Frequently Asked Questions.

I know you might have so many questions and concerns. I have you covered.

Click to find answers to most common questions and how to prepare for your first session.

​

How do I prepare for horse sessions?

Before session:

• Your horse has had adequate turnout 

• Feed prior to arrival

• Groom your horse 

• Stall should be clean

• Barn should be quiet. When I work on your pet, being present and reading their body language is critical. 

​

After session: 

• Horses: Can be hand walked for at least 20 minutes. 

• The following day should be a light ride.

​

​

How do I prepare for dogs sessions?

Before session:

• Feed, exercise, pottied

• No need to clean for my visit! After working with your dog, I guarantee there will be even more hair tumbleweeds to vacuum. However, it is important that distractions are minimized as much as possible during the session. Don't be offended if I request that you turn off the TV or radio, or if we save conversation and questions for the conclusion of the session. I may also ask that other family members (both human and furry!) hang out in a different room during the session. When I work on your pet, being present and reading their body language is critical. 

After session:

• Leisure exercise 

​

​

I don't get massages for myself. Why should I get one for my fur kid?

Pets can reap the same physical and emotional benefits from massage that humans can, and it can play an important role in maintaining their health and quality of life. Dogs are often not as good as humans at limiting their activity and resting their body when they are sore or injured. My own dog would probably chase a rabbit even with a broken leg! Massage is a great way to facilitate the healing process, whether it be just muscle soreness or recovery after an injury or surgery. 

The body of a dog is also built differently than the human body. Did you know that their front limbs are not connected to the torso skeletally? Those limbs are only attached via muscle and connective tissue. And since dogs bear more of their weight in the front of the bodies than in the rear, those muscles and tissues can easily get overworked.

Massage is not just glorified petting. During a session, specific techniques are performed to reduce tension in muscles and connective tissues, boost circulation, flush toxins, and promote healing. Every session is different and every session is tailored to the specific needs of your fur kid, whether they be young or old, athletic or out-of-shape, healthy or dealing with chronic illness.

Remember, it's important to consult your veterinarian regarding any acute or chronic illness or injury. wellness & wags strives to be part of an integrative approach to your fur kid's health. 

​

What types of massage therapy do you do?

Each massage session will be tailored to the individual needs of your pet. I have trained in a wide variety of massage techniques including: 

• Swedish

• Therapeutic (Medical Massage) 

• Accupressure/Trigger Point Therapy

• Conditioning/Stretching Therapy

• Sports Massage (Pre/Post Event)

• Animal Reiki

• Aromatherapy

• Far Infared Magnetic Therapy

• Manual lymphatic drainage, for edema management, immune-boosting, pre- and post-surgical, post-seizure, and oncology care

If your pet has recently had an injury/surgery or if they are planned to have surgery, please reach out. Adding massage treatment to their veterinary care can significantly reduce healing time. 

​

Is massage best for senior animals?

While massage is a wonderful holistic modality for senior and geriatric dogs, it can offer therapeutic benefits to dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes. Younger breeds can learn a lot from having positive touch experiences early in their development, and massage can help alleviate growing pains. Pre- and post-event sports massage can help athletic dogs perform their best and hasten recovery time. And in general, animals of any age who experience a weekend of "overdoing it", or who have had an injury, illness, or recent surgery, can find comfort from massage; it helps to release muscle tension, break down scar tissue, reduce heat and swelling in an injury or surgery site, and clear toxins from their system.

Importantly, regardless of your dog's age or health status, massage triggers what is known as a "parasympathetic response," or in other words, a state of rest. Massage helps body systems relax, boosts the immune system and encourages healing. And yes, it feels good too!

​

​

What should I expect during the first session?

Each animal responds to massage in a different way. So, it is important I get time to know your companion. Initial session will be slightly longer than the follow up session. The first appointment includes a meet and greet with your companion. I will evaluate muscle tone, range of motion, stretching, reviewing any vet orders for sessions and dialogue about your companion's medical and behavioral history. Concluding with a full body massage and developing a massage treatment plan. 

​

A vital part of the treatment happens before bodywork is done, reading body language and responding appropriately is an essential component to develop a better understanding of how to approach & work with your companion. 

• Each massage is individual to the pet's needs

• Full consultation

• Gait analysis

• Static postural analysis

• Assessment via palpation

• Full body massage, approx 45-50 minutes

• Full owner feedback

• Recommendations on activities of daily living & external living environment (that may be exacerbating the condition)

• Assessment of human client for “owner compliance” at each session (following a prescribed course of treatment for preventative bodywork)​

​

Full consultation – I will ask you various questions about your pet's lifestyle, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), diet and medical history. Your pet's personality, behavior and how they like to be handled will also be discussed, along with your intentions and expectations of the treatment.

​

Gait Analysis – I will watch the way your pet walks, trots and canters to ascertain if there are any gait irregularities, areas of over-compensation, discomfort or stiffness. 

​

Postural Analysis – I will look at the way your pet's stands, sits and lies down to assess for any irregularities and patterns of tension.

​

Palpation – Using my fingers I will do a hands-on assessment of the muscle tissue to identify any injuries or issues.

​

Full body massage – I will give your pet a full body massage and tailor my treatment to the needs of your pet. Each animal is different some prefer treatment on the floor, others may prefer the massage table, sofa, laying down, pr standing up. Some will lie still for the duration of the treatment and others like to have a wriggle about. I will adapt the massage to suit your pet's needs and the situation.

​

Aftercare advice – I will give you detailed aftercare instructions and recommendations.

​

​

How many sessions needed?

The number of recommended sessions will vary based on their health status and your goals for incorporating massage into their wellness plan. During our first session, we will discuss a massage treatment plan that works best. 

I provide results driven treatment and aim to see improvement during one to three sessions. However, some issues may be resolved in one session. Others may require further sessions or a maintenance plan in order to help maintain mobility.  

​

​

What forms of payment do you accept?

Don’t worry, we take credit cards!

For your convenience, I accept payments via cash, check, credit card.

​

 

Do you just work on dogs?

No, I provide services, for feline friends, horses, rabbits and animals small and large! 

​

​

Is there ever a reason to not receive bodywork?

Yes! As with humans, there are some cautions and contraindications to keep in mind with animal massage. If an animal is in shock, they may experience low blood pressure, and massage might lower it further thus putting the animal at further risk. Also, fever may be a sign of infection and should be addressed by a vet before massage is administered. If an animal has cancer, a vet should clear them for massage. Open wounds, ringworm and other skin conditions are also contraindicated for massage therapy. Torn muscles, tendons and ligaments or acute diseases such as influenza or coughs also contraindicate massage. Pets who have recently been vaccinated, have active infections or have underlying health issues are at higher risk of injury from stress. 

​

Contraindication: an influence, factor or situation the renders the application of equine and canine massage therapy inadvisable or forbidden. 

​

Does my vet need to be contacted prior to treatment?

If your companion is currently under veterinary care and the treatment is part of their rehab, prior to their treatment, as stated by Texas State law, veterinary permission is required before any hands-on therapy is administered. Session must be cleared with your primary veterinarian. 

​

Therefore, I will ask you to confirm with your companion's vet that they are happy for them to be treated, and for a signature from you on the day of the treatment acknowledging permission has been granted. Alternatively, I can contact the vet on your behalf to obtain permission and I am happy to discuss any treatment plan with your vet and supply them with a completed treatment form afterwards should they require this.

​

If your companion is in good health and the treatment is to assist in maintaining their good health or to assist in optimizing performance veterinary consent IS NOT required, however I will ask you to confirm the practice that your companion is registered to and is obliged by my duty of care to notify your vet if any pathologies are identified during assessment and treatment. Animal Bodywork Laws

​

​

Does my pet need to be clean before treatment?

Just as humans, before a massage done, you ensure proper hygiene. I ask that your horse is dry with no caked mud on them, usual dust of course is fine. Please also do not use shine sprays such as ShowSheen on your horse the day of the massage as this can make the hair slippery and treatment more difficult. Please also do not apply hoof oil or dressing immediately prior to treatment as Jess does need to handle your horse's feet. 

​

​

My pet has fleas, can I schedule?

Unfortunately, no, you shouldn’t try and hide your dog’s fleas in order to schedule a session. The main reason for this is that I do not want to risk other clients getting infected. Please consult with your primary vet before scheduling. 

​

​

What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?

Occasionally you may need to cancel your appointments at short notice but I kindly request as much notice as possible if you need to re-arrange your appointment.

• Cancellation less than 24 hours before appointment - full treatment cost due.

• Cancellation less than 48 hours before appointment - half treatment cost due.

• Cancellation more than 48 hours before the appointment - no charge

​

An invoice will be sent for payment. If payment is not received within 48 hours. You are not permitted to schedule future appointments until invoice is paid in full. 

​

​

​

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Your dog must be up to date on the rabies vaccine. Proof of rabies vaccine must be provided at first session. 

 

​

Is Aromatherapy safe?

Animal aromatherapy is safe and does not replace veterinary medicine. Instead, it provides a holistic layer of support. Using essential oils with birds, reptiles, and newborn animals is not recommended.

​

​

Do you provide massage for humans?

Yes I do. For equestrians you can schedule a massage for you and your horse with the HEAB membership, to improve the performance, health, and longevity of both horse and rider. For more information visit Club Care Membership section of the site. ​​

MEMBERSHIP | NDAM (ndamtx.com) 

​

You can also schedule massage sessions with me in suite at Squeeze Massage in Prosper, TX. Schedule your appointment with me here: (THERAPIST NAME DREA) - A Way Better Massage Experience | Drea | Squeeze Massage - Squeeze