Why it isn’t ideal and some alternative options.
🐩
Though I have to say that today we are staying inside at home and barely moving at all and I’m very relieved that my dogs agree that is a good idea as it is sooooo hot again today.
🐕‍🦺
Take care all and keep safe in this heat x

10/08/2020

Hydrotherapy
🐕
Hydrotherapy, either in a pool or underwater treadmill is another complementary therapy which helps dogs to feel and move better. It uses water to help rehabilitate injuries, helping the dog to move an injured joint in a non weight bearing environment.
🐩
The warmth of the water in a hydrotherapy pool or treadmill helps to relax muscles and reduce pain. It can be helpful with many orthopaedic conditions and also helps with weight control and can help to improve cardiovascular fitness for agility and sport dogs.
🐕‍🦺
Massage works brilliantly alongside Hydrotherapy. Hydro helps to build the muscles and Massage ensures those muscles are maintained in the best condition to benefit from the Hydro.
🐾
Can you suggest any other dog related H’s so I can keep this going?

09/08/2020

Early walk for us today before the sun starts to get really hot
🐕
Lovely time to be out, really peaceful with lots of birds singing!
🐩

08/08/2020

Could your dog benefit from a massage?
🐾
If you haven't come across massage for dogs before you might be thinking it is a bit odd to consider massage for them.
🐕
Dogs are really good at hiding pain, and because of that you sometimes need to be a bit of a detective as there will be things they aren't doing any more, or have started to do which they didn't before which might give you a clue that there is something not quite right.
🐩
I have recently added a blog on this topic to my own website. Please take a read if you have a minute and if you have any concerns your dog may be uncomfortable contact your vet.
🐕‍🦺
https://www.emmaburtcaninemassage.co.uk/blog/does-your-dog-need-a-massage/

Massage can help your dog to feel better by helping them to move and feel better if they have pain from musculosketal issues and injuries.

07/08/2020

Some great tips on keeping as cool as possible in this heat wave from a fellow Canine Massage Guild therapist 🙂
Make the most of this weather if you can but keep safe everyone x

It is going to be hot! So here are some tips I learnt in my previous life as an environmental consultant.
1. If it is cooler inside right now - shut the doors and windows and close the curtains
2. Keep windows shut even on the shady side of your property if the internal temperature is lower than outside.
3. When it gets hotter inside than out, open the windows and doors, preferably on opposite sides of the property to encourage cross ventilation. But keep any curtains on the sunny side closed
4. Put a the plastic bottle, three quarters full, in your freezer now, your are going to want that tonight.
5. Stay hydrated, make sure your dogs stay hydrated. I will need to water down some kefir, milk or wet dog food later to ensure my girl drinks today
6. Use a mist spray or face toner when you do get too hot...
7. As soon as it even a little bit cooler outside then open as many doors and windows as possible

Tonight
8. If you have a loft hatch then move it into the loft, this will allow accumulated heat to leave via the uninsulated roof - but make sure you put it back in place first this in the morning
9. Get that frozen water bottle from your freezer, wrap it in towels and pop it in you bed. I guarantee you will have a more comfortable night than keeping a fan on. This works really well for your dogs too.

Stay safe, keep your dog inside until it is cooler. If you do have to take them out in the day stay in the shade and on natural surfaces as much as possible. Use a cool coat or wet down a bandana for short trips outside. Enjoy the sun shine.

06/08/2020

Massage for working dogs
🐕‍🦺
If your dog is active with a busy dog with a job - whether that be herding, or in the relevant seasons - picking up, beating, dog sports or simply supervising busy family activities 😊 they will be using their body in lots of different ways.
🐾
Massage can be beneficial for hard working dogs even when they are not struggling with a known condition or injury. Just as it works for us humans, as a maintenance therapy, by helping to resolve minor areas of tension it can help to prevent them developing chronic issues or picking up injuries.
🐕

05/08/2020

The Canine Massage Guild is the organisation I belong to as a therapist.
🐕
Over lockdown they have updated their website and it has lots of great information for owners and vets about massage as a therapy and how it can help.
🐕‍🦺
Membership of the Canine Massage Guild provides hands on CPD opportunities and requires me to complete CPD every year to keep my skills up to date.
🐩
I appear on the Therapist register here:
Https://www.K9-massageguild.co.uk/therapistregister/Emma-Burt/

Therapist name Place pic and logoAreas covered and contact details About the Therapist Costs Client Comments Comments in h2, but I notice that this is not working so if you view this in ‘text’ Please place comments between this code and end code is and it will give you the heavy green text.

04/08/2020

In case any of you missed it, Nathan of Nathan’s Paw Trails was good enough to write a guest blog for me recently on the topic of indoor exercise.
🐕‍🦺
I am sharing it again since we are heading into another very hot spell, so this is the perfect time to ditch a couple of walks in favour of staying home in the cool and using some of Nathan's suggestions.
🐩
I have some marrow bones in the freezer ready for my two and I also have a plan for putting their tea onto their licky mats and freezing it for another day.
🐕
What will you be doing with your dog when it is too hot for their usual walks? Or do you have some good shady places where you can still get out and about?

https://www.emmaburtcaninemassage.co.uk/blogs/why-is-indoor-exercise-important-for-dogs/

03/08/2020

G is for Grooming
🐕
Grooming is really important for your dog. It helps to keep their hair and skin healthy, gives you a chance to find and remove knots and prevent mats from forming against their skin and to spot parasites such as fleas or ticks and areas of skin problems which might need to be checked out by your vet. It can also help to keep them cool.
🐩
You might also notice as you groom that there is an area of your dog’s body that is twitchy as you pass over it, or they are grumpy about a certain area of their body being brushed. This can be because the soft tissues underneath are sore, this is something massage might be able to help with.
🐕‍🦺
I groomed Lucy this weekend, because I found the grass seed in a long bit but also as we are heading towards another hot spell.
🐾
Can you suggest any other dog related G’s so I can keep this going?

02/08/2020

If your dog has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, in addition to the support provided by your vet, they may also suggest other therapies including hydrotherapy or massage.
🐕
Clinical canine massage can help with hip dysplasia and other orthopaedic conditions by
🐾 Improving mobility and flexibility
🐾 Relieving soreness, stiffness and discomfort
🐾 Relieving any build up of muscle tension and hypertonicity
🐾Addressing compensatory issues where your dog may be overloading other areas of their body to avoid putting weight through the affected limb(s)
🐩
These benefits and more help to improve quality of life for your dog. You will see this through improvements in their mood and mobility. They will feel better and move better.
🐕
There is more information in my blog on Hip Dysplasia: https://www.emmaburtcaninemassage.co.uk/blog/how-to-help-dogs-with-hip-dysplasia/ or contact me for more information.

01/08/2020

When I wrote about grass seeds the other day I didn't have one to hand, but today I have just taken one off Lucy, it was tucking itself right down into her hair - with the business end just off her skin, and as I tried to remove it, it was very well caught into her hair and it was edging ever closer.
🐕
The photo isn't as clear as I would like but you can just about see in the close up picture the uneven texture which is the barbs on the long hairs, these work in one direction, so any movement of the dogs body will move the hair, the barbs will shift further in and edge the seed closer to the skin.
🐩

31/07/2020

So grateful to have received this lovely review from Jill this week:
🐕
"Hugo is a 13-year old golden Labrador. Despite long daily walks, the muscles in his back legs have become wasted and weak. This caused him to have difficulties as his right leg dragged. Since having regular massages, he now walks more evenly with a certain spring in his step when encountering other dogs. He is moving more easily and it has improved the quality of his life. Not only that, Hugo really enjoys the massage, is totally relaxed and falls asleep on Emma regularly.
🐩
We worked outside when I saw him earlier in the week as the weather was kind, but I forgot to take a new photo so here is one from an earlier session.
🐾
Hugo is a delight to work with and I look forward to seeing him again soon!

30/07/2020

This lovely boy is Joe, he has hip dysplasia and comes to me for massage in between his hydro sessions.
🐕
The two therapies work really well together, hydro helps build the necessary muscles to stabilise his hips and the massage ensures the muscles are maintained in the best condition to benefit from the additional work and stay comfortable.
🐕‍🦺
He is settling much better as he gets to be more comfortable which is brilliant!
🦮

29/07/2020

Massage for Agility and Sporting dogs
🐕‍🦺
Great to see an agility border terrier for an agility maintenance massage today.
🦮
Forgot to get a photo though - doh!
🐕
She is a lovely, fit, active little dog who is very enthusiastic about her agility. She had a couple of areas where her muscles were a little bit tight, but they were easily relieved with massage and she is good to go.
🐩
If you have an active working or sporting dog, massage can help to ensure they are in the best possible condition for the challenges that you set them, relieving any areas of muscle tension, improving their flexibility and range of movement which can all have a positive effect in their performance and help prevent injuries.
🐾
Please do get in touch if you are interested in learning more

28/07/2020

Yay our updated Canine Massage Guild website is live and it looks a-maze-ing!

Lots of updates, loads of useful information and the Find a therapist register has been updated to make it easier to find someone local to you if you aren’t close enough to book with me 🙂 xx

Hurray! Our brand spanking new website is officially LIVE! Find a therapist in the UK, Ireland, Europe, USA and Asia , check out the articles section , read about the clinical trials and for vets there's a special section on the integration of massage into the multi disciplinary team.

Visit us today and find your dogs therapist for results in 1-3 sessions!

Click here to visit! http://www.k9-massageguild.co.uk