Bowen Therapy for Dogs
What is Canine Bowen Therapy?
ISBT’s Canine Bowen Therapy was developed by leading international equine therapist, chiropractor and acupuncturist Suzanne Baker. Suzanne spent a number of years developing sequences, conducting trials and confirming results to ensure that Canine Bowen was a high quality form of body work.
As with Human Bowen, Canine Bowen is a gentle and effective hands on therapy where specialised moves are applied to specific muscles, tendons, ligaments and lymph.
The cross fibre move influences the fascia housing these structures and allows the body to reset and adhesions to be released. Improved function then leads to decreased levels of pain and improved health and well-being.
The welfare of your pet is our primary concern and care is taken to ensure the treatment is enjoyable and that they are never pushed past their comfort zone.
Signs that your dog is relaxing include quietening, slower breathing and stretching.
Most animals become so relaxed to the extent they will often fall asleep after the treatment. This is why Bowen is beneficial for nervous or anxious dogs.
While I treat a variety of dogs with a wide range of conditions, my particular interest is in geriatric dogs and also those with osteoarthritis. Generally older dogs with mobility issues benefit from maintenance treatments every month to six weeks.
I also thoroughly enjoy treating the working and performance dogs. These dogs benefit from a preventative program of Bowen to avoid injuries and maintain joint flexibility and muscle tension.
I am also a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and run a Mobile service throughout Central Otago . If you would like to know more about Canine Rehabilitation for your dog and how Canine Bowen plays an important part of my treatment process then go to www.caninecentral.com.
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Jacqui has been working with our greyhound after he has been experiencing some back and leg issues. Jacqui has been professional and kind in her approach, going the extra mile to assist with diagnosing his issues and treating them. Jacqui has a talent with connecting with dogs and always ensured ours was at ease and comfortable with the treatment. He even drooled a couple of times he was enjoying the treatment so much! Bowen therapy has been great for our dog and Jacqui especially has been amazing to work with. Very affordable too. Would recommend to anyone looking for help with their dog if they are experiencing discomfort.
~ Courtney
What conditions can Canine Bowen Therapy help with?
NEUROLOGICAL
Ataxia
Degenerative Myelopathy
Lumbosacral Disease
Wobbler Syndrome
IVDD
Vestibular Disease
YOUR DOG'S PHYSICAL BODY
Stiffness and Pain
Compensation Patterns
Strains and Sprains
Cruciate/ Stifle Injuries
Hip/Elbow Dysplasia
Osteoarthritis
Shoulder and Neck Issues
Spinal Misalignment
Spondylosis
Patellar Luxation
TMJ Misalignment
Sacroiliac Pain
Working, Agility, Show dogs : Improved performance and Injury Prevention
OTHER
Pre and Post Surgery
Separation Anxiety
Cushings Disease
Palliative Care
Sluggish Lymphatic System / Oedema
Fear and Anxious
Behavioural Issues
Respiratory Disorders
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT OR CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
“Anyone who may be skeptical about the efficacy of Bowen treatment should take a look at the ‘before’ and ‘after’ videos of our dog, Zeiss. The difference between the two is quite remarkable.
Zeiss is a 12 year old GSP who had recently been in obvious discomfort, even though he has been on a prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for arthritis.
Following only two treatments with Jacqui, his pronounced limp has completely disappeared, the inflammation on his paws has diminished and he is behaving like a much younger dog.
To provide Zeiss with Bowen sessions is the ultimate treat for a treasured member of our fur whanau. To see him return to his more natural movement, his natural curiosity and even playfulness is something we never thought we would see in him again.
Jacqui’s interaction with Zeiss is delightful to watch. He clearly enjoys the treatment and responds positively to it. We are truly grateful to Jacqui for her skills and genuine care.”
~ Nikki & Zeiss
The Bowen Central Process
BEFORE TREATMENT
It’s important to provide as much information as possible about your dog before the treatment; any medical conditions, operations and xrays, does your dog have allergies or is it on medications?
Gathering and supplying us with this information before the treatment, including any veterinary notes that you may have from your vet, will go a long way to ensuring the success of the treatment.
Also think about your dog’s activity level:
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- When are they sore and in pain?
- Does their lameness improve after rest or after exercise?
- Are you able to video them when they are displaying signs and symptoms?
TREATMENT
The first consultation and treatment usually takes up to an hour. I prefer to treat your dog at your premises as they will be more relaxed in their own environment, however if you prefer to come to me then sufficient time will be given to allow the dog to become comfortable in a new environment.
We take the utmost care to ensure that the dog is relaxed and enjoys the experience. At all times the dog’s welfare comes first.
To understand and ensure that the moves and sequences that are applied relate to the presenting problems, time is taken, before the start of treatment, to go over medical history, observe the dog’s gait and posture as well as a palpation and an assessment of joint range.
The treatment itself generally lasts no more than twenty minutes and, as with humans, there are short rest periods between moves to allow the body and tissues to respond.
Subsequent treatments will generally be shorter, around 30-45 minutes.
POST TREATMENT
An Aftercare sheet of information will be given at the completion of the first treatment. Dogs generally respond very well to Bowen.
It is common for them to become quite relaxed and they will often rest or fall asleep. Try to keep your dog’s environment as calm as possible over the next 3 to 4 days as the effects of Canine Bowen can carry on working for up to 7 days.
It is important to have plenty of water available as they may become thirsty after a treatment. Every dog responds differently and some dogs may have increased energy levels but avoid over exercising, limit walks to on a leash twice a day for 2 to 3 days.
Please continue on with any medications your vet has prescribed.
How often should you have treatment?
Generally most conditions require 2-3 treatment sessions spaced a week apart. Acute conditions may need treatments every 2-3 days where as chronic conditions will generally require more treatments spaced a week apart in the beginning, then as progress is made, the duration span of treatments can be spaced further apart. Preventative or maintenance treatments are of great benefit to keep the body injury free and in a state of optimal balance.
Disclaimer
Canine Bowen Therapy does not replace veterinary care but can be used in conjunction to ensure the best results for your dog.