Animal-Balance

12/04/2026

If you're at a loose end today come on down to Camarthen Showground for the Llanelli and District Canine Society show!!
It's under cover so no need to worry about the weather. So many beautiful dogs to see.

12/04/2026

Excited to anounce we are running a 3 day, positive reinforcement camp at Maggie's Voice Equestrian Center in South Wales, UK.

We have an amazing line up of qualified R+ trainers and ethical horsemanship professionals including: Equine Behaviourists, Bitless Bridle fitters, Body Workers, an International Horse Agility Champion and a Horseback Archery Coach.

Bring your own horse or hire one of the Maggies Voice, R+ trained ponies. Spectator spaces also available.

Join us for 3 days of learning, fun and ethical training. For more details contact myself or Elinor Brewer.

10/04/2026

Spring brings many wonderful things, but if you own horses sycamore seedlings are not one of them!!

Over the years I have had too many clients go through the devisating heartbreak caused by their horse unwittingly ingesting Sycamore seedlings, seeds or leaves. In almost every case horses had lived on the same land, with the same trees for years (often decades) with no previous issues!

The toxin contained in sycamore seedlings, seeds and leaves (known as Hypoglycin-A) causes acute metabolic dysfunction, resulting in rapid degeneration of the respiratory, cardiac and postural muscles. With no anti-toxin available, the Royal Veterinary College report the condition to be fatal in 3/4 of cases.

Toxin levels can vary from year to year, meaning trees which were previously safe can become lethal without warning.

Mild or early onset can present colic like signs, look out for:
- Facial signs of pain
- Reluctance to move
- Depression
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate

As the damage progresses horses may develop:
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle tremors
- Weakness / struggling to stand / recumbency
- Respiratory distress
- Dark Urine

If any of these signs occur, do not attempt to move your horse, as this could increase the damage to their muscles.

CALL YOUR VET IMMEDITATELY.

29/03/2026

Dogs can be very impulsive - especially when they are adolescent. So I spend a lot of time training Bonnie with games that encourage impulse control. Here's a quick glance at some of the games we play...

Can you suggest some more for me?

18/03/2026

With spring finally here lots of us will be increasing the work load for our horses.
But having spent 3-4 months slipping around in mud, standing in stables and eatting fro haynets; it's really important to check your horse hasn't developed any musculoskeletal restrictions, before you introduce more challenging exercises.

Subtle restrictions from muscle tension and skeletal misalignments can lead to compensatory movement patterns. If these go untreated your horse will start to develop uneven muscle tone and become assymetric in their movement, which can be difficult to correct once established.

Over time these assymetries will increase the risk of injury which may require long term rehabilitation.

So before you hit the school and book those clinics and competitons, make sure your horse is free from discomfort and restrictions. Drop me a message for more details.

12/03/2026

A short clip from part of Bonnie's massage today. She is still learning to accept touch in certain areas, so i'm not going in particularly deeply. This session was more about building trust and relaxation; so that she can accept a more therapeutic treatment if needed in the future.

I use positive reinforcement to encourage Bonnie to relax and enjoy the treatment.

By backing off and waiting when she becomes unsettled, I enable her to communicate if an area is sore, or she is becoming worried. Giving her time to relax and let me continue builds her confidence that I am not going to hurt her.

By working within her comfort zone, Bonnie becomes more relaxed and is able to enjoy the treatment, even when it feels a little uncomfortable.

12/03/2026

A short clip from part of Bonnie's massage today. She is still learning to accept touch in certain areas, so i'm not going in particularly deeply. This session was more about building trust and relaxation; so that she can accept a more therapeutic treatment if needed in the future.

I use positive reinforcement to encourage Bonnie to relax and enjoy the treatment.

By backing off and waiting when she becomes unsettled, I enable her to communicate if an area is sore, or she is becoming worried. Giving her time to relax and let me continue builds her confidence that I am not going to hurt her.

By working within her comfort zone, Bonnie becomes more relaxed and is able to enjoy the treatment, even when it feels a little uncomfortable.

12/03/2026

Making the most of the miserable weather to give Bonnie a massage this afternoon.

- Young animals often get over looked when it comes to complimentary therapies. But being so active and playful, I find they often develop areas of tension and soreness, that can benefit from treatment.

Bonnie gets particularly sore around her shoulders from her harness, as she is still struggling to control her impulse to pull when on lead.

If left untreated this would likely become very uncomfortable for her, resulting in compensatory movement patterns which place strain on other areas of the body and increasing her risk of injury.

05/03/2026

Can you spot the subtle signs of pain in your dog?

01/03/2026

Can you spot the subtle signs of pain in your dog?

Animals are notoriously good at hiding pain and discomfort, so if your dog isn't obviously lame or whimpering, how can you tell?

- Keep an eye out for any changes in temperament or behaviour. A dog who is becoming more anxious or reactive, or seems depressed and lacking interest in their environment, could be suffering underlying discomfort.

- Reluctance to exercise, general or intermitent stiffness, slowing down on walks and showing less interest in play are all signs your dog may be struggling.

- Hesitating when jumping in/out of the car, getting on/off the sofa or going up/down stairs can all be signs of discomfort.

- Avoiding touch or being groomed when previously they enjoyed, it is a big red flag that something is amiss.

- Difficulty getting up, reluctance to sit or lay down when asked, repeatedly sitting over onto 1 hip or laying only on 1 side can also be signs that yout dog is feeling restricted.

- Facial signs of discomfort include; more narrowed / squinting eye or vacant stare. Flattened or pulled back ears, tension around the jaw, lips and muzzle and drooping or flattening of the whiskers.

- Keep a look out for changes in your dogs posture and way of moving. Notice any tension or stiffness in their back, neck or shoulders and any changes to their tail carriage. A dog compensating for discomfort may start to hold their hind quarters to one side when moving, 'pace' with front and hind legs on 1 side moving simultaneously or weight bare less on one of their limbs and avoid turning that way.

- You may also find changes in your dog's toileting habits; they may have less control over their bowel or bladder, or find it difficult to defecate. It's important never to punish a dog for toileting in the house, especially if they have been previously clean.

So what should you do if you think your dog is in discomfort?

STEP 1 is always to contact your vet, they can rule out any underlying issues that might need medical attention.

Once your vet has treated any pathologies, complementary therapies like McTimoney and sports massage can be an effective way of relieving musculoskeletal pain and restoring mobility.

Animal-Balance treatments are suitable for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes; from performance animals to household pets. We work alongside your vet, using gentle, non invasive treatments that are scientifically proven to decrease areas of discomfort, promote symmetry and performance, reduce the risk of future injury and maintain long term mobility.

Get in touch to find out more.

24/02/2026

Brilliant news and well deserved from a super facility, where the staff genuinely care.

We’re so excited to announce that we are the WINNER of Wales’s dog boarding of the Year!!🤩

The .prestige.awards were created to recognise excellence and reward quality, innovation and customer service. We’re so proud to be recognised for this and to achieve the prestige award.

Thank you to all our wonderful customers that have trusted us with their pets and most of all to our hardworking and dedicated staff 🤍