Pepsi's Clinical Canine Massage

22/03/2025

🦴 Soft Tissue Injuries in Dogs: More Serious Than You Think! 🦴

Your pup might look fine on the outside, but soft tissue injuries, like sprains, strains, and ligament tears, can cause chronic pain, lameness, and even long-term mobility issues if left untreated.

🚨 Signs to Watch For:

✔️ Limping or difficulty standing
✔️ Swelling or tenderness
✔️ Reluctance to run, jump, or play
✔️ Whimpering or licking a specific area
✔️ Behaviour Changes

💡 What to Do:

🐾 Rest & Restricted Movement – No zoomies for now!
🐾 Vet Check-Up / Muscular Health check from Canine Massage Therapist  – Early diagnosis prevents complications.
🐾 Cold/Heat Therapy – Helps reduce pain & inflammation.
🐾 Professional Clinical Canine Massage Therapy – Strengthens recovery.

Ignoring soft tissue injuries can turn a minor strain into lifelong pain for your furry friend.

🐶❤️ Keep them happy, healthy, and moving pain-free!

📸 Tag a fellow pet parent who needs to see this! 🐕⬇️

10/03/2025

🐾 “What if my dog won’t settle for a massage?” 🐾

First off, sorry for the quietness! It’s been all systems puppy lately after taking in a foster pup. 🐶💨 Life has been a whirlwind of zoomies, training, snuggles, and lots of patience!

Now, back to a common question I get: What if my dog won’t settle for a massage?

I totally get it! Some dogs take time to relax, and that’s perfectly fine. I work with your dog at their own pace, using gentle techniques to help them ease into a massage.

💆‍♂️ Soothing strokes to build trust
🐕 Allowing movement, some dogs need to sniff & explore first!
🌿 Special massage tricks to encourage calmness

By the end, even the most restless pups are feeling zen mode activated. 🧘‍♂️🐾

Curious about canine massage? Drop me a message, I’d love to chat! 💕

14/02/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️🐾

Today is all about love, and who loves us more unconditionally than our four-legged best friends? 💕🐶

Wishing you and your pups a day filled with snuggles, wagging tails, and endless joy! 🐾💘

13/02/2025

Lets talk Luxating Patella in Dogs 🐾

What is it?

The patella, or "kneecap," normally sits in a groove at the end of the femur. In dogs with a luxating patella, the kneecap moves out of its groove (dislocates), often causing discomfort and difficulty walking.

This condition is common in small breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkies but not limited to.

You can have in one knee or both and will be graded from 1-4, from grade 3 to 4 being the worse side of the scale and surgery will probably be recommended at this stage.

🩻 Key Anatomy Affected:

1️⃣ Patella (Kneecap): Moves abnormally.
2️⃣ Femoral Groove: The groove is too shallow in affected dogs.
3️⃣ Quadriceps Muscles: Misalignment puts strain on these muscles.
4️⃣ Tendons & Ligaments: Stretched or weakened by the displacement.

Signs to Watch For:

• Intermittent skipping gait 🐕
• Lameness or difficulty bearing weight
• "Hopping" on one leg

💆‍♀️ How Massage Can Help:

Massage therapy can be an effective, non-invasive tool for managing luxating patella.

✨ Improves Muscle Support: Massaging the quadriceps, hamstrings, and surrounding muscles can reduce tension and strengthen the area.
✨ Promotes Circulation: Encourages blood flow, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
✨ Relieves Pain: Gentle manipulation eases discomfort and stiffness.
✨ Prevents Compensation: Keeps other muscles from overcompensating and becoming strained.

What causes it?

1️⃣ Joint Stress: Repeated jumping places significant strain on a puppy's developing joints, particularly the knees. Over time, this can weaken ligaments and destabilise the patella. (This is what happened to Louie in his previous home, think of how a kangaroo jumps and you've got the exact idea of what this dog used to do. He now has luxating patellas in both knees. This is managed by regular massages and inflammatory medication)

2️⃣ Misalignment Risk: Puppies are still growing, and their bones and joints are not fully developed. Excessive jumping can cause improper alignment of the femur, tibia, or kneecap.

3️⃣ Ligament and Tendon Damage: High-impact activities, like jumping on hard surfaces, can stretch or tear the ligaments that keep the patella in place, making it more likely to slip.

4️⃣ Pre-existing Genetics: If a dog is genetically predisposed to luxating patella (common in small breeds), frequent jumping can accelerate the onset or severity of the condition.

Prevention Tips for Puppies:

• Limit Jumping: Avoid encouraging jumping from high places (like furniture) or repeated high-impact activities.
• Provide Support: Use ramps or steps for beds, couches, and cars to reduce strain on the joints.
• Balanced Exercise: Focus on low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming, to strengthen muscles without stressing the knees.
• Diet and Weight Management: Excess weight puts additional strain on joints, so a balanced diet is essential.

While jumping alone may not directly cause luxating patella, it can be a contributing factor, especially in puppies with growing joints or those predisposed to the condition.

If you suspect your dog may have luxating patella, please book appointment with your vet for investigations. If you wish to explore massage therapy as a treatment option, then please do drop me a message.



Picture as diagrammed on PDSA website.

04/02/2025

03/02/2025

💕 Love Is in the Air – One-Day-Only Special!

Treat your furry friend to a Swedish Massage Therapy Session and show them just how much you care! 🐶💆‍♂️

📅 Only available on Saturday, 15th February

🏡 30-minute session in your own home

💰 Just £20!

Spreading the love from Pepsi’s Clinical Canine Massage – book now and give your pup the relaxation they deserve! ❤️

📞 Limited slots available – book today.

01/02/2025

🦴 What Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs? How Massage Can Help 🐾

Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket joint of the hip doesn’t fit together properly. Instead of gliding smoothly, the joint grinds, causing instability, pain, and arthritis over time.

As the condition progresses, bone spurs (osteophytes) may develop around the joint edges as the body tries to stabilise the loose joint and secondary osteoarthritis may also be seen. (This part is exactly what Pepsi's sister had).

This misalignment can lead to:

➡️ Altered Gait: Dogs may limp or "bunny hop" to compensate for discomfort.

➡️ Muscle Imbalances: The surrounding muscles, especially the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back, work overtime to stabilise the joint.

➡️ Reduced Range of Motion: Stiffness and pain limit movement, impacting your dog’s quality of life.

💡 How Can Massage Help?

Massage therapy addresses the secondary effects of hip dysplasia by focusing on the muscles and tissues that are impacted:

🔸 Releases Tension: Chronic muscle tightness (especially in the lower back and rear legs) is common in dogs with hip dysplasia. Massage helps relax these overworked areas.

🔸 Enhances Flexibility: Loosening tight soft tissues around the hips promotes better movement in stiff joints.

🔸 Encourages Lymphatic Flow: Reduces inflammation and helps flush toxins from the affected area.

🔸 Supports Postural Alignment: Regular massage can reduce compensatory strain on the spine and opposite limbs.

While massage doesn’t cure the anatomical issues of hip dysplasia, it’s a powerful tool to improve comfort, manage pain, and help your dog move more freely.



(Excillent picture shows the difference between a normal hip joint compared to one with hip dysplasia. Image taken from James Landing Veterinary hospital page)

29/01/2025

Is your furry friend feeling a little stiff, struggling with mobility, showing signs of discomfort or just needs a relaxing session? Don’t forget, I’m here to help!

As a fully trained and certified practitioner, I offer tailored canine massage treatments that can:
✔️ Relieve muscular pain
✔️ Improve movement and flexibility
✔️ Promote relaxation and overall wellbeing
✔️ And much more...

📍 I’m based in Cornwall and open to new clients!

Hosting a dog-friendly event? I’d love to collaborate, health checks and advice are just a message away.

Let’s keep our dogs happy, healthy, and wagging their tails! 🐶

📩 Feel free to get in touch to book or learn more.

27/01/2025

🌟 Calling All Doggy Event Hosts! 🌟

Hosting a dog event? 🐾 I’d love to collaborate with you! I can attend and provide FREE muscular health checks for all the four-legged guests. 🐶💪

👉 Want more?

If there’s interest, I can also offer mini time-slotted therapy sessions during the event for dogs needing a little extra care for a small fee. These sessions are ideal for addressing stiffness, discomfort, mobility concerns or for a therapeutic experience. Early planning and prior paperwork are required to make this happen!

My diary is filling up fast for 2025, so don’t miss out, let’s team up to make your event truly special for the pups and their humans. 🎉

📩 Private message me today to discuss or secure your date!

Because every dog deserves a little extra TLC. 🐕❤️

24/01/2025

Understanding a Dog's Muscular and Soft Tissue Anatomy

Dogs are fascinating creatures with complex anatomy, and their muscles and soft tissues play a vital role in their movement, posture, and overall health. Did you know that dogs have around 700 muscles in their bodies, making up roughly 45% of their overall weight? These muscles work in harmony with their skeletal structure to allow for a wide range of activities, from running and jumping to wagging their tails.

How Are These Muscles Used?

Locomotion:

Dogs have powerful muscles in their legs and back that enable them to sprint, leap, and maintain endurance over long distances.
Forelimb muscles (like the biceps brachii) help with pulling and stability, while hindlimb muscles (like the quadriceps and hamstrings) provide propulsion and strength.

Posture and Balance:

Core muscles, including the abdominal and back muscles, help maintain a dog’s posture and balance during movement or while standing still.

Facial Expression and Communication:

Dogs have muscles around their face that allow them to express emotions, from moving their eyebrows to controlling ear movement.

Respiration and Digestion:

Diaphragm and intercostal muscles aid in breathing. Smooth muscles in the digestive tract facilitate the movement of food.

Tail Movement:

Tail muscles are used for balance, communication, and expressing emotions like happiness or alertness.

Soft Tissues and Their Roles

Tendons: Attach muscles to bones, ensuring that muscle contractions result in efficient movement.

Ligaments: Connect bones to each other, stabilising joints and preventing excessive movement or injury.

Cartilage: Provides cushioning in joints to absorb shock and reduce friction.

Fascia: A thin connective tissue that surrounds muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, ensuring structural support and flexibility.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue: Protect underlying muscles and organs, as well as regulate body temperature.

Massage: Regular massage is an excellent way to maintain the health of your dog's muscles, the benefits of which has been talked about recently.

Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain muscle tone and joint flexibility. Activities like fetch, swimming, or agility training are excellent options.

Stretching: Gentle stretching and regular massage sessions improve flexibility, relieve tension, and support overall muscle health.

Understanding your dog's muscular and soft tissue anatomy and incorporating practices like regular massage can help ensure they lead a happy, active, and healthy life.

Whether they’re sprinting in the park or snuggling at home, their muscles and soft tissues are always hard at work!

(Photo used from Adobe Stock)

20/01/2025

Prevention is Better Than Cure: The Power of Canine Massage Therapy

Did you know that canine massage therapy can do more than just make your furry friend feel good? It’s a proactive way to ensure their long-term health and happiness! Here's why prevention through regular massage is better than waiting for issues to arise:

1️⃣ Boosts Circulation and Mobility: Massage improves blood flow, reducing the risk of stiffness, joint pain, and mobility issues later in life.

2️⃣ Reduces Stress: Just like humans, dogs can experience stress. Massage therapy helps keep them calm and emotionally balanced.

3️⃣ Prevents Injuries: By addressing tension and minor imbalances early, massage reduces the chances of sprains, strains, and other injuries.

4️⃣ Supports Overall Wellness: Regular massage strengthens their immune system, keeping them healthier and more resilient.

Don’t wait for problems to arise, invest in your dog's health now! Prevention is always better than cure, and a little love and care can go a long way in giving them the vibrant, active life they deserve.

🐾 Start your canine massage journey today—because happy, healthy dogs are worth it!

20/01/2025

🌹 Valentine’s Day is Just Around the Corner!

Why not show your dog just how much you love them this Valentine’s Day? 🐾💖

At Pepsi’s Clinical Canine Massage, I believe your furry best friend deserves to feel pampered too! Treat them to a tailored massage that’s not just relaxing but also beneficial for their overall well-being.

✅ Relieve aches and pains
✅ Boost their mobility
✅ Help them feel their best
✅️ and much more...

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the unconditional love they give us every single day. Book your dog’s massage now and make their heart (and tail!) happy! ❤️🐶

📩 Message us today to secure your spot!

17/01/2025

Earlier today, I shared a throwback photo of me and Pepsi, but now I want to shine a light on my incredible Jindo family! This amazing group of talented individuals, who I trained alongside, also run Clinical Canine Massage clinics up country.

Throughout the journey, my partner in crime wasn’t just Pepsi, it was also the amazing Sam, who runs Grace & Favour Clinical Canine Massage Therapy . If any of you are in or around the Blackpool area, she’s your go-to person for canine care!

To my Jindo family, feel free to drop your page links in the comments to spread awareness about your own businesses. Let’s support each other and share the love! ❤️

Love you all!

(This picture was the last day of us with our dogs, before our exams started. Sadly, it was not long after this that Pepsi gained her wings and went over the bridge).

17/01/2025

The Importance of Proper Canine Massage Therapy

Did you know that while clinical canine massage therapy can be incredibly beneficial, it can also cause harm if not done correctly?

When performed by a trained and certified professional, canine massage can help in various aspects as I have covered in some of my other posts. However, when done improperly or without knowledge of canine anatomy and health conditions, it can lead to serious consequences such as:

• Aggravating injuries or underlying conditions
• Causing unnecessary pain or stress
• Damaging soft tissues or joints

It's important to note that light touch and gentle massage are generally safe and beneficial for warming up muscles, improving blood flow, and relaxing your dog. However, more advanced techniques, such as deep tissue work and fascia releases, for example, should only be performed by someone who is fully trained and knowledgeable in canine massage therapy.

Additionally, there are specific health conditions where massage therapy is not the right treatment and can even have real contraindications, such as:

• Infections or fever: Massage can spread infections further in the body.

• Fractures or recent surgery: Massage can interfere with the healing process if done too soon.

• Cancer or tumors: Manipulation of tissues may cause the spread of malignant cells.

• Open wounds or skin conditions: Direct contact can worsen the condition.

For these reasons, veterinary consent is essential before beginning any massage therapy. A veterinarian can assess your dog's health and determine whether massage is safe and appropriate. However physical vet appointments are not always necessary but this is very dependant on your individual vet practices.

Always prioritise your dog's well-being by consulting with professionals and ensuring that only certified canine massage therapists provide advanced care.

Your furry best friend deserves the best!

If you have any questions please reach out. 🐾

(Throwback picture of me and Pepsi before our canine massage therapy lessons started that day)

16/01/2025

Clinical Canine Massage for Post-Surgical Rehabilitation. Support Your Dog's Recovery Journey with Clinical Canine Massage

Is your dog recovering from surgery and already attending hydrotherapy? Massage can further support their rehabilitation and help speed up the healing process. Massage can also go nicely with other therapies too...

Here’s how it helps:

• Relieves Pain: Eases discomfort by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

• Addresses Overcompensated Areas: Relaxes overworked muscles caused by altered movement, helping to restore balance to their normal gait.

• Manages Redirected Myofascial Pain: Targets pain referred to other areas of the body, relieving tension and improving overall comfort.

• Supports Healing: Promotes blood flow to healing tissues, encouraging faster recovery and pushing out built up toxins quicker.

• Improves Behavior: Alleviates pain-related behaviors by reducing discomfort and improving well-being. We can all get quite grumpy when in pain and it's no different for our dogs... they just can't moan as much as us!

• Restores Mobility: Reduces scar tissue and improves range of motion for a more complete recovery.

Each session is designed to work alongside hydrotherapy and your vet’s recommendations to maximise your dog’s recovery. It is normally around the 6 week post op, that massage sessions from a fully trained therapist will commence.

15/01/2025

Caring for Your Growing Puppy’s Joints and Muscles

Bringing home a puppy is an exciting time, but as a responsible pet owner, it’s important to take steps to protect their growing joints and muscles. Puppies are in a critical development stage, and their bones, joints, and muscles need special care to ensure long-term health and mobility. Here are key tips to help your pup thrive until their bones are fully fused (typically around 12-18 months, depending on the breed):

1. Provide Age-Appropriate Exercise

Avoid High-Impact Activities: Running on hard surfaces, jumping off furniture, and excessive fetch games can stress developing joints.
Short and Controlled Walks: Opt for frequent, short walks rather than long, intense sessions. The "5-minute rule" (5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day) is a good guideline.

Encourage Gentle Play: Play on grass or carpeted areas to minimise strain on joints.

2. Balanced Nutrition

Choose Puppy-Specific Food: High-quality puppy food ensures your pup gets the right balance of nutrients for growth.

Avoid Overfeeding: Overweight puppies are at higher risk of joint problems like hip dysplasia. Monitor their weight and feed according to their breed size and activity level.

3. Safe Environment

Use Ramps or Stairs: For breeds prone to joint issues, consider ramps for beds or couches to reduce jumping.

Non-Slip Surfaces: Slippery floors can lead to falls and injuries. Use rugs or mats for better traction.

4. Regular Rest

Puppies need plenty of rest to recover and grow. Provide a comfortable, supportive bed that cushions their joints.

Encourage downtime after exercise to prevent overexertion.

5. Gentle Strength Building

Controlled activities like swimming or walking on soft sand can help build muscle without stressing joints.

Introduce low-impact exercises gradually to promote balanced muscle development.

6. Don't forget those vet checks
First bundle of vaccinations are so important as is ensuring they are properly wormed.

7. Breeds with Special Needs

Large or giant breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint issues. Take extra precautions with diet, exercise, and supplements.

8. Massage

Introducing your pup to hands on experience will do them the world of good and get them used to other people's touch. It can also be of great benefit to them whilst growing to provide some much needed relief from those growing pains!

By providing the right care, you can help ensure your puppy’s joints and muscles develop properly, laying the foundation for a happy, healthy life.

Always consult with your vet if you have concerns about your puppy’s growth or activity level.

Enjoy this special time with your new bundle of joy 🤎🐾

(Picture of pepsi less than 24 hours old with her siblings )

14/01/2025

Ever Wonder Why You Don’t See My Clients Enjoying a Massage Anymore?

Hi everyone! 🐾

You might have noticed that I don’t post photos of my clients or their dogs enjoying their massage sessions anymore, and I wanted to share why:

1️⃣ Privacy First: Your dog is a cherished member of your family, and I respect that. Sharing photos of them could feel too personal, so I choose to keep our sessions private and focus on their well-being.

2️⃣ Keeping It Calm: Massage sessions are meant to be relaxing and stress-free. Snapping photos during or after could interrupt that peaceful experience and the last thing I want is to disturb their comfort, plus if owners did agree to photos, I'm so in the moment of it with them,  I forget!

3️⃣ Focus on Education: Instead of sharing photos, I love using this page to educate and spread awareness about the benefits of canine massage. It’s all about showing how it helps without needing to highlight individual sessions.

So, while you won’t see photos of pups mid-massage, know that every session is tailored with love, care, and a focus on relaxation.

Thank you for your understanding and support as I work to help dogs feel their best! If you’d like to learn more about how massage can help your furry friend, feel free to reach out.

13/01/2025

Why Your dogs muscles need a decent bed and raised food bowls.

Caring for your dog’s health goes beyond regular exercise and a balanced diet, it includes ensuring their physical comfort and long-term musculoskeletal health. Two essential tools for this are a quality bed and raised food bowls.

Here's why:

1. Supporting Muscle Recovery with a Quality Bed

Dogs are active creatures, and their muscles work hard during playtime, walks, and daily activities. A supportive bed:

Relieves Pressure Points: Orthopedic or memory foam beds distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on joints and muscles.

Promotes Better Sleep: Deep sleep is essential for muscle repair and recovery, especially for senior dogs or those with arthritis.

Prevents Soreness: Hard surfaces can cause muscle stiffness over time, impacting mobility and comfort.

2. Reducing Strain with Raised Food Bowls
Eating and drinking from floor-level bowls can lead to unnecessary muscle strain, especially for larger or older dogs.

Raised bowls:

Promote Better Posture: Your dog won’t need to hunch or stretch awkwardly, reducing strain on their neck, shoulders, and back.

Ease Digestion: Eating at a comfortable height can prevent swallowing air, which reduces bloating and improves digestion.

Aid Senior and Arthritic Dogs: Dogs with mobility issues will find it easier and less painful to eat and drink.

Prevention is Better than Cure

Investing in these small adjustments can prevent bigger health issues in the future. By supporting your dog’s muscles and joints, you’re ensuring they stay active, pain-free, and happy for as long as possible.

When it comes to your dog’s comfort, every detail matters. A decent bed and raised food bowls might seem simple, but they’re powerful tools to improve your furry friend’s quality of life.

Take care of their muscles today to support their health tomorrow!

🩵Because a comfortable dog is a happy dog.💤