What exactly is a small animal?
Anything smaller then a horse! Ive primarily worked with dogs with the occasional cat but Im open to massage any animal.
What is needed for a in-home massage session?
a quiet area the animal can relax where they are most comfortable.
A bed or blanket is helpful.
Please make sure they have the chance to toilet and if needed exercise to help them settle down easier.
What to expect during the massage
Every pet reacts differently. Some settle quick while others take longer to relax.
Some dogs will stay relatively sedentary while others need to move around to process the massage.
This could include changing positions, getting up to take a break, toileting, drinking water. I carefully watch the animals body language and work hard to earn their trust so its a positive expierence for them.
What to expect after the massage
Since massage increases circulation and the movement of metabolic waste in the body, some increased fatigue or mild discomfort may be observed the next 24-48 hours. (Just like a person may expierence after a massage especially if there is deeper work involved). Some dogs expierence no side effects especially if they receive regular bodywork.
Drinking water after a massage is important to help flush out the metabolic waste released from the tissues.