Unfortunately, dogs don`t cope well with being overweight, they can often feel vulnerable as they know they are physically weaker than other dogs they might meet. They are unable to play and live their life to their full capability or go for walks without discomfort from being overweight. Not to mention the huge effect it has on their health:

• Decreased life span

• Arthritis

• Increased chance of joint issues

• Luxating patella

• Hip Dysplasia

• Skin Disorders

• Breathing difficulties

• Diabetes

• Liver problems

• Poor digestion

• Cardiovascular and heart problems.

Muscular issues can stop a dog from wanting to exercise or exercising to their full potential. It may hurt them to do long stints of exercise so this pain-soreness-pain cycle can prevent them from wanting to do the exercise they so need. It is exactly the same for humans, if we had a sore back would we want to go out and exercise? Probably not, but we know that movement can help reduce the pain we feel.

How massage can help:

• Softening and making more supple the tight muscles that are causing your dog discomfort

• Releasing trigger points (look out for twitches and flinches along your dog’s back and sides)

• Ensuring muscles can work independently yet together

• Decreasing levels of soreness and stiffness

• Relieving connective tissue restrictions

• Increasing circulation and draining lymph

• Improved comfort, mobility, and flexibility

• A desire to exercise more, to burn more calories and stored fat.