Interview with Ohio Canine Massage Practioner and Reiki Master

As more and more people are looking for alternative care for their pets, pet massage and reiki are becoming more popular.  In northeastern Ohio at a place called 'All About Dogs' there is an animal advocate, canine massage practitioner and reiki master who has been practicing natural pet care for years.

She has both educational and 'hands on' experience in both areas and is truly passionate about her work and the animals that she cares for both personally and professionally. I was fortunate enough to get to interview Mrs. Ginther-Perry and get some insight into this emerging field, our interview is below.

What types of therapies do you practice ?

I am a certified Canine Massage Practitioner and Reiki Master. The Canine Massage techniques I learned are based on human Swedish Massage. In addition to general relaxation massage there is also pre/post Event Massage used for dogs that are competing in sporting events such as agility, obedience, fly ball, tracking, etc. Pre-event massage brings blood and nutrients to the muscles and also helps focus the mind in preparation of the event. Post-event massage helps flush the muscles preventing soreness. General Relaxation Massage is the most common. That is where you focus on balancing the body, reducing muscle tightness, increasing flexibility and help reduce the pain and stiffness due to arthritis.

What species do you treat?

I only perform massage on dogs. I am able to perform Reiki on all species but primarily my experience is on dogs, cats and horses.

What types of training have you had in preparation for this career?

I attended 2 Canine Massage certification classes and 4 different levels of Reiki classes (Level 1, Level 2, Advanced and Master/Teacher).

Are there any professional organizations or certifications available?

Yes, there are a number of organizations available to obtain certifications in animal massage. They are generally broken down by species, canine, feline, equine. I obtained my training at Integrated Touch Therapy in Circleville, OH. They offer canine, feline and equine as separate certification processes.

Where do you practice? Do you have a website? Do you make house calls?

I do not have my own website, but I do have a Canine Massage and Reiki information page on All About Dogs website (allaboutdogsllc.com). They are a boarding, daycare and grooming facility for dogs located in Auburn Township, OH where I offer Canine Massage and Reiki services. I also make house calls.

What exactly is canine massage?

Canine Massage is the use of strokes and touch to promote relaxation and wellness, flexibility, increased blood flow and comfort to our canine companions. It can also aid and promote human/canine bonding.

What types of dogs should get a massage?

Growing puppies, seniors, athletes, rescues….most dogs can benefit.

How long does a session typically last? How often should they receive massages?

Duration and also whether the session happens at all dependents on the individual animal. Massage should never be forced on any animal. That said a session generally lasts 30-60 minutes depending on the comfort level of the animal. How often would depend on any issues that are evident and/or what the owner is trying to achieve.

How do you massage aggressive dogs (or do you)?

I have not had the opportunity to massage any aggressive dogs. I would want information on type and source of the aggression (fear, pain, etc). Safety of both the dog and me are of the utmost importance and putting a dog in a position where they feel they need to bite is not safe for either of us. In this case I would probably start with distance Reiki and require the dog to be safely contained in a crate. This would allow me to begin building trust with the animal that I don’t intend to do them harm. Reiki is calming and works on both the emotional and physical level so it may begin to address the issues the animal is having. If/when thing progressed to the point where I am in close contact with the animal a muzzle could be used to keep us both safe. But whether or not the animal is aggressive I always allow them room to move away from me. It is essential to understand and respect their body language and allow them to guide me through the massage at their comfort level.

What types of issues can massage help?

Ease growing pains of fast growing puppies (especially the larger breeds), arthritis, tight and sore muscles, improve flexibility, value of touch and human/canine bonding

Can massage cause harm to a dog?

Do No Harm is always first and foremost in my mind. If I have any doubt then I do not massage. Also, if the dog has major issues getting a veterinary approval would be in order. Contraindications of massage are; never massage an open wound, a dog that is in shock or has a fever, any skin infection or lump.

What if a dog will not sit still for a massage?

It is very common for dogs to get up and move around during a massage. Sometimes they want a short break to stretch or shake. Sometimes they want to shift positions to allow me access to another area that they want worked on. If a dog walks away I will call them back to see if they want to continue or if they lay down a distance from me I will wait a few minutes and approach them and ask if I may continue. If they repeatedly move away when I approach or don’t return when called then the session is over. Massage is never forced on a dog or any animal. It’s important from a trust stand point that they lead the session.

Is massage beneficial for all animals or just those with ailment, injuries and senior animals?

Massage can benefit all animals, even ones that appear in great health. The touch of massage can sometimes locate small lumps/bumps that can be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Also, subtle changes in gain, muscle balance and flexibility may be noticed. Also, our animals pick up on the stress of their caregivers. Massage can help relieve that as well.

When should massage not be performed on an animal?

Contraindications of massage are; never massage an open wound, a dog that is in shock or has a fever, any skin infection or lump. Another thing to be aware of is the dog’s breath. Very bad breath can be a sign of periodontal disease and/or infections within the mouth. Massaging a dog with an infection (of any kind) could potentially spread in throughout the body.

How do we know if our pet likes to be massaged?

Read their body language. They speak volumes. When doing repeat massages on a dog they will generally greet me with enthusiasm and lie down or stand very close to me. Also, during a massage they will start giving me the body parts that they want worked on. If I am at the wrong spot they will adjust themselves under my hands or sometimes grab and move my hands with their mouths.

Are there any side effects of the massage?

A dog may have increased thirst, urination and bowel movements. Their bowel movements may change in color and consistency as the body flushes the toxins that were held within the muscles. They may also rest more than normal for a day or so after the massage.

Do you instruct others to give massage to their animals?

I have not held any classes but I do occasionally give caregivers of the dogs I massage instructions on the proper techniques for areas that they can address between scheduled massages.

Does a person need to be present during their pet's treatment?

No.

If the animal has a particular sore spot, do you work on just that area?

No. When meeting a new client it may take a few sessions to build trust with the animal before they will allow you to attend to the sore spot. Also, when an animal has a weak or sore spot other parts of the body compensate for this weakness so those areas need attention as well. The body is treated as a whole in the time allowed me. I start with areas where they are very comfortable and slowly progress to the problem area being sure to work within their comfort zone. This generally means starting with very light touch sometimes to the point where you are hovering over the area and not making physical contact. This is where being a Reiki Master can have added benefit. But even without the Reiki hovering over the area has benefit. You begin to build trust in relation to touching the area and the warm of your hands can bring comfort and the animals awareness to the area.

Can you massage a sick dog in pain?

Canine Massage is never a replacement for veterinary care. If a dog is very sick and in a lot of pain I would want a diagnosis from the vet before I would proceed with massage. NEVER massage a dog that has a fever, is in shock, has an infection or an open wound.

Can you massage a pregnant dog?

Yes, but I would keep it very light.

What are the benefits to massage?

General wellness and relaxation, human/canine bonding, value of human touch, improve circulation, increase flexibility, remove waste products from the muscles, find lumps/bumps that can be brought to the attention of their vet, make sure the animal is gaiting properly.

If natural pet care is of interest to you and you live (or are traveling through) northeast Ohio, then I suggest giving Pamela a call. You will experience a warm, friendly and knowledgeable practitioner in Pamela and your pets will love you for it.

Give All About Dogs a call and let them show you just how much your pet can benefit from these wonderful alternatives to pet care.