14/01/2011 by Kath.

2011 sees the launch of my new business which will run alongside Canine Therapies. Remedial massage for those of us on the other end of the lead!

You will find a page on Canine Therapies site under “Therapies” linking you to the new website which is at www.remedialtherapies.co.uk

Happy browsing!

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27/12/2010 by Kath.

Tina and Chandi (of Britain’s got Talent fame), have made a great DVD with some very well presented instruction on how to introduce your dog to the skills Chandi performs so well.

It maybe that you have no intention of performing with your dog but the skills can be applied to everyday training so the DVD is well worth watching and Tina and Chandi perform a new piece which really demonstrated their teamwork and their close relationship.

Chandi has had massage treatments with me and I was delighted when Tina asked me to help with the DVD by providing a little information on canine massage therapy.

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27/12/2010 by Kath.

The dogs have had great fun in the snow but today marks a turn in the weather and its all turning to mush! This means leg and belly washes each time we go out but at least paws wont be so sore.

I have found that the pads have become rough and some minor cracks have developed but we have plastered their paws with Hilton Herb’s Phytobalm. This has healed things up in just a couple of days and it works on my poor thumbs which have split on the corner of the nail.  Its a good product so have a look at  their website and see what you think.

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26/08/2010 by Kath.

I have been busy studying for my diploma in human remedial massage at  the Northern Institute of Massage and the exams are fast approaching! Fingers crossed all goes well.

The work I’m doing there will enable me to help handlers as well as their dogs and some of the techniques are applicable to the dogs as well so it will all benefit dogs and handlers.

I have titled this entry “Injured hind leg” as I want  to tell you about one of my dogs. He started to limp on his hind left leg and was waving the leg around before deciding that he really didn’t want to use it to much. He didn’t appear to be in pain but it was obviously uncomfortable.

I examined him and was concerned that he might be in the process of rupturing a crutiate ligament!! I could find nothing that would make him squeek and there seemed to be no laxity in the stifle but, as it wasnt getting better and with championship shows booked, I decided a trip to the vet was in order.

The vet did the same tests and was concerned that it might indeed be a crutiate problem but the usual test was not indicating this. We decided on homeopathic treatment and some acupuncture and a little time.

After 6 days there was some improvement. He was being massaged by me each day and exercise was restricted to lead walks and walking on my canine treadmill. After a second acupuncture treatment and more massage and rehabilitation on the treadmill, he improved more and we cancelled the planned x-ray to check the joint as neither the vet nor I could justify the anaesthetic as he seemed sound.

He had one more acupuncture session and a visit to the chiropractor as he had been compensating for his injury by rotating his left hip forward and this had put strain on his lumbar spine. With the final chiropractic adjustment, his exercise was GRADUALLY increased so that he walked for longer on the treadmill and also did some trotting. His gait returned to normal and 4 weeks after the lameness he won Best of Breed at the championship show.

All this serves to demonstrate that working together and using several therapies together can bring about a rapid solution and a happy dog!

The treadmill was invaluable and helped him to maintain his muscle tone whilst taking active rest and this, I believe is so important in recovery. If we limit activities likely to agrivate the injury, but still work the muscles, then a better repair can be achieved. 

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30/06/2010 by Kath.

I have just returned from Denmark after working with Fit Fur Life over there at the show.

I had a great time and met lots of dogs, many familiar and some breeds new to me. It was especially good to meet a son of my dog who lives in Finland and to see him take another world title and go 4th in Group 7. My boy’s grandaughter took the bitch title as well so that was very pleasing!

Fit Fur Life canine treadmills are popular with breeders all over the world. We met some current owners and many new ones from all breeds of dogs from places as far appart as Brazil, the USA , Russia and South Africa. We introduced lots of dogs to the treadmills and almost all took to it like ducks to water. One young great dane was rather reluctant. I think his feet were just a bit far from his brain as he was only young!

Yorkies, pugs, chihuahuas,French bulldogs, Czechoslovaian wolf dogs, a sweet natured dogo Argentino, staffies, basenjis, English bulldogs, cirneco dell Etnas, malamutes, huskies, German shepherds, akitas, dachunds, spaniels and HPRs of all shapes and sizes and many, many more came to try the treadmills and many bought one.

Developing and maintaining good muscles and establishing good gait is all important for good health and function as well as being important in the show ring or agility ring.

Have a look at the treadmill pages on my website and come and have a free trial on my treadmill in Shropshire or contact Fit Fur Life and find the treadmill centre closest to you.

You will see the difference this extra “gym work” will make to your dog.

Kath

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07/05/2010 by Kath.

Sue Tipton at Moorlands Kennels, Condover, Shrewsbury, has a busy boarding kennels and she and her husband Mal, work tirelessly for Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue.

Sue has many gorgeous retired or rescued boys and girls for looking for suitable homes.

I work with some of the dogs each week, massaging them to give them some extra time out and to help them become used to being handled. Most take very little time to understand how good massage feels and seem to look forward to their next session.

Unfortunately, I can’t be at the open day because I’m committed elsewhere, but Sue has kindly allowed me to put my show stand there so that you can see what I do and see some of the boys and girls who have enjoyed massage over the last 18 months.

I will make sure there are leaflets and cards there for you to take.

Please  go and support the day and maybe you will find a new love there…..a four legged one of course!

I have also just helped Sue to get a FitFurLife treadmill for the rescue dogs and will be working with them and showing the carers how to get the best from this valuable therapeutic tool to help the dogs who have old injuries and those who just need a bit extra!

Have a great day

Kath

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22/04/2010 by Kath.

Many thanks to the members off the agility group who invited me to speak to them last Tuesday evening. I had a great time meeting you all and your fantastic dogs.

I hope you all took away some new skills to use with your dogs and that they will all get a warm up massage before their competitions and practice sessions from now on.

Thanks again for listening and participating so enthusiastically.

Kath

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04/04/2010 by Kath.

I am very pleased to be able to see my canine clients and their handlers at Oakwood Veterinary Centre in Babbins Wood, Oswestry.

I will be at the centre on Wednesday of each week as of 14th April 2010 and working from my home near Wem on other days as usual.

Please contact me on 07910 52 51 70 or by email on enquiries@shropshirectm.co.uk to discuss how massage will benefit your dog and to make an appointment.

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26/03/2010 by Kath.

Thank you to all who attended and made this event a very enjoyable evening.

Vet Barbara Jones spoke about Acupuncture and its uses in animals with mobility problems.

Gemma, from Royal Canin spoke about the companies special diets that contain Green Lipped Muscle and chondroprotectants to help dogs and cats with joint problems. We had a sniff of the special Mobility Support Tabs which smelt of fresh prawns to me! I resisted trying one but they did smell good!

I spoke about massage and how treadmills can be used to help dogs with these problems and the audience participated asking us all plenty of good questions.

Hywel told us about the Dolpennau Hydrotherapy Centre near Corwen and the work he and Sue do in rehabilitating obese and injured dogs.

It was lovely to catch up with news on a rehomed greyhound I had massaged while he was in kennels and to learn how   he has come along and settled in with his new friend in his new home.

Fantastic to meet so many people who are so keen to do the best they can by their animals and work towards their dogs having long and happy lives.

Kath

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18/03/2010 by Kath.

I am attending several events in the coming months where you can come and talk about massage, treadmills and dogs. I love talking about dogs and helping you to improve your dog’s health ond performance!! Kath.

Thursday March 25th 7.30pm.  Oakwood Veterinary Centre Information Evening 

Held at Whittington Cricket Club near Oswestry. I will giving a talk on massage for mobility issues as part of the evening’s events. Vet Barbara Jones will speak about acupuncture and homeopathy and a speaker from Royal Canin will tell you about their special diets for mobility.

The fee is just £5 and refreshments will be available. Please contact Oakwood Veterinary Centre on 01691 679699 to reserve a place.

Tuesday April 20th 8pm Clwyd Special Riding Centre, Llanfynedd.

I will be talking to the dog agility group about how massage can help to keep your dog fit and at  the top of his game. I will show you how to massage so that help your dog to avoid injury in this fast and exciting sport.

Please speak to Jan Crispin on 07808 295908 for tickets.

Wednesday June 24th to 27th. The World Show, Herning, Denmark.

I’m very excited about  this! I will be going to Denmark with my friends from Fit Fur Life to showcase the dog treadmills and explain how to use them to all those attending this important canine event.

If you are exhibiting your dog there or just visiting for a great day out, come and speak to me and my friends about how a dog treadmill can give your dog the edge in competition as well as being great fun to use in addition to daily walks.

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