Heart Hound Pet Therapy & Dog Massage

Therapeutic Massage for Dogs

Serving the Austin TX area


https://www.facebook.com/HeartHoundMassage/

(727) 744-4945

Laura Riley, Ph.D., CMT, ACMT, SCMT

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Having a life long love of dogs has lead me to my dream job of providing therapeutic massage to dogs. Previously, I was a Psychology Professor with research interests in motivation, team cohesion and Sports Psychology.
 

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.
 

Training: 

  •  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) in 2018-2019
  •  Completed Six day workshop presented by Ken Bain on the topics of Advanced Massage for the Canine Athlete and Canine Trigger Point Therapy Protocols in July, 2019
  • TTouch Companion Animal courses (completed 3 courses)- currently enrolled in TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner Program
  • Small Animal Acupressure Program. - currently enrolled and have completed courses in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meridians, Five Elements, Acupuoint Classifications, and enrolled in Food Energetics and Hands On Training course. 
  • 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) 

Why Canine Massage?

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The Canine Journal (November, 2017) provides several benefits of canine massage:


· Reduces muscle  discomfort and stiffness  

· Increases energy, concentration and alterness 

· Helps animals learn to relax, reduces stress and anxiety 

· Promotoes circulation 

· Helps immune system functioning 

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


Puppies to  senior dogs can benefit from massage.  Canine athletes, service dogs, and working and hunting dogs also receive great benefits from massage. I hope to be able to help your special dog feel better and perform at their bes

How It Works...

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This is a mobile service and I come to your home for pet therapy, where your dog is most comfortable.  Texas law requires Veterinarian approval prior to any dog massage, and I have attached the Veterinarian form at the bottom of this website, under "Required Forms." Service rates  are listed on the contact form. 



Service Rates

Massage plus Optional BEMER Session

Single session rates listed below. A travel fee will be charged for distances 20 miles beyond the 78681 area code.

Single Session Massage $50

During the 1st session, we will discuss your dog's health history, massage goals and conduct the first massage( lasts about 90 min). and following sessions last about 60 minutes. Veterinarian approval form must  be completed prior to the first session. 

BEMER is a PEMF (Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field) mat which dog's decide whether or not to lay on for a maximum of 8 minutes, and aids in improving circulation. See BEMER page for more information, https://life.bemergroup.com


Multiple Visit Discounts $135 

Packages of 3 can be purchased at discount prices.  This price includes 3 single sessions /initial session plus 2 sessions. Optional BEMER session included with each massage.  Call about other discounts. 

Birthday Massage Baskets - $60

https://www.facebook.com/HeartHoundMassage/

Give your pet the ultimate pampering for their birthday.  Your birthday pup gets a therapeutic massage, plus a basket with a Happy birthday dog cookie and toy.  * NOTE - See facebook page link for more information. Veterinary approval form must be signed prior to pet visit. 

Types of Massage

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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/

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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)

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Canine Therapeutic Massage

Full body massages that are good for your animal's physical (promote circulation, release tension in muscles and help with discomfort, and emotional well being (relaxation, help with reducing anxiety). https://www.caninejournal.com/benefits-of-dog-massage-therapy



What is Bemer Therapy?

The circulation of our blood is the engine that keeps us going. BEMER aids your body in trying to heal itself by increasing blood flow, specifically microcirculation. The heart pumps blood through the main arteries, which sends blood flow to micro-vessels. it is these very small vessels that reach the most remote parts of our body.

Your pet BEMER is designed to improve circulation thereby support the body’s natural self-regulating processes. (Cited from Life.Bemergroup.com)

I have tried the BEMER 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 BEMER and have sessions a couple times a week.   

How Do I incorporate BEMER sessions into Massage?

BEMER therapy is extremely safe and doesn’t cause discomfort, and only takes 8 minutes. We lay out the BEMER mat and your dog makes decision whether to lay on the mat, and how long (maximum is 8 minutes). I always allow the dog the choice.  I usually put out the BEMER mat at the beginning or end of massage. 

BEMER compliments massage by aiding your body in its self-healing process.  In a session, your dog can get the benefits of both massage  and BEMER.  

Frequently Asked Questions:

How will my pet feel during BEMER 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 type of pet issues will be helped by BEMER? 

Dr. John Simon, DVM, has been using BEMER on himself, family, and clients and impressed by the results. See his explanation of the benefits of BEMER Therapy. https://www.doc4pets.com/bemer-device/

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

Dogs who are currently undergoing chemotherapy should not use the BEMER.  Owners who have undergone organ/bone marrow transplantation or have pacemakers should not assist their dogs on the mat as this can change the function of their medications and devices.  There is no risk to the owners once the session is complete, though, so they should not hesitate to bring their dogs for treatments https://www.chamisavet.com/bemer-therapy.html

If my dog is on medications, can they have BEMER Sessions?Every dog is different in how they will respond to the BEMER and their medications.  You should talk with your veterinarian about your dog's medications as the BEMER applications progress and discuss together dosages and frequency of medications.   All regular medications that most old dogs take (NSAIDs, pain medications, glucosamine, etc.) are safe to be used with the BEMER and may be reduced over time. The only medications that a dog may take that should  never be used at the same time as the BEMER is chemotherapy as this may change how the anti-cancer drugs work in the body.   Once the chemotherapy is complete, BEMER may help improve recovery time 

To date, no dangerous side effects have been detected with short or long-term application.  https://www.chamisavet.com/bemer-therapy.html

BEMER REsearch

Dogs and BEMER Therapy 

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/veterinary-magnetic-therapy

What is BEMER?  How does it work?

https://www.bmruniversity.com/whatisbemer/

This is a short video (5min) on how BEMER enhances microcirculation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9p2-iGMDOo

This is a long video (45min) that talks about the technology and use in humans:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R_ZqIHxa6U

Contact Us

Schedule Appointment

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We love caring for pets! Schedule right here on our site for a meet and greet, or to make any pet services appointment.

hearthoundmassage.com

(727) 744-4945 laura@hearthoundmassage.com

Required Forms

A Veteranarian release form is required prior to performing any massage.

VetReleaseForm (docx)

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