The other day I posted about making certain your pet is chipped and collared. This post?

ZING BOOOM! baaaaNNNGGG!!

Today I’m addressing the dreaded SKY BOOMS and how to help your noise triggered pet survive July 4th!

If you’re fortunate enough to have a pet who isn’t reactive to noise, count your lucky sparklers! As a dog professional I’ve worked with dozens of noise sensitive dogs (and have one myself) that range from slightly nervous to full on super freaked out. If you have a super freaked out pet, chances are good you already have an anxiety regimen. If you do not, please contact your vet immediately to find a solution prior to this weekend’s festivities.

For those of you who have dogs lower on the anxiety spectrum I’ll share a few things my clients and I use for our pets to help reduce their anxiety during fireworks and storms.

• Calming chews.
• CBD treats and chews.
• Thunder jacket.
• Melatonin for pets.
• Rescue Remedy for pets.
• Pheromone spray for dogs.
• Weighted blankets.
• White noise machine.
• Same day Reiki and Massage
• Vet prescribed medicines.

At home, identify their safe space. My boy, Jack, hides under the top corner of the master bed, so I put his bed there and the sound machine on the floor with him. I spray his bandana with a calming pheromone, then tie it around his neck. He will have taken his prescribed anxiety medicine at least an hour prior. He likes to be left alone. One of my clients is good as long as she is buried under a bunch of covers and pillows. There will likely be several days of noise and you and your pup will identify his safe place and favorite soothers.

Pro Tip:

Wear your pup out that day. Play, swim, hike, bike. Do all the stuff. A tired pup is much more likely to sleep than stress.

Second Pro Tip:

Don’t fret. They can feel your anxiety. So breathe through this. Just know your pup is safe and sound inside the home, and if you’ve utilized any of these tips, is probably snoozing away, oblivious of the SKY BOOMS ????.

Happy 4th!

The post How Can I Help My Anxious Dog ? July 4th Part 2 first appeared on .

Most people would agree massage is also beneficial for working dogs and athletes who’ve over-exerted their bodies. It speeds recovery and healing, relaxes tight, stressed muscles and can help realign the body.

But consider your weekend warrior dog. The dog that goes hiking or camping with you, or to the lake house, or to your folks’ farm, or spends a great deal of the weekend romping at different dog parks. Or runs with you while you ride your bike. That dog has jumped and cut like a barrel horse. Hips and spine and shoulders and knees have had a serious workout. You’ll recognize it by the way he sleeps for two days afterward. He’s tuckered out!

That dog needs a massage! His muscles are sore. He may be a little stiff and probably won’t want to play much for a day or two. If he’s five or older he might have some inflammation in his joints which you might recognize if his joint is a bit hot.

Now think about just any dog. Any dog that may or may not have a backyard. May or may not have to be alone much of the day. Might be one of the breeds like doxies and corgis, that are prone to hip problems. Might have anxiety or behavioral problems. May be a rescue with a history of trauma. May be a foster trying to transition to a new environment. EVERY SINGLE SCENARIO WOULD BENEFIT GREATLY FROM MASSAGE. Massage relieves anxiety, builds trust, promotes relaxation, promotes healthy muscles to support joints, boosts the immune system, stimulates lymphatic system to flush toxins, and so much more.

Even puppies benefit from massage: increased circulation, boosted immunity, relief from muscle aches, growing pains. So, the answer to the question
“At what age does my dog need a professional massage?“
EVERY AGE BENEFITS FROM MASSAGE.
How do I find a dog massage therapist?
Good question!
Ask your vet.
You can google and check websites.
You can Yelp to see what people are saying.
You can ask other dog people for recommendations.
But definitely make sure they are certified, and research where they received their certification. (I went to Ohio for my training and certification.)

Massage helps reduce Birdie’s anxiety.

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The post Reiki first appeared on .

“My vet says Bogey has arthritis.”

Here are a few of the benefits of massage for senior dogs:

• pain management
• reduced swelling in joints
• increased blood flow and oxygen to muscles
• increased range of motion, flexibility and mobility.
• helps maintain muscle mass.

“I think my dog has anxiety. Would massage help?”

Massage helps relieve anxiety by releasing oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. But what does anxiety look like? Sometimes what we think is poor behavior or normal dog behavior is actually anxiety.

Some of the ways anxiety presents:

• panting
• pacing or restlessness
• excessive barking, howling
• shivering, cowering
• destroying things
• digging
• excessive licking or grooming
• not eating
• resource guarding
• depression
• aggression Anxiety in dogs can be treated. There are options-medications and holistic treatments like massage and Reiki (which is also one of our services.) Your dog deserves to be happy.

“Sugarpie is recovering from surgery and my vet said a massage could help her recovery.”

After surgery, with the vet’s approval, massage can help your dog in several ways:

• reduces pain
• reduces swelling
• increases circulation
• minimizes scar tissue
• stimulates lymphatic system to remove toxins
• reduces anxiety

Massage for Working and Sporting Dogs

These are police and service dogs, show dogs, therapy dogs, search and rescue and comfort dogs, and athlete dogs, to name a few. These dogs have stresses that most dogs do not have.

Physically these dogs benefit from a pre-work or competition massage as well as an end of day massage to loosen tight muscles and stimulate the lymphatic systems to release toxins.

Some dogs work in crisis situations, some are there to search and rescue, or to offer comfort in tremendously difficult times. Massage helps these dogs release the energies and traumas they’ve absorbed.

When Not To Get A Dog Massage

There are times when a massage could be dangerous for your dog. Do not get your dog a massage if s/he has or is

• overheated
• in shock
• when there is initial swelling
• tumors, cysts or cancer
• fungal skin problems

So, whether your dog is recovering from an injury or celebrating his Gotcha Day, canine massage benefits the entire dog, physically and emotionally.

All massage clients must have veterinarian release for care. As a regular client please inform us if the health of your dog has changed.

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