Hector's Clinical Canine Massage

03/06/2026

Please protect your dogs from unqualified, rogue canine massage therapists 😩

This is awful but I need to post it as there are scammers and mis-selling you need to be aware of as a dog owner or someone looking to train in canine therapies so I’m putting it up here

It has come to my attention that there are individuals, some who are even trainers and others in other canine therapies misrepresenting their training credentials including claiming to have completed CPD with me at Canine Massage Therapy Centre when they have not.

They have come along to a Beginners Guide to Canine Massage self-interest course. This is NOT CPD let’s get that straight.

Claiming you have done professional level Continuing Professional Development courses with me is different to claiming your beginners guide hours as CPD hours, you know it, I know it and I will ensure that anyone approaching me about hydro/physical training PT/physio/massage courses does so as well when my name is mentioned.

Also beware of people selling you massage qualifications who claim they provide MLD and Facilitated Stretching, they have scrolled down my page and picked out some of my CPD titles and gone on to write a ‘qualification’ in canine massage that includes things that sounds good that they have no idea about, but because they carry a ‘therapist’ and ‘trainer’ title, they think people will just accept this.

Well people have noticed.

This industry is in tatters because you have people jumping on the canine therapies bandwagon and offering bu****it courses.

Some of which are even backed.

Yes I know disgusting isn’t it that there are those willing to risk the future careers of others, take their money waste their time and put the dogs at risk who they will be working with as well as disrespect the vets who consent and refer and other paraprofessionals we work with.

I want to be absolutely clear:

✅ CPD courses are advanced and can only be taken with me after you have completed the 2 Year Clinical course with Canine Massage Therapy Centre AND are a member of the Canine Massage Guild

❌ Attending a one-day public workshop with me does not constitute professional training or claims such as ‘I've done CPD with Natalie Lenton’ to get people to sign up to your course.

These people ask me and I will inform them you have not trained with me and that this is classed as mis-selling or scamming.

I haven’t busted my balls for nearly 20 years in this industry for charlatans to use the reputation of my name, courses and company and name to earn a quick buck.

✅ Only verified Canine Massage Guild members hold the Clinical Canine Massage qualification and the professional standing that comes with it and have trained in the Lenton Method

❌ Attending a one-day public workshop does not constitute professional training with me, and does not entitle anyone to claim affiliation with the Guild, my methods, or my CPD programme.

If you are a dog owner or referring vet looking for a genuinely qualified therapist, please use the Canine Massage Guild Register directory to verify credentials.

Thats why its there to protect dogs, owners and consenting or referring vets

If you are a practitioner and have seen misleading claims of this kind, I would encourage you to report them directly to our office.

The integrity of this profession matters as does the welfare of the dogs we work with.

30/05/2026

20/05/2026

⚠ A surge in toxic blue-green algae sightings across UK has prompted vets to issue an urgent warning to dog owners ahead of summer.

🐶 While the algae can cause skin irritation and illness in humans, it can be fatal to dogs if ingested, sometimes within a short time.

Sean McCormack, Head Vet at Tails.com, said: “While blue-green algae sounds the same as green algae the two are vastly different.

"First and foremost blue-green algae is a form of bacteria that is sometimes referred to as ‘cyanobacteria’, and most of the time cannot be seen by the naked eye.

“However, blue-green algae can sometimes be identified if it clumps together and blooms because more often than not, water will turn a pea-green soup colour. Green algae is more of a stringy-like substance that can be draped over sticks and picked up more easily.

“As we head towards the warmer months of the year, and spend more time outdoors with our canine companions, it is important that pet parents are aware of the dangers blue-green algae can pose to dogs.

“While blue-green algae may not look dangerous, because a lot of shallow water is filled with green stuff, it can actually be toxic to dogs if they swim in or drink from contaminated waters. This is because blue-green algae blooms produce harmful toxins that can stop a dog’s liver from functioning properly.

“Not only that, but in some cases the bacteria can be fatal to dogs and cause long-term health problems depending on how much is consumed, and how quickly you are able to get to a vet. If you’re planning on taking your dog swimming or near open water this summer, then stay vigilant and ensure that they don’t come into contact with anything that could potentially pose a threat to them.

"Even if you aren’t sure whether the green stuff you see in a lake is blue-green algae, it's better to assume it is than harm coming to your pup. After all, we know how much our dogs love to sniff and explore when out walking. “You could even consider taking your pooch to a dog-friendly pool or lido this summer, if you want to take them swimming without the added risk of blue-green algae poisoning.”

What should you do if your dog has encountered blue-green algae?

Sean said: “If you think that your dog has encountered blue-green algae or swallowed water containing toxins from its bloom, then you should call your vet immediately. Unfortunately there is no antidote for blue-green algae poisoning in dogs, so the sooner that your pet is able to receive treatment, the less likely they are to experience long-term implications.

“The treatment provided will depend on how severe the poisoning is. The vet may be able to induce vomiting to remove the bacteria from their stomach before it takes hold, while in more severe cases where your dog has collapsed or had a seizure, more intensive care may be required. “In a lot of circumstances, blue-green algae can cause fatal liver failure in your dog, so to avoid any threat of it harming your pet, make sure to steer clear of waters you think may be contaminated with the bacteria."

What are the signs and symptoms your dog has ingested blue-green algae?

Sean said: “When our dogs encounter blue-green algae, they may experience some of the same symptoms we do including vomiting, but they can also have a lot more severe side effects."

These are the most common symptoms:

- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Seizures or fitting
- Weakness, collapse or unconsciousness
- Confusion or acting disoriented
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty breathing properly

✍ Neil Shaw

20/05/2026

30/04/2026

INDUSRTY UPDATE

As you’re all aware, DEFRA has been working towards a reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. We wanted to give you a brief update as to where we are at the moment. Following the gathering of data and views from the different stakeholders in the summer (which we took part in in London), DEFRA issued an initial eight-week public consultation in January, to gain responses on their initial proposals. DEFRA also invited stakeholders to participate in 1:1 interviews, which we have taken part in, to gather further feedback. We want to reassure you that not only are these changes still in the very early stages, and therefore nothing will be changing for allied healthcare professionals at the moment, but also that both us and other stakeholders are insuring that the voice of all level of practitioners is heard, so that when changes do eventually come into effect, the livelihood of practitioners who are currently in practice will be safeguarded. Please do not worry about how the changes will affect you. For now, the main legislation is focussing on veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and the big corporate groups which own veterinary practices. If and when the reform happens, it will most likely include a transition period to allow for all professions to find their place under the new system. In the meantime, IAAT is committed to cooperating with DEFRA and RCVS to help make sure that any legislative changes will protect our Member’s ability to practice.

16/04/2026

Empower yourself as your dogs primary care-giver so you can make informed choices on your dogs healthcare and longevity. Massage Makes A Difference. And there are thousands of dog owners who'd agree..Find your dogs local therapist that you can rely on, all our therapists trained for 2 years with Canine Massage Therapy Centre

https://www.k9-massageguild.co.uk/therapistregister/

06/04/2026

What an incredible day at the Old Berks Hunt Point-to-Point with .canine ☀️🐾

We had such a fantastic time soaking up the sunshine and meeting so many lovely dogs (and their humans!). Our stand offering free muscular health checks was a big hit, and it was wonderful to chat with so many people about the benefits of clinical canine massage.

Our goal is always to help dogs move more comfortably, recover better, and live happier, healthier lives—and events like this are the perfect opportunity to spread awareness and answer questions.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared their stories, and trusted us with their dogs. We loved meeting each and every one of you! 💙

If you’d like to learn more about how canine massage can support your dog’s wellbeing, feel free to get in touch
📧 [email protected]

31/03/2026