Massage eases pain in old dogs

DAVID HALLET/The Press

RUB DOWN: Canine massage therapist Kathleen Crisley shows her skills on her dog, Daisy.

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Dog lover Kathleen Crisley is taking a hands-on approach to relieve aches and pains in old, tired dogs with her new business venture – therapeutic massage for dogs.

As director of Canine Catering, Crisley makes and sells food and treats for dogs with special dietary needs, but has expanded the business to include a mobile canine massage therapy service.

Crisley became interested in canine health and wellbeing while caring for her English pointer, Daisy, now nine years old.

"When I was young I toyed with the idea of becoming a vet, but I'm allergic to cats. I was always a doggy person. I wanted to turn an interest or a hobby into a business."

In 2006 she studied holistic health for animals at the Canterbury College of Natural Medicine, which sparked her interest in massage specifically for dogs.

After travelling to the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage in the United States, Crisley became a qualified canine therapeutic massage therapist.

"Massage is as old as the hills. It was really only within the last decade that people with companion animals started realising the value of therapeutic massage."

Massage was not a substitute for good veterinary care, but worked alongside vets to treat old dogs, injured dogs and puppies or high-energy dogs, Crisley said.

"Massage increases circulation, gives them exercise without stressing their joints. Some dogs get so relaxed they fall asleep – that's the ultimate compliment.

"It's a little out there for some people and I accept that. Owners play an important role in the quality of life for their animal and it's up to them," she said.

"It's about adding quality of life and facilitating healthy choices amongst dog owners."

Harewood Veterinary Clinic nurse Chrissy MacPherson said pet owners in Christchurch had become more open to natural and complementary therapies for their pets as their use became more popular with humans.

Interest in Harewood's in-house homeopathy treatment and referrals for hydrotherapy and acupuncture were growing with pet owners who "want to go natural, rather than trying drugs [for their pets]".

"I was never a firm believer, but homeopathy was used on my dog in her final weeks and it definitely made a difference. I have an open mind," MacPherson said.

Staff at Harewood Veterinary Clinic were looking into Crisley's therapeutic massage services.

- © Fairfax NZ News