Heart Hound Small Animal Massage & Acupressure

Laura Riley, Ph.D., CMT

Having a lifelong love of animals has lead me to my dream job of providing therapeutic massage to dogs and cats. Previously, I was a Psychology Professor and worked in the Technology Industry, but always drawn to helping animals.

Yeager was my heart dog (that special dog that becomes your soulmate) and the inspiration for “Heart Hound Massage”. Yeager had a heart of gold and for years gave back by being a therapy dog and provided comfort to the sick and to at risk students in a reading program. For many years, Holistic healing methods helped Yeager’s elbow dysplasia, giving him a better quality of life, and enabled him to bring joy to others well into his senior years. In honor of Yeager's memory, I would like to dedicate my abilities to help other amazing dogs live a longer quality life to spend with their owners by providing therapeutic massage and Acupressure.

Training:

NBCAAM Certified Canine Acupressure Practitioner - Training from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute
Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CMT) -
Advanced Canine Massage Therapist (ACMT)
Senior Canine Massage Therapist (SCMT) - All three massage certifications & education from Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage (RMSAAM)
Advanced Canine Massage & Trigger Point Massage (Training from Ken Bain)
Tui Na Massage Training
T-Touch Training
Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute and Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage (RMSAAM) are accredited by International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork(IAAMB) and National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM)
Owner and Instructor, Tallgrass Animal Acupressure USA

Why Massage & Acupressure

There are several benefits of Canine Massage and Acupressure :

· Reduces muscle discomfort and stiffness

· Increases energy, concentration and altertness

· Helps animals learn to relax, reduces stress and anxiety

· Promotes circulation

· Helps immune system functioning

· Provides better well being of your pet by slowing degenerative processes

Puppies to senior dogs can benefit from massage and acupressure. Canine athletes, service dogs, and working and hunting dogs also receive great benefits from massage and acupressure. I look forward to helping your special dog feel better and perform at their best.

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/canine-massage-acupressure-and-ttouch/

How It Works...

This is a mobile service and I come to your home for pet therapy, where your dog is most comfortable. I'm also available for Massage Workshops for multiple attendees.

COVID-19 Policy

Hearthound Massage is closely monitoring the COVID-19 rates and changes. Our goal is to maintain the safety of owners, animals, and practitioners.

For massage and acupressure sessions, we will follow these guidelines:

We will have massage and acupressure sessions either outside or inside ventilated spaces.
Through the entire hands-on training, owner and practitioner will follow COVID safety practices in accord with CDC policy. We will sanitize hands and surfaces before and after working with your pet.
If you feel unwell the day of the massage session, we ask that you to reschedule the massage. The Practitioner will also cancel if he/she feels unwell the day of the appointment.
If you have been recently exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID (within 2 weeks of the massage), we ask that you reschedule the appointment.

Please contact us at laura@hearthoundmassage.com with any questions

Research on COVID-19 in Animals & Transmission to Animals

Service Rates

Massage plus Optional PEMF Session

Single session rates listed below. A travel fee will be charged for distances 30 miles beyond the 34684 area code.

Single Session Massage

$45

During the 1st session, we will discuss your pet's health history, massage and acupressure goals and conduct the first massage( lasts about 90 min). and following sessions last about 60 minutes. PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field mat) is optional and complimentary therapy with massage, and aids blood microcirculation. Your pet can decide whether or not to lay on the PEMF mat.

Package of 3 Sessions Plus PEMF

$120

Includes 3 regular massage/acupressure sessions or 1 initial session and 2 regular sessions. PEMF session is optional, and complimentary with your service.

Holiday & Birthday Baskets

$55

Give your pet the ultimate pampering for his/her birthday. We also have holiday baskets. Each basket includes a therapeutic massage/acupressure gift certificate, complimentary PEMF session, and basket of goodies (toy and treats).

Types of Acupressure & Massage

Trigger Point Massage / Sport Massage

Trigger Points are nodules located in muscles that can interfere with normal muscle function. All dogs benefit from Trigger Point massage, active sporting dogs can receive additional performance benefits. Trigger points can cause discomfort and releasing these points can help the muscle to relax and relieve discomfort https://shearerpethealth.com/trigger-point-therapy-for-pets/

Senior Canine Massage

The use of massage techniques to assist senior dog's who often are arthritic to help relieve muscle tension and discomfort, help immune system functioning and improve circulation (https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/massage-arthritic-dogs)

Therapeutic Massage

Full body massages that are good for your dog or cat by promoting circulation and releasing tension in muscles to help with discomfort. Massage can also help with emotional well being (relaxation, help with reducing anxiety). https://www.caninejournal.com/benefits-of-dog-massage-therapy

Animal Acupressure

Stimulating acupoints can benefit animals with allergies, weakened immune system, arthritis and many other areas. Acupressure can be integrated with massage in one session with your dog and cat. Laser acupressure is also available. https://www.holisticanimalstudies.org/blog/can-animals-benefit-from-acupressure

What is PEMF Therapy?

PEMF is an acronym for "Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy." PEMF therapy can help your pet with many different issues.

How does PEMF work? PEMF uses pulsing electromagnetic to stimulate cells, which help your body restore itself. PEMF can help dogs with many issues by aiding the body in healing itself. See this article with more information on benefits of PEMF for dogs: https://www.google.com/amp/s/renewedanimalwellness.com/canine-magnetic-therapy/%3famp

I have tried the PEMF on myself and by using it daily, in a matter of months, my persistent shoulder and knee discomfort went away, and feel more energetic and younger. My own dogs are also big fans of the PEMF and have daily sessions.

How Do I incorporate PEMF sessions into Massage?

PEMF therapy is extremely safe and doesn’t cause discomfort. We lay out the PEMF mat and your pet makes decision whether to lay on the mat. I usually put the mat at the beginning or end of massage. PEMF compliments massage by aiding your body in its self-healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How will my pet feel during PEMF sessions?

Your pet may feel nothing or little tingling, but there’s no discomfort and it’s like laying on a bed. Although every pet acts differently, I find that most pets relax and you sometimes have to wake them up to get them off the mat.

What are some ‘contraindications’ or situations which my dog or cat shouldn’t use the PEMF?

Dogs and cats who are currently undergoing chemotherapy should not use the PEMF. Dogs who have seizures, blood disorders, pregnant should not use PEMF devices. Owners who have undergone organ/bone marrow transplantation or have pacemakers should not assist their pets on the mat as this can change the function of their medications and devices. Talk to your Veterinarian about your pet's health issues and safety of PEMF. https://thrivepetvet.com/blog/f/pulsed-electromagnetic-field-therapy-for-pets

If my pet is on medications, can they have PEMF Sessions? Every cat and dog is different in how they will respond to the PEMF and their medications. You should talk with your veterinarian about your pet's medications as the PEMF applications progress and discuss together dosages and frequency of medications. If your animal is undergoing Chemotherapy, he/she should not have PEMF Therapy because it can change how the anti-cancer drugs work in the body. Once the chemotherapy is complete, PEMF may help improve recovery time. To date, no dangerous side effects have been detected with short or long-term application.

PEMF Research and Information:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/renewedanimalwellness.com/canine-magnetic-therapy/%3famp

https://k9rehabmi.com/pulse-electromagnetic-field-therapy/