Hector's Clinical Canine Massage

12/08/2026

Today, Defra published its White Paper, "Our Vision for a Thriving Veterinary Sector", outlining plans to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act and the future regulation of the veterinary sector.

This is a landmark moment for Allied Veterinary Professionals.

After more than a decade of advocacy, we're pleased to see the Government recognise AVPs as an essential part of the veterinary workforce, with future legislation expected to support additional professions within the regulatory framework.

The proposals also signal a move towards autonomous professional practice, enabling regulated AVPs to work within their own defined scope of practice, supported by professional regulation and accountability.

While there's still work ahead, the direction is clear: AVPs have moved from the margins of veterinary legislation into the Government's vision for the future veterinary workforce.

Thank you to everyone who has supported AHPR on this journey.

📢 What this could mean for AVPs 📢

✅ Official recognition of AVPs as part of the future veterinary workforce.

✅Recognition of the veterinary team model, not a vet-only model of care.

✅Autonomous practice within a defined professional scope, rather than reliance on delegated authority alone.

✅Clearer scopes of practice, giving greater certainty to professionals, employers, vets and animal owners.

✅Professional licensing and accountability, bringing AVPs closer to parity of professional recognition within the regulatory system.

✅A pathway towards statutory regulation through the new legislative framework proposed by the Government.

✅Greater public confidence and understanding of the role of regulated AVPs in delivering animal health and welfare.

Bottom line: This White Paper does not deliver statutory regulation today, but it creates the strongest foundation yet for the future recognition, regulation and autonomous practice of Allied Veterinary Professionals.

The white paper can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-vision-for-a-thriving-veterinary-sector

11/08/2026

Dew claws are important!

04/08/2026

24/07/2026

🐶 Yesterday I attended an Advanced Deep Tissue Massage CPD with the Canine Massage Guild , and what a fantastic day it was!

🐕 A huge thank you to Hector, who was incredibly patient and such a superstar throughout the day as the model massage dog🐾 He took everything in his stride and made it possible for me to learn and practice some fantastic new techniques.

🐶 I am excited to add these advanced skills to my treatments, particularly to help support my elderly clients and dogs who may be anxious or sensitive to handling. Continuing my professional development means I can offer the very best care and tailor treatments to each individual dog’s needs.

📚 I love learning and am always looking for ways to improve my knowledge and skills to help more dogs live happier, healthier, and more comfortable lives. 💚💙❤️🐶 🐕 🐩

20/06/2026

🐾 Meet Charlie 🐾

🐶 One of the most rewarding parts of canine massage is earning the trust of dogs who find the world a little overwhelming.

🐶 Charlie is a beautiful rescue dog who was understandably very nervous when we met for his first session today. His owners thought it might take several visits before he’d even feel comfortable being stroked, so we were all amazed at how quickly he relaxed and began to trust me.

☺️ Receiving feedback like this means the world:
“We are beyond surprised and extremely grateful to Anna after her first visit today. Charlie is a very nervous rescue dog and we thought it would take a few visits to even be able to stroke him but with her patient and gentle nature, he took to her straight away. Anna is very professional, with great communication and knowledge. We are looking forward to her next visit to Charlie already and are sure he is going to benefit from her expertise. Thank you Anna 🙏”

🐶 Building confidence, creating positive experiences, and helping dogs feel safe and comfortable is always the first step before any therapeutic benefits can begin.
I’m so proud of Charlie and can’t wait to see him again for his next session. ❤️

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