So who here does animal massage

[Chewyrite]

Just wondering, it would be something I would be interested in after I start(and finish) massage school. Just wondering how receptive the general popualce is to the idea.

I had a few ideas on buisness that seem like they might be good, such as the local humane society or at least in my case the a college that offers back country horsemanship courses.(Have a about 30 horses) Thinking if I can some equinine training working with their horses.

Just some more random thoughts from me, hope no one minds. If anyone would like to share their experinces as a animal MT I would appreciate it.

 

[strawberristarz16]

Ooooooooo-oooooooooo-oooooooooo…me, me, me…I do, I do, I do, LOL! :

In my experience, how well animal massage is received depends on the area. The area I’m in now is very receptive, even though it is kind of boonsey. The area I moved from in Florida – my county specifically – was not receptive (even though it is a huge horse area, as well as having many dog owners who bring their dogs to a dog park and pay to drop them off at a doggie day care/spa environment). The county as a whole does not have much money, and in general new business struggle to survive. However, outside of my county was receptive – such as: Flagler county, Jacksonville area, Orlando and its surrounding area. I think the more metropolitan, or open and educated on the subject matter, the more receptive also. The local Veterinarians play a large role, and some owners will only abide by what their Vet says – including products and treatment choices. If their Vet says that massage is hokey, then that is what they believe, period.

I was lucky to connect up with a Vet practice that sought after my services, and ended up offering canine massage classes at their clinic. As well, I hooked up with a local technical school and taught there. It was easier to market animal massage there having connected up with established businesses. Another great connection for me was volunteering for a birds of prey rescue & rehab organization – the owner has a horse herself, plus knows many locals.

The local humane society (and any rescue organization) is a great way to market yourself, get experience, and get a reputation going. Other ideas: pet expos, pet fairs, horse shows, horse trainers, blacksmith, dog shows, pet walk-a-thons, agility trials, local breed groups, groomers, local pet businesses, feed stores, pet publications, pet sitters, Vet clinics, Vet colleges, any & all events that honor animals, hold speaking engagements, etc.

I have grown up with animals. When I went to school for human massage I knew – without a doubt - that I would include animals in my practice. I had been massaging them for years before “knowing” what I was doing. Animals, their welfare, and the bond we share with them as humans are my passion. I am very rewarded by this work.

Thanks for asking!

 

[nezantra8]

I have also grown up with animals, alway's having at least 2 dogs in the house I've had cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits,birds,, a baby raccoon for a short time, used to spend a lot of time around horses as well.

Oh and can't foget the fish lol.

Do you have a favorite breed of dog massage hound?, Mine is a Great Pyrenese, I also love newfies.

 

[FunctionalDisfunctions]

I lived on a farm for much of my childhood and we had all the usual animals (horses, pigs, chickens, viscious roosters that used to chase me...lol, etc). I remember - like it was yesterday - having to get up at the crack of dawn and mix formula to hand feed some of our calfs. This is where my budding passion began.

My favorite breed is of course my own dogs - Golden Retrievers. But I love: English Bulldogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Greyhounds, Great Danes, Standard Poodles, Samoyeds, Field Spaniels, and Black & Tan Coonhounds. My favorite small breed is the Bichon Frise.

Newfies and Great Pyrenees are beautiful animals, too! I've worked with a few Bullmastiffs and they have a large slobbery mouth like the Newfies, lol.

We had German Shepherds and Dobermans growing up. How about you?

My favorite breed of horse is the Draft. It was the first breed I worked on professionally/with apprenticing...two giant, magnificent, jet-black beauties! Do you have a favorite?

 

[ReginaldQ]

Don't know enought about horse breeds to really have a favorite. But any that don't try and hit my head on the lowest tree brach that we ride under is usally the one I get along with lol.

I am wondering about animal massage tho, I've done a lot of volunteer work for the local humane society, adn I know the local vets pretty good as well. I sure once I get enough experience they would be willing to listen.

As far as farms go, never lived on one but worked on one for a few summers, dad said something about it building charecter lol. Used to have an evil goat that liked to try and eat my shoes while I was wearing them. AHH farm life.

Oopp almost forgot, We had 2 shepards, one when I was reall young and another when I was in HS. Never had a doberman, mom was afraid of them. Had a shelty mix, airdale, black lab, newfoundland, Saint Bernard, 4 Great Pyrs, and 4 muts( not all at the same time tho.)

Had 3 rabbits, a mini lop, dwarf, and New zealand white. Dang now that I think about it, I had a lot of critters lol.

 

[Dude]

I am wondering about animal massage tho, I've done a lot of volunteer work for the local humane society, adn I know the local vets pretty good as well. I sure once I get enough experience they would be willing to listen.

Hopefully other members that practice animal massage will chime in (so you have more than just my perspective)...but in the meantime, do you have specific questions that I can answer for you?

***Edit: Recently, after a big snow fall here, we took our Goldens out for a very long walk. Our female, Willow, over-worked herself. She had so much fun that she paid for it by hobbling around the house for almost a week. The pain came on two mornings after the walk (delayed onset muscle syndrome). I massaged and stretched her very lightly for the first couple of days and it didn't seem to be helping, so I thought we were going to have to take a trip to the Vet. About 4 days into her pain, as a last ditch effort, I worked her muscles a little more deeply - targeting the muscle tightness and quivering located mostly around her right shoulder and pec. Later that evening she was like a new dog, hardly hobbling at all and making it up and down the stairs on her own. The next day after this session she was moving normally.

 

[Meep Zorp]

Just wondering, how physically demading is it? I imagine equine massage is probably a bit more demading that say dogs or cats, but I was wondering in general.

 

[embracexthexpale]

Awesome story Massagehound!
I'm afraid I'm totally animal-less at the moment, my 14 year old chihuahua having passed away on Sept. 4th, but I wanted you to know I thought your story was great!
I do outcall massage for a couple with 4 dogs... a hound mix and 3 doxies, 2 of which are still puppies.
It's sort of funny, but if I have time, Jake the hound mix Loves me to do a little massage on him. As does the youngest doxie pup... those 2 just eat it up... you can tell, the way they lean into you... :

 

[mottthedog]

Just wondering, how physically demading is it? I imagine equine massage is probably a bit more demading that say dogs or cats, but I was wondering in general.

This is a great question and it has a surprising answer.

As far as canines go: some therapists use their table, I am usually on the floor or ground with them so proper body mechanics are really important (it can be challenging...you don't want to end up with a broken back or knees from stooping, lifting, bending, and twisting). The applied pressure of massage strokes and bodywork techniques for dogs is very similar to that used for humans.

As far as equines go: they are normally standing, so proper body mechanics are very easy to keep. The pressure used is again similar to that for humans. Most think (as I did) that you have to be this giant person with superhuman hand and upper-body strength to work with horses but the truth is that they are extremely sensitive. You can still use your elbows/thumbs/knuckles for trigger points, or if deeper work is required. And, if need be, a step-stool works great to reach the spine. The woman that I apprenticed with was a tiny, petite thing...lol...I was very surprised when I first met her. One area that I've not ventured into with horses (yet) is stretching, body mechanics can be very challenging there.

Awesome story Massagehound!
I'm afraid I'm totally animal-less at the moment, my 14 year old chihuahua having passed away on Sept. 4th, but I wanted you to know I thought your story was great!
I do outcall massage for a couple with 4 dogs... a hound mix and 3 doxies, 2 of which are still puppies.
It's sort of funny, but if I have time, Jake the hound mix Loves me to do a little massage on him. As does the youngest doxie pup... those 2 just eat it up... you can tell, the way they lean into you...

Hey, thanks! Sorry for the loss of your chihuahua...they have such personalities! 14 years is a long time...must have been a happy, healthy companion for you. I hope another one comes into your life when the timing is right.

Jake is no slouch, huh? He's got you wrapped around his paw, lol. Good for him, he deserves it. Yep, leaning is a BIG sign. Massage is sooo good for puppies, too. Do all the dogs crash out when you're working on the couple? During my home sessions, ours go sleepy-sleep...with the music and the whole relax vibe. :

 

[luxyfoxy]

Yeah they're usually all hyper when I arrive. (The dogs not the people... well actually the guy is sorta hyper but that's a whole 'nother thread...) :
Anyway, the dogs tend to play with each other for awhile, then go to sleep... (they're kept in the kitchen while I do the massage). But the minute the massage is over and I'm leaving they'll try to get a couple minutes of "love" from me before I scoot out the door. :

 

[emale address]

Massagehound,

When you explain as you just did, the answer is not that surprising. Thanks.

I know my dogs love a good belly/back rub lol, but don't know anything else to do for them at the moment. I think some people forget that animals have muscles to, as well as emothions and both can of those aspect can benifit from massage, just like humans.

 

[Corn]

As far as equines go: they are normally standing, so proper body mechanics are very easy to keep. The pressure used is again similar to

I recalled an article on stretching horses that Gutehands (Gi) had told us about back when we were a YaBB board.
Have you seen it?

http://www.todayshorse.com/Articles/HorseCarrotPractics.htm

 

[vulcan]

I recalled an article on stretching horses that Gutehands (Gi) had told us about back when we were a YaBB board.
Have you seen it?

http://www.todayshorse.com/Articles/HorseCarrotPractics.htm

No, I haven't seen it. This is great, Thanks so much! What a great (and easy) way to get a horse to stretch her/his neck...with a carrot, hah!

I know my dogs love a good belly/back rub lol, but don't know anything else to do for them at the moment. I think some people forget that animals have muscles to, as well as emothions and both can of those aspect can benifit from massage, just like humans.

You're welcome. Keep firing questions at will, I am more than willing and happy to help in whatever way that I can. When you learn human massage, all the techniques for dogs will fall into place. Ahead of time, you can pick up some anatomy charts to get you going (even order a canine massage video or dvd).