Four Borders Canine Massage Therapy

13/06/2026

I nearly forgot Week 24!

This week is all about ball play.

Many dogs, including Sorrel, love to chase a ball.

It can look like an ideal way to provide exercise and mental stimulation for our dogs, especially when time is short, however repetitive ball chasing can place significant stress on a dog's musculoskeletal system and contributes to long-term joint damage and the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

When a dog chases a ball, it often accelerates rapidly, changes direction suddenly, and then brakes really abruptly when reaching the ball. These repeated high-impact movements generate substantial forces through the front limbs, which bear the majority of the dog's weight during deceleration. The forepaw digits (toes) and the carpi (wrist joints) are particularly vulnerable because they absorb much of the impact as the dog plants its feet and twists to retrieve the ball.

Over time, repetitive strain can lead to microtrauma within the joints, ligaments, tendons, and supporting soft tissues. Even if obvious injury is not apparent, cumulative wear and tear contributes to inflammation, cartilage degeneration, and osteoarthritis. Dogs that repeatedly sprint after balls for extended periods may therefore be at a much greater risk of developing chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility as a result of osteoarthritis in later life. It is really easy to spot a dog who is a regular ball chaser the their digits are often very miss-shapened and knobly.

The risk of damage to the joint increases when ball chasing involves hard surfaces, uneven ground, slippery terrain, or repeated throws that encourage maximum-speed sprints. Young dogs with developing joints and older dogs with existing joint disease may be especially susceptible to injury.

This does not mean dogs should never chase a ball. Rather, moderation is important - short sessions and perhaps rolling the ball along the ground so that there is a controlled retrieve works just as well....it is the ball that the dog wants, not how he gets the the ball.

26/05/2026

🤎 So ‘Woody’ benefit from a Clinical Canine Massage to help him feel more comfortable and to reach those dizzy heights of Qualifiers in dog agility with his lovely young owner? Yes! And his happy smile proves it 🥰

Woody wasn’t sure at first, but we took it slowly, working purely at his pace, and giving him the choice to move away if he wanted, and recognising when he’d had enough. Sometimes a therapist needs to adapt the length of the session so it ends on a happy positive note. But even after a second visit, trust has been gained! And he truly understands that the canine massage techniques and targeted myofascial protocols are really helping him.

You’re such a very good boy Woody! Really looking forward to seeing you very soon 🤎

Image used with kind permission of his owner and taken a few minutes after his second session 🥰

26/05/2026

21/05/2026

🩷☀️When the weather is warm
🩷☀️For a moment just pause
🩷☀️Consider the heat and your
🩷☀️dog’s safety,
🩷☀️and remember those paws!

A very useful link below to help guide you on the best times to walk your beloved dog in terms of the temperatures in your area ☺️

Bank holiday sunshine is on the way 🌞

While we might be reaching for the ice creams and garden chairs, our dogs can struggle much more in the heat, especially during walks.

That’s why we’re giving a big shoutout to ‘Good to Walk’, a brilliant free tool that helps dog owners quickly check whether it’s safe to head out for walkies in the current weather. It’s there to make those hot weather decisions a little easier and help reduce the risk of dogs overheating or developing heatstroke.

https://www.goodtowalk.co.uk/

Wishing you and your four-legged sun worshippers a fabulous bank holiday weekend. Keep cool, stay shady and if in doubt… paddling pool time 💦🕶️

22/04/2026

🩷 Post massage perfection🩷

🫀1. The parasympathetic system is working it’s gentle magic, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, into the rest and digest state.

🐕 2. Physiological and neuromuscular changes take place during massage and waking slowly is key to maintaining the body’s natural rhythm.

😴 3. Yawning - a positive sign of deep relaxation following massage, releasing any final tension, and bringing in more oxygen as the breath gently returns to it’s normal pattern.

💦 4. Drinking fresh clean water post massage helps to support kidney function in expelling metabolic waste and toxins, and replenishing fluid.

Thank you Daisy 🩷 See you soon x

Images used with kind permission of owner

19/03/2026

…when you choose your clinical canine massage, over your favourite Primula treat 🥹🩷

Image used with kind permission of owner.

13/03/2026

❤️ It’s just so heartwarming when your client follows your advice ❤️

Delightful Daisy showcasing her brand new coat, mid yawn, and a smile, post massage therapy. The sun is shining, but there’s a chill in the air, and this gorgeous girl will stay cosy in the car on her way home.

Massage warms muscles, and it’s very important not to let those muscles cool too quickly following a canine massage session.

Massage lengthens and relaxes muscles, aids blood and lymph flow, and eliminates toxins. It also helps encourage oxygen transmission throughout the dog’s body.

❄️ Cold muscles become stiff, less flexible and can contract, which can cause muscles to tense and spasm. With less oxygen flow too, muscle fatigue can set in.

This dear mature girl was happy and tired after her visit. And she’ll remain nice and warm until she gets home to her bed, to rest, reset and recover ❤️

Images used with kind permission of owner.

* Please note, a dog coat may not be applicable for all breeds post massage *

11/03/2026

🧡 Beautiful Bella 🧡

This sweet mature lady is hard of hearing, and so a little more thought and consideration was needed to ensure she was happy in the Four Borders Clinic before her first canine massage session started. A wander and a sniff and her choice to return to me when she was ready.

Even asking her to reposition, so I could work with her other side, needed to be a steady and calm process with her owner using hand signals and reassurance.

Bella has Osteoarthritis in her paws, so will be enjoying maintenance massage sessions on a regular basis to help her feel more comfortable, and to aid with muscular overcompensation.

Massage for dogs with Osteoarthritis can help with :

🧡 Managing steps and stairs
🧡 Pain and inflammation in the joints
🧡 Mood and behavioural changes
🧡 Lethargy
🧡 Stiffness
🧡 Reluctance to go for walks
🧡 Crepitus within the joints

Bella has found her favourite spot for her massage therapy inside the Four Borders Clinic, and it’ll all be ready for her, when I see her next time 🧡

Image used with kind permission of Owner.

05/03/2026

🩷 So proud to see our gorgeous client, the wonderful Koda competing at Crufts this morning! 🩷

🍀 Koda has regular maintenance massage to keep him feeling as comfortable as possible so he can feel and look his very best on the Green Carpet.

🍀 Koda takes part in many other activities too, such as Karting, and is also a Therapy Dog. Breed showing, can sometimes cause muscular discomfort in Giant Breeds, during those long car journeys travelling to Dog Shows, long days on the benches, lots of ‘standing’, and of course the overall ‘showing’ experience - Canine Massage plays a beneficial role in maintaining good gait, strong posture, an improved coat condition, and can also help some dogs with anxiety through the unique myofascial techniques trained by The Canine Massage Guild.

Good Luck Gorgeous Boy! See you very soon.

Image used with kind permission of owner.