Massage for Senior Pets

by Dr. C. Sue Furman

One day you are playing with a puppy and all too soon your furry friend is showing signs of aging. Different breeds and sizes of dogs age at different rates, but most breeds reach middle age at about age 7 and proceed into their senior years. Giant breeds begin middle age even earlier. Changes do not occur over night. They creep in slowly and may go almost unnoticed until one day you realize something just doesn't seem right with your pet.

According to the AVMA, approximately 40% of dogs seen by veterinarians are 6 years or older. Old age is a condition not an illness or a disease, but some of the signs and symptoms require veterinary attention. Stiff joints and difficulty getting up are changes that are common in many dogs. Your veterinarian may offer medications to limit discomfort, but you too can help your pet. You can provide massage, a therapy recommended by many veterinarians, to soothe your pets achy joints, increase range of motion, and maintain flexibility. Stretches are excellent for aging pets as well as younger dogs. Stretches relax muscles, increase flexibility and range of motion, improve muscle tone, increase elasticity of muscles, tendons and ligaments, and enhance circulation.

A lateral stretch, or stretch to the side, stretches the muscles of the neck, shoulder and trunk and maintains flexibility of the muscles and joints in the spinal column. Reach in front of the dog and let him sniff a treat or see and hear a squeaky toy. Once you have his attention, guide his head toward his hindquarters using the treat or toy as bait (see Figure 1).

Figure 1	Figure 2

Use your hand or leg to anchor the dog's hindquarters so he stretches toward the rear but does not circle in a tail-chasing motion! Move to the dog's other side and repeat (see Figure 2).

As the dog's nose follows the treat in your hand, he stretches the muscles of the neck, shoulder, rib cage, and trunk. The first few times you try this technique, the stretch should last at least five seconds. Once the dog understands that the stretch will result in a treat, encourage him to hold the stretch at least 10 to 15 seconds before releasing the treat. Remember, the benefit the dog derives from the stretch relies on your ability to entice him to hold the stretch for several seconds. Always stretch both sides of the dog!


C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.
c.suefurman@gmail.com
www.HolisticTouchTherapy.com

This article is excerpted from Canine Massge for the Athlete in Every Dog© and also appeared in the November 2012 Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.

Canine Massage and Acupressure - A Strong Partnership

Holistic Touch Therapy offers canine massage and canine acupressure courses. Both modalities have incredible power to relax, comfort, rehabilitate, and encourage healing of the body. However, they affect the body differently. Massage manipulates soft tissues by rubbing, kneading, tapping and stretching for therapeutic purposes. These techniques increase circulation, soften superficial fascia, mobilize and move toxins, increase flexibility and range of motion to promote a balanced body.

Acupressure has its origin in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The technique applies fingertip pressure to acupoints located at specific points along the river-like meridians of the body where Qi or the life force energy flows. Stress, injury and illness can block the flow of Qi in a meridian causing imbalance in the body. Stimulating appropriate acupoints releases the blockage, restores the proper flow of Qi and re-establishes balance and well being to the body.

The beginnings of both massage and acupressure go back thousands of years and focus on wholeness of form and function of body and mind. Individually, they have remarkable restorative powers to encourage healing. However, the two modalities complement each other, and when applied together work synergistically to create a strong therapeutic partnership which accomplishes more than either can alone.

The 2013 schedule of Holistic Touch Therapy classes has been posted on my web site. It includes the long-established HTT courses and several brand new online and onsite classes to suit everyone from the pet owner who wants to comfort their personal furry friend to those pursuing canine massage and/or acupressure as part of their animal-based professional careers. These classes have been divided into three categories: Canine Massage, Canine Acupressure, and PetTech® Classes.


C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.
c.suefurman@gmail.com
www.HolisticTouchTherapy.com

This article originally appeared in the December 2012 Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.

 
The summer heat is here.  Veterinarian, Dr. Abby Deuel, posted the following tips in the June 2013 issue of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.  The information is so important that I'm adding it to my blog.  All our pets deserve a safe and healthy summer.

Keeping Animals Safe in the Heat

We are experiencing record temperatures successive days in a row. This, combined with the lack of rain, is causing serious concerns for pet safety.

On a 90 degree day, an animal left in a car will experience a temperature of 124 within 30 minutes and 138 within 90 minutes. These temperatures are enough to kill an animal, even if the windows are left partially open. The bed of a pickup truck is no safer for an animal. Not only do they become overheated, but they will also become dehydrated from the wind they experience.

 

Hyperthermia
Normally, our pets have a temperature of around 101. This can be increased during a fever episode or during high environmental temperature. A temperature of over 105 can seriously compromise your pet's health. Dogs and cats are not able to sweat to cool their core temperature. Instead, they pant and radiate heat from the surface of their skin. They are able to sweat through their paws but this is very limited compared to a human. If the air temperature is as high as it has been the last few weeks, an animal's body cannot keep up and will succumb to hyperthermia.

Signs of heat stroke

• Weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive panting
• Uncoordination
• Restlessness, stress
• Changes in gum color (either bright red or even blue)
• Drooling

Risk factors

There are several factors which can make an animal more susceptible to heat stroke. These include:

• Pets with short noses, like the Bulldog, Pekingese, Persian. These animals cannot adequately thermo regulate by panting due to their anatomy
• Pets with dark-colored fur or fur that is thick and does not allow adequate ventilation
• Very young, very old, or animals with an underlying condition such as heart disease
• Very active animals or any amount of exercise for an animal

Prevention

Generally speaking, if you find it uncomfortable outside, your pet will as well. If it is unbearably hot and you are not even interested in going outside, do not leave your pet in the heat. If your pet is confined outdoors, provide them with ventilation via fans. Shade is also extremely important. Fresh, cool water will help allow them to remain hydrated.

If possible, bring your pet inside, even if it is just a cool back porch or garage. A doghouse does not provide shade; instead they heat up excessively and are not safe for use in the summer. If you are convinced that you are providing adequate cooling for your pet, put a thermometer outside where your pet is located. Monitor the temperatures it reads. You may be surprised at just how hot it will get!

Treatment

The goal of treating hyperthermia is initially to cool the core temperature to prevent permanent damage to the animal's brain. This can be achieved by applying wet towels to the animal. The main areas of superficial blood circulation, and therefore cooling, are the ears, groin, armpits, and feet. A fan can be applied to help improve heat loss from these areas. Do not apply ice or extremely cold water. Cooling too quickly can cause more damage.

If possible, obtain the temperature of your pet; ideally, you should stop cooling your pet when their temperature reaches 103. Transport your pet to a veterinary facility immediately so that the other effects of extreme heat can be treated. Your veterinarian will address the level of hyperthermia and continue treating if necessary. The main concerns for your pet are loss of electrolytes, changes in red blood cells, kidney failure, brain abnormalities, and death.

 

Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian Deuel Veterinary Services, P.C. 2047 N Broadway Ave Salem, IL 62881 Phone: 618-548-6755 Fax: 618-548-6855 deuelveterinaryservices.com

More info on Canine Massage for the Athlete in Every Dog DVD

I’d like to tell you a bit more about my new DVD that was announced yesterday.  Canine Massage for the Athlete in Every Dog DVD is not your typical DVD.  The Introductory video clip allows you to meet me, C. Sue Furman, Ph.D., and appreciate my laid back approach to dealing with dogs.  I employthe Power Point slide format in the DVD to explain the benefits of Passive Touch, Compresssion, Effluerage, Petrissage, Friction, Percussion, and Stretch massage.  The audio explanations that accompany the slides describe how to perform each massage move and where and when to appropriately use it.  A video of each stroke is included to clearly demonstrate the appropriate hand technique to accomplish the desired result.  A video of a brief canine massage is included to get you started. The 3 hour DVD is packed with information, but the Menu feature makes it easy to access fundamentals about a specific category of massage moves or a specific massage stroke with a mouse click. Canine Massage for the Athlete in Every Dog DVD puts the capability to perform over 30 massage strokes in your hands.  You will never pet your dog the same way once you learn canine massage.

Take advantage of the pre-publication prices at http://www.holistictouchtherapy.com/store.html.

Book: $29.66 (this is a 10% discount off the regular price of $32.95)	DVD: $31.46 (this is a 10% discount off the regular price of $34.95)
Both: $54.32 (this is a 20% discount off the regular price of $67.90)

My New Book and DVD

INTRODUCING MY NEW BOOK AND DVD

 I'd like to announce the upcoming release of my new book and DVD, Canine Massage for the Athlete in Every Dog and Canine Massage for the Athlete in Every Dog DVD. If you act quickly, you can take advantage of the pre-publication prices. For a limited time, you can obtain a 10% discount on either the book or DVD, and a 20% discount if you order both at the same time!   More information about the book and DVD coming soon.

Visit the Store page on my web site www.holistictouchtherapy.com to order.

Book: $29.66 (this is a 10% discount off the regular price of $32.95)	DVD: $31.46 (this is a 10% discount off the regular price of $34.95)
Both: $54.32 (this is a 20% discount off the regular price of $67.90)

2013 Class Schedule

2013 HTT Class Schedule

Intermediate Massage Classes

---

Canine Massage Theory and Techniques — In the Canine Massage Theory and Techniques Program, Dr. C. Sue Furman presents a comprehensive view of how the touch of massage affects the body, mind and spirit of the dog. The first six dynamic PowerPoint™ presentations (Modules 1-6) stress and clearly teach how the eleven organ systems of the dog's body perceive, respond to, and heal with massage. In Modules 7-12 the groundwork necessary to prepare for a successful massage session is outlined, and the application and appropriate use of more than 30 Swedish massage strokes is described. How each stroke interacts with sensory receptors to encourage relaxation and healing of the dog's body, mind and spirit is discussed. See a brief description of Modules 1 - 12 on our web site: holistictouchtherapy.com

This class is offered in two formats:
Online Class - A video of each massage stroke demonstrates how and where to perform the technique. Sue's book, Balance Your Dog: Canine Massage is provided. $1200
Onsite hands-on 6 day class - Sue's book, Balance Your Dog: Canine Massage and other class materials are provided. $1200
Approved NCBTMB Provider #450515 48 CE

March 11 - 16, 2013
June 3 - 8, 2013

---

Canine Anatomy — (Modules 1 - 6) covers the material presented in the first half of the Canine Massage Theory and Techniques Program. The online class has six dynamic PowerPoint™ presentations that stress and clearly teach how the eleven organ systems of the dog's body perceive, respond to, and heal with massage.

This class is offered in two formats:
Online Class Modules 1-6 $600
Onsite hands-on 3 day class $600
Approved NCBTMB Provider #450515 24 CE

March 11-13, 2013
June 3 - 5, 2013

---

Canine Massage Preparation and Techniques — (Modules 7-12) In this class, the six PowerPoint™ presentations (Modules 7-12) explain the groundwork necessary to prepare for a successful massage session, and the application and appropriate use of more than 30 Swedish massage strokes is described. In Modules 7-12 the groundwork necessary to prepare for a successful massage session is outlined, and the application and appropriate use of more than 30 Swedish massage strokes is described. How each stroke interacts with sensory receptors to encourage relaxation and healing of the dog's body, mind and spirit is discussed. In addition, a video of each massage stroke demonstrates how and where to perform the technique.

This class is offered in two formats:
Online Class Modules 7-12 $600
Onsite hands-on 3 day class $600
Approved NCBTMB Provider #450515 24 CE

March 14-16, 2013
June 6 - 8, 2013

---

Foundation for Canine Massage — Six dynamic PowerPoint™ presentations (Modules 1 - 7) stress and clearly teach how the organ systems of the dog's body perceive, respond to, and heal with massage. As a bonus, a seventh PowerPoint™ presentation explains the groundwork necessary to prepare for a successful massage session.

This class is offered in two formats:
Online Modules 1-7 $600
Approved NCBTMB Provider #450515 28 CE
Onsite hands-on 3 day class $600
Approved NCBTMB Provider #450515 24 CE

March 11 - 13, 2013
June 3 - 5, 2013

---

Canine Massage Techniques — (Modules 8-12) Module 7 is reviewed to cover the groundwork necessary to prepare for a successful massage session. Five dynamic PowerPoint™ presentations explain the application and appropriate use of more than 30 Swedish massage strokes. These modules also explain how each stroke interacts with sensory receptors to encourage relaxation and healing of the dog's body, mind and spirit. A video of each massage stroke demonstrates how and where to perform the technique.

This class is offered in two formats:
Online $600
Approved NCBTMB Provider #450515 20 CE
Modules 8-12 $500
Onsite hands-on 3 day class $600
Approved NCBTMB Provider #450515 24 CE

March 14-16, 2013
June 6 -8, 2013

---

Acupressure Classes

Onsite Acupressure Classes Sue Furman presents onsite acupressure classes using a combination of PowerPoint™ lectures and demonstrations of acupoint stimulation, interactive discussions with students and personal critiques of student hands-on mastery of acupressure sessions with animals. Class size is limited. A certificate of completion is awarded.

Online Acupressure Classes Sue presents lively 60 minute PowerPoint™ lectures that make you think you are sitting in a class room with her as you listen to her explain the material. These classes include downloadable handouts, reading assignments, tests that are immediately graded online and a certificate of completion is awarded.

---

Intermediate Acupressure Classes

Canine Anatomy — (CMTT Modules 1 - 6) covers the material presented in the first half of the Canine Massage Theory and Techniques Program. The online class has six dynamic PowerPoint™ presentations that stress and clearly teach how the organ systems of the dog's body perceive and respond to touch. Acupoint stimulation is a type of touch or massage. The goal of acupressure is to restore and maintain health and balance in the eleven organ systems of the body thus it is imperative to understand their anatomy and physiology.

This class is offered in two formats:
Online Class Modules 1-6 $600
Onsite hands-on 3 day class $600
Approved NCBTMB Provider #450515 24 CE

March 11-13, 2013
June 3 - 5, 2013

---

Canine Acupressure — In the Canine Acupressure Theory and Techniques Program, Dr. C. Sue Furman presents a comprehensive view of how the stimulation of acupoints affects the body, mind and spirit of the dog. The class material covers the fundamentals of the TMC foundation of acupressure, the anatomy and classification of acupoints, the meridian system, location of key acupoints on each of the 12 major meridians, hands-on training in canine acupressure for some common problems, and setting up an acupressure session.

Onsite hands on 6 day class
Approved NCBTMB Provider #450515 48 CE
July 15-20, 2013

---

Pet Tech Classes

Knowing Your Pet's Health from Snout-To-Tail is a two hour class that teaches a systematic and deliberate method for evaluating and knowing the current status of your pet's health by looking at the entire body for any irregularities (lumps, bumps, swelling, rashes, secretions). If you know what is "normal" for your pet, you can easily recognize what is "not normal".

Onsite hands on 2 hour class $10
February 2, 2013 9:00am - 12:00pm
Kaskaskia College Community Education Course at Salem Center Salem, IL 62881
call Kaskaskia College 618-545-3425 to register

---

PetSaver™ Class — The PetSaver™ Program is an eight hour course designed for pet owners as well as Pet Care Professionals. It covers a number of valuable first aid skills and information including how to perform pet CPR to help keep pets happy and healthy. Additionally, the class includes the PetSaver™ handbook, and upon successful completion each participant receives a certificate.

The PetSaver™ Program includes all of the following:

Pet CPR & First Aid	Handbook
Caring For Your Senior Pet-izen™	Certificate
Dental Care For Your Pets	Starter First Aid Kit with Muzzle for Safety

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) 1-out-of-4 more pets would survive, if just one pet first aid technique was applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care. WE TEACH OVER 50 SKILLS TO HELP SAVE YOUR PET!

Onsite hands on 1 day class $129
February 23, 2013
April 6, 2013
May 4, 2013
June 22, 2013
July 27, 2013
August 10, 2013
September 14, 2013
October 12, 2013

---

A Salute to Our Veterans

Every day of the year, but especially during this month of Thanksgiving, we salute the men and women who have served in the military and those on active duty. Dogs also have a long history of working for the military. Ancient Egyptians, Romans and others trained war dogs to go into battle. Through the centuries, duties changed. Dogs protected and carried messages in the American Civil War and served as mascots on recruiting posters in World War I.

Today, the Defense Department's Military Working Dog Program has an estimated 2,300 working dogs. These dogs serve with handlers from every military service. Together they are deployed worldwide to support the war on terror and help safeguard military bases. Working dogs have an acute sense of smell five to 10 times stronger than a human's. This allows them to detect minute traces of drugs and to detect bombs and other explosives before they create damage or harm humans.

Photo Caption: Tech. Sgt. Chad Eagan and Military Working Dog Benjo spent a great deal of time searching for munitions in Iraq. Eagan and Benjo display their success with a 107mm rocket they found. The team is credited with locating 15 weapons caches, 98 mortars and 70 pounds of TNT. Benjo retired November 12, 2009, and was adopted by a retired military man.

This post appeared originally in my monthly Newsletter, then on my site in the Newsletter archive area. If you would like to sign up to receive the monthly Newsletter, please visit my main site and enter your email address - that's it!.