Question 1

Why must I obtain consent from my vet prior to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Edinburgh Clinical Canine Massage works in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Exemption Order 2015. This means that, before I can massage your dog, you will need to contact your dog’s vet to obtain a signed Veterinary Consent Form.
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I would ask that you share the signed consent form with me prior to your dog’s first appointment, or bring it with you on the day. I will never work with a dog that does not have the required veterinary consent in place.
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Veterinary consent is a legal requirement. It also helps to make me aware of any global or local contraindications to massage, and helps to inform me of any underlying conditions that I need to take account of when planning your dog’s treatment.
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The Veterinary Consent form can be downloaded here.

Question 2

Can I stay with my dog while they receive treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. The majority of dogs love their owner to sit with them. And, most owners do stay for the session and find it to be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. Afterall, it’s not often, as dog owners, that we take an hour out of our day just to sit and connect with our dogs.
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Having said that, there are always exceptions to the rule, and a small number of dogs find it easier to settle without their owner being present.  My priority is ensuring that your dog is as relaxed as possible; I will always discuss options with you.

Question 3

What if my dog won’t settle for their treatment?

Accepted Answer

This is something I am asked a lot. In my experience, most dogs do settle, though some take a bit longer to do so than others.
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There are many reasons why a dog struggles to settle. Often it’s simply because massage is a new experience for them and they just don’t understand what is required. For dogs that have spent a lot of time at the vets being diagnosed and treated, massage can feel like yet another examination, and it can take them a while to understand the difference. On top of this, a lot of dogs that I see suffer from chronic pain, which is often accompanied by a reluctance to be touched. As such, it can take a bit of time to establish trust.
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Most dogs will settle by the end of their first session, occasionally it may take a little longer.

Question 4

Do I need to do anything special to prepare for a home visit?

Accepted Answer

If you choose to have your dog treated in your home, there are a few simple steps that you can take to make sure that your dog gets the most out of the session. The most important thing is to create a relaxing environment, free from distractions.
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A quiet space, away from the hustle and bustle of family life is ideal. Also, I may bring some relaxing music to play!

Question 5

Will my dog have to be treated on a massage table?

Accepted Answer

Your dog’s first session will always be provided on the floor. Many dogs don’t like heights and receive subsequent treatments at ground level as well. Though, there is always an exception to prove the rule, and some dogs do settle better on a massage table, so this option is available.

Question 6

Should I exercise my dog prior to their massage?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, your dog should be as relaxed as possible coming into their session. It might be best to avoid strenuous exercise immediately prior to their treatment. I do advise a short walk prior to each session, just to ensure that your dog has had the opportunity to go to the loo.

Question 7

Do I need to withhold food from my dog prior to them being massaged?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, large meals should be avoided for the 2 hours prior to massage, though treats are absolutely fine. Avoiding food for 2 hours simply gives your dog time to digest their meal prior to treatment, and helps them feel more comfortable. It also means that they are less likely to need a toilet break mid-session.

Question 8

My dog has had an upset stomach. Should I still bring them for their treatment?

Accepted Answer

If your dog is booked in for a session and has had an upset stomach, please give me a call to chat through your specific circumstances.

Question 9

How soon after treatment should I feed my dog?

Accepted Answer

I will always discuss your dog’s aftercare with you at the end of their session. This will include feeding guidelines for the remainder of the day. As a general rule, large meals should be avoided for the 2 hours following massage.

Question 10

Is there anything that I should do between treatments?

Accepted Answer

I will always discuss your dog’s aftercare with you at the end of their session. Aftercare advice is specific to each dog and may include some or all of the following:
Making minor adjustments to their living environment. For example, raising food bowls and placing rugs on slippery flooring
Ice or heat compresses if dealing with an injury
Joint supports and/or supplements

Question 11

How do I pay for my dog’s treatment?

Accepted Answer

Each treatment must be paid for at the end of the session. Payment can be made via bank transfer or cash. Currently, I am unable to accept payment by card.
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If your dog is insured, you may be able to claim back the cost of your session. If this is the case, please let me know and I can provide the relevant claim form.

Question 12

What if I need to cancel or re-arrange my appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel an appointment or rearrange, please let me know as soon as possible. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice require to be paid for in full.

Frequently Asked Questions