Forest Canine Massage

24/08/2026

Meeko Mischief Monday

The prewash.

Now Nanna has grown to a point where she can reach the counter surface she has taken it upon herself to do the prewash every evening after dinner. It’s a job she takes very seriously and never misses. 😂

19/08/2026

🌲 Woody Wisdom Wednesday 🌲
Sign #11: Excessive Licking of a Limb or Joint

"I like keeping myself clean, and a little lick of my paws after a muddy walk is all part of being a dog. But if I started licking the same spot over and over again, day after day, it might be my way of telling you that something doesn’t feel quite right." – Woody 🐾

Dogs often try to soothe areas that feel uncomfortable by licking them. If your dog repeatedly licks a particular paw, leg, joint, or area of their body, it can sometimes be a sign that they're aware of discomfort, tension, or irritation in that area or somewhere further up the body.

Of course, licking can happen for many reasons, including allergies, skin irritation, or behavioural causes, so it’s always important to consider the bigger picture and seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns.

As with many of Woody’s signs, it’s often a change in behaviour that matters most.

Woody wants to know... does your dog have a favourite grooming routine after a walk — paws, ears, or a full head-to-tail clean? Tell us in the comments! 🐾

18/08/2026

Muscles Matter 💪

17/08/2026

Meeko Mischief Mondays.

The unconditional love of a Labrador 💛

15/08/2026

💚 Don’t Feel Guilty 💚

So many of us – myself included – carry an overwhelming sense of guilt when it comes to our dogs.

We worry that we aren’t doing enough, or that we could have made different choices. This feeling is so common, and many of us carry that burden quietly.

We wonder if their behaviour is our fault, or if their orthopaedic conditions happened because we played too much ball, let them run the stairs, or competed in sports like flyball or agility. We ask ourselves: could I have prevented this?

But here’s the truth ⬇️
We all do the very best we can with the knowledge, time, and resources we have. Life with our dogs is a journey. Yes, there may be things we’d do differently if we could go back – but that doesn’t mean we should carry guilt.

💚 Don’t feel guilty if you can’t afford every therapy or treatment session – physio, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, swimming, or specialist training.

💚 Don’t feel guilty if your busy life doesn’t allow you to attend every class or activity.

💚 Don’t feel guilty if you can’t buy the most expensive foods, supplements, or training plans, and instead choose what works for your budget.

👉 What matters most is that your dog feels loved, safe, and respected.

You are doing a fantastic job.
You are an amazing dog owner. 🐾

12/08/2026

🌲 Woody Wisdom Wednesday 🌲
Sign #10: Bunny Hopping When Running

"It’s difficult to get a photo of me running these days so my mum got this chap off AI. When I was younger, I loved racing through the forest with long, powerful strides. These days I get from A to B in the best way that I can."” – Woody 🐾

Have you ever noticed your dog running with both back legs moving together, almost like a rabbit? This is often called 'bunny hopping'.

While some dogs may bunny hop occasionally when they're excited, if it becomes a regular way of running, it can sometimes be a sign they're trying to reduce discomfort or compensate for reduced movement through their hips, hind limbs, or lower back.

Every dog has their own running style, but if you've noticed a change in the way your dog moves, it's always worth paying attention.

Woody wants to know... does your dog love a game of chase, zoom around after a ball, or prefer a gentle stroll? Tell us what gets your dog's tail wagging in the comments! 🐾

11/08/2026

I was chatting to a client recently who was unsure whether to get her dog X-rayed. His mobility has been slowly deteriating and he seems to be fatiguing quicker on walks.

Our initial thoughts were to hold off on X-rays as the treatment and lifestyle adaptations would unlikely change. i.e.
📍Pain relief
📍hydrotherpay
📍canine massage therapy
📍car ramps
📍tailoring walks

However by getting a clinical diagnosis as to the primary cause of pain it will ensure that the right kind of pain relief is provided.

The right pain relief starts with the right diagnosis

If you’re someone who notices the subtle signs that your dog may be in pain, I’m proud of you. That’s the first and often the hardest step in helping them.

It’s not easy, is it? None of us want to think our dogs are hurting. I know that feeling all too well. Every day I find myself wondering if my own dog is uncomfortable. Even after years of working in clinic and carrying out pain assessments and using veterinary pain scoring systems, assessing pain isn’t always straightforward.

And here’s the thing… it gets even more complicated.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

Once we’ve recognised pain, the next question shouldn’t just be:

“How bad is it?”

It should also be:

“What type of pain is it?”

Why? Because different types of pain often require different medications, and many dogs benefit from multimodal pain management—using a combination of drugs that target different pain pathways. This is why veterinary guidance is so important.

🟢 Nociceptive pain – Pain caused by tissue damage or inflammation, such as arthritis, surgery or injury. Often responds well to anti-inflammatory medications and other analgesics.

🔵 Neuropathic pain – Pain caused by damage or disease affecting the nerves, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

🟣 Nociplastic pain – Pain caused by changes in how the nervous system processes pain, rather than ongoing tissue damage. This is increasingly recognised in dogs with long-standing chronic pain.

Many dogs don’t fit neatly into just one category. They experience mixed pain, which is why using several medications that work in different ways is often the most effective approach.

The goal isn’t simply to reduce pain—it’s to treat the right type of pain.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

This is why veterinary assessment is so important. There are many pain management options available, and the best plan for your dog may change over time.

Pain isn’t static. It evolves, and what worked six months ago may not be enough today.

Regular pain assessments and reviews with your vet help ensure your dog is always receiving the most appropriate treatment.

Pain management is never one-size-fits-all—it’s an ongoing process.

10/08/2026

Meeko Mischief Mondays 🥱

These light mornings mean Woody is up early and starts barking until one of us comes down stairs.

It’s been going on for about a month now. But don’t worry once we are all out of bed Woody goes back to sleep 💤

Does your dog get you up early in the morning?