You have made our lives very
comforting taking care of Walter. These early weeks of adjustment to our household and yours have gone far better than we could have anticipated.
Your reputation of care and enthusiasm for the dogs preceeded our use of Wags & Wiggles. We certainly have not been disappointed in the care you have provided. We look forward to a long and enriching relationship.
-- Ned, Debbie and Walter Snavely
THERAPEUTIC AND SPORTS CANINE MASSAGE
Therapeutic and Sports Canine Massage is a powerful tool to improve the physical, emotional, and mental health of your pet. Massage is not a luxury item for dogs but an important technique for improving your dog's well-being. Dogs have muscles too! We are proud to have Terry Senko join the Wags & Wiggles Team. She is certified as an Equine and Canine Massage Provider (ECMP). She has years of experience in massage, acupressure, aromatherapy, flower essences, and canine nutrition.
Just like humans, dogs can get strained and sore muscles from several factors.
Athletic injuries (such as the “weekend athlete” who overdoes it)
Arthritis or stiffness
Inactivity due to injury, surgery, illness, age or obesity
Hidden structural imbalances
Due to decades of breeding, most dogs are born with structural imbalances, both purebred and mixed breed dogs. Structural imbalances can hinder a dog’s natural movement, causing muscle strain and discomfort from normal activities such as walking and running. These problems will compound over the years and result in middle-aged to older dogs who have trouble performing normal activities, like running around the park. Professional canine massage can improve the function of the dog’s muscles, thus minimizing the negative impact of structural imbalances over time and reducing vet bills later in life.
Athletic dogs can also strain their muscles, just like people. This includes the "professional" canine athlete performing in obedience, flyball, herding or agility as well as the "weekend" doggie athlete who goes for a long hike or dog park play session. Dogs often strain muscles but unlike people, may hide their symptoms until they become extreme. Their survival instincts tell them to “hide their pain” in order not to appear weak to the rest of the “pack”. Also, dogs can become so enthusiastic about what they are doing or so anxious to please their owners that they keep performing even though injured. For example, an agility dog may run in class or competition great but show a slight limp the next day.
There are many benefits to massage. It increases blood and
lymph fluid circulation in the body; aiding in the elimination
of toxins, boosting the immune system, speeding up
metabolism, and beautifying the coat and skin.
Massage also reduces pain and soreness, relieves tension,
improves structural balance, increases flexibility and shortens
recuperation times. Elderly dogs suffering from stiffness and arthritis often feel better, move easier and experience less pain after a massage session. Massage is also thought to have behavioral benefits, such as helping to relax aggressive or hyperactive dogs or building confidence in shy, fearful dogs.
You want to choose your canine massage specialist carefully. It is a trained skill. Only experienced and qualified people should do massages. Here is what makes Terry Senko so special:
She is also a member of member of the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork
She is certified as an Equine and Canine Massage Provider (ECMP)
Long Time Volunteer and Massage Consultant at the Irvine Animal Shelter
She competes in Agility, AKC Obedience and Rally Obedience. She has an deep understanding of how these sports can affect dogs and how the right massage techniques can enhance their performances.
Curriculum for the 3 Hour Seminar:
1. Introduction, including health profile
2. Benefits of Canine Massage for all different ages and breed types
3. Contraindications for Massage
4. Overview of Muscle Structure
5. Overview of Strokes
6. Post Massage Care
7. Therapeutic Massage vs. Sports Massage
8. Demonstration
9. Hands on Practice
Class Schedule
RSM: Sunday, Oct 5th 9am - Noon Instructor: Terry Senko, Certified Massage Practitioner/$80
TUSTIN: Sunday, Nov 9th 9am - Noon Instructor: Terry Senko, Certified Massage Practitioner/$80
*Class Fee is a per person fee. We are training the human to massage the dog, hence the per person fee*
Why should I consider massage?
By Laurie Zurborg, Owner Wags & Wiggles - A Personal Perspective
My dogs had received massage before at agility trials and I saw the benefits. However, learning how to massage them myself was very important to me. Terry is a Wags & Wiggles agility student and I approached her to massage my dogs. I was so pleased
with her approach. My dogs are rescues and can be shy to be handled by strangers. Terry was so patient and wonderful. The next day Easy was actually catching frisbees, usually he doesn't. Foster, my old lady, has new spring in her step. Gumbo got first place the next day in a major competition. I have
made massage a regular event in my dog's life and I know I am extending their life span and their quality of life.
