What is Canine Bodywork?Canine bodywork is similar to human massage - it is the use of targeted bodywork techniques to help alleviate muscle soreness and tension, induce relaxation, and improve athletic performance.
How might bodywork help your dog?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an appointment? What does an initial appointment involve?
The first step is to complete a Client Intake Form (found HERE). We also require all clients to obtain a referral from their primary care veterinarian. The referral form can be found on our website under the VETS tab - please contact your veterinary clinic and ask them to complete the form, which can either be filled out online or printed and emailed. Once we have reviewed your intake form and the veterinary referral, we will be in touch to schedule an appointment.
The initial appointment lasts approximately one hour and is a multi-step process. At the start of the appointment, we will discuss your pet's medical history and any ongoing concerns while I observe your pet's movement and posture for a few minutes. I may ask you to walk and trot your dog on leash so that I can analyze their gait, and I may also ask you to have them perform a sit, down, and 10-second stand so that I can evaluate their posture. I will also ask you to weigh your dog using the veterinary scale in my facility. Once I have evaluated your dog's posture and gait, we will move on to the bodywork portion of the appointment. I can work with your pet either on the floor (on an orthopedic bed), or on a table; I work with most of my clients on the floor, since that is usually where they are most comfortable. As I work with your dog, I will check for symmetry between the two sides, muscle tightness and soreness, and muscle spasms and/or trigger points (small, hyperirritable nodules within a muscle that can cause pain locally as well as elsewhere in the body). If there are any areas of concern, we will discuss them during the appointment. I may refer you back to your veterinarian and/or to another veterinary professional if there are any indications that there may be an undiagnosed/untreated underlying condition causing your dog's mobility or performance issues.
The initial appointment lasts approximately one hour and is a multi-step process. At the start of the appointment, we will discuss your pet's medical history and any ongoing concerns while I observe your pet's movement and posture for a few minutes. I may ask you to walk and trot your dog on leash so that I can analyze their gait, and I may also ask you to have them perform a sit, down, and 10-second stand so that I can evaluate their posture. I will also ask you to weigh your dog using the veterinary scale in my facility. Once I have evaluated your dog's posture and gait, we will move on to the bodywork portion of the appointment. I can work with your pet either on the floor (on an orthopedic bed), or on a table; I work with most of my clients on the floor, since that is usually where they are most comfortable. As I work with your dog, I will check for symmetry between the two sides, muscle tightness and soreness, and muscle spasms and/or trigger points (small, hyperirritable nodules within a muscle that can cause pain locally as well as elsewhere in the body). If there are any areas of concern, we will discuss them during the appointment. I may refer you back to your veterinarian and/or to another veterinary professional if there are any indications that there may be an undiagnosed/untreated underlying condition causing your dog's mobility or performance issues.
Do you offer home visits?
We still offer limited home visit appointments upon special request within a 25-mile radius of Marion. Unless the dog or owner is completely unable to travel, we require that the initial evaluation is performed at our Marion facility, as this will allow for a more thorough evaluation of your dog, including assessing their gait (movement), posture, and weight. Please note that home visits are only available during weekdays, with no evening or weekend availability.
- 60-Minute Home Visit - $50
- 30-Minute Home Visit - $35
How much do you charge?
For appointments at our Marion facility, our fee schedule is as follows:
Payment is due in full at the time of service. We accept cash, check, all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), and money order.
Returned Check Fee: $35
Cancellation Fee: $25*
No-Show Fee: $20
*24 hours' notice must be given, unless other extenuating circumstances apply (e.g., adverse weather conditions, personal or family illness, etc.)
- 60-Minute Appointment - $45
- 30-Minute Appointment - $30
Payment is due in full at the time of service. We accept cash, check, all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), and money order.
Returned Check Fee: $35
Cancellation Fee: $25*
No-Show Fee: $20
*24 hours' notice must be given, unless other extenuating circumstances apply (e.g., adverse weather conditions, personal or family illness, etc.)
I think my dog is injured. Can you diagnose the problem?
No. Only licensed veterinarians may diagnose injuries and prescribe treatment, and we strongly recommend consulting with your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your dog is injured and/or in pain. Canine bodywork is not a substitute for veterinary care. However, through postural, functional, and muscular assessments, we may be able to help pinpoint the general area of a problem, and can then help advise you on your possible next steps. We always work together with your pet's veterinary care team and will refer you to consult with other veterinary/canine professional service providers (e.g., orthopedic surgeon or veterinary rehab specialist) as appropriate.
Please note that Paws in Harmony offers canine conditioning and small animal bodywork services only, which are NOT a substitute for veterinary medicine. We are NOT a rehabilitation program; we do not diagnose or treat injuries, illness, or disease. All pets who require our services must provide written veterinary clearance. When concerns are noted, clients will be directed to seek appropriate care from their veterinarian and/or other professional care providers. Please consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet's health.
Please note that Paws in Harmony offers canine conditioning and small animal bodywork services only, which are NOT a substitute for veterinary medicine. We are NOT a rehabilitation program; we do not diagnose or treat injuries, illness, or disease. All pets who require our services must provide written veterinary clearance. When concerns are noted, clients will be directed to seek appropriate care from their veterinarian and/or other professional care providers. Please consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet's health.
I don't think my dog will sit still for a bodywork appointment. Can you still work with them?
Each dog is an individual, and while it is true that some dogs never fully settle during their bodywork sessions, in many cases the dogs do far better than their owner expects them to. I have worked with hundreds of dogs of all temperaments over the years, and the vast majority have reacted favorably to bodywork. Most dogs take at least one or two sessions to get used to bodywork. The first couple of sessions, your pet might be restless, overexcited, or even anxious. While most dogs will sit or lie down and some may eventually sleep through much of their appointment, others may never completely relax. Some pets require short breaks during the session, which is absolutely fine. We will let your dog lead the session and will only work within their comfort zone.
Is bodywork suitable for all dogs?
No, bodywork is not suitable for all dogs. Like people, some dogs do not enjoy or tolerate touch and find it stressful or uncomfortable. While we can certainly make the process more pleasant through positive reinforcement (i.e., treats, verbal praise, etc.), some dogs just are not good candidates for bodywork. That being said, it oftentimes takes 2-3 appointments before dogs become truly comfortable with bodywork. My biggest priority is ensuring that you and your dog have a positive experience; I will monitor your dog's body language and heed your concerns throughout to ensure that your pup is comfortable with the session. Prior to beginning, I will also ask you to inform me of any areas where your dog may be particularly intolerant of touch.
In addition, bodywork is contraindicated for dogs with certain medical conditions, which is why we require a complete medical history and a veterinary referral prior to scheduling an appointment.
In addition, bodywork is contraindicated for dogs with certain medical conditions, which is why we require a complete medical history and a veterinary referral prior to scheduling an appointment.
My dog competes in sports. How often should they receive bodywork for maintenance?
Bodywork plays a vital role in maintaining body condition and helping to prevent injuries in the canine athlete. Regardless of what sport your dog participates in, whether agility, flyball, or herding, regular bodywork can help them perform at their best.
Depending on their specific needs, your dog may initially require more frequent bodywork sessions for the first 1-2 months in order to work through any muscular imbalances. If there are no ongoing muscle imbalances or concerns, routine maintenance sessions every 4-6 weeks are generally recommended.
Depending on their specific needs, your dog may initially require more frequent bodywork sessions for the first 1-2 months in order to work through any muscular imbalances. If there are no ongoing muscle imbalances or concerns, routine maintenance sessions every 4-6 weeks are generally recommended.
