Helping Dogs Live Healthier Lives.

Our private 1 on 1 sessions are held in the comfort of your own home, where your dog (and you!) can feel most at ease.

I offer a free optional non obligatory phone consultation prior to appointments so that clients can get to know me a bit more and to discuss how therapy could benefit their dog.

Initial Assessment - Allow up to 90 mins - $80

At our assessment, I will begin by conducting a thorough evaluation of your dog's physical condition. This will involve observing your dog's movement and gait, feeling for areas of tension or tenderness, and discussing a full medical history including medical conditions or recent injuries. I like to allow 90 minutes to give your dog time to get used to me and to my handling.

Based on this assessment and what your long term goals are for your dog, I will develop a customized treatment plan to address your dog's specific needs. Your assessment includes you dogs first massage treatment.

Follow Up Appointments & Maintenance - 45 min - $80

Follow up and maintenance appointments can be scheduled in at recommended intervals which suit you. Some conditions may require weekly visits which can then be moved to fortnightly or even monthly maintenance treatments. Your dog is always re-assessed at the beginning of every maintenance appointment to ensure continuity of care.

During the massage sessions, I will use a combination of techniques such as gentle heat treatments, kneading, and stretching to help alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.

Throughout the session, I will continuously monitor your dog's response to the massage and adjust the techniques accordingly.

After the session, you will receive recommendations on at-home care, such as gentle exercises and recommendations to maintain the benefits of the massage.

If required, reports will be sent through to your vet as treatment progresses.

Q&A

Do I need a vet referral to access your services?

You do not need a referral to make a booking, but I always recommend checking in with your vet if there are certain symptoms which may be causing you concern. For certain pathologies and conditions, I may work alongside your vet to acknowledge it is safe to undergo treatment. It can also be helpful for your vet to share your dogs history with me, with your approval. If you do require a referral, your Vet can send their referral directly to me, or a copy of my vet referral form for them to complete and return to me can be found here -

Do I need to be present during my dogs treatment?

You will be required to be present during the initial consultation to discuss your dogs history, show me your dogs gait, current issues and the goals for your dog. You do not have to be present during the massage treatment, however, this does depend on your dogs temperament and if they are particularly anxious being handled and massaged.

How many treatments will my dog require?

Treatments will depend on your dogs condition, your goals for treatment, and how many treatments you are able to commit to periodically. Some conditions may take longer to treat and certain orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis benefit from monthly maintenance treatments to keep your dog comfortable and mobile.

What can I expect after a session?

Your dog may be quite sleepy after treatment, this is perfectly normal and a good sign that the treatment is working. They may also want to drink more, urinate more, and have a slightly lower appetite. These symptoms are normal for 24-48 hours afterwards. For dogs that are new to massage or having treatment that may be a little more in-depth with heavier techniques, it is important that you allow your dog to rest, allowing only gentle exercise for 24-48 hours after treatment to allow the body to rebalance. You will also get sent through some aftercare tips and recommendations with a summary of your session. A report will also be sent to your vet if required.

When should my dog not have a massage or when would the treatment to not go ahead?

There can be some contradictions to massage therapy. These include open wounds, shock, fever or virus, pregnancy, skin infections, severe bruising, uncontrolled epileptic fits, breaks and fractures that have not healed, and vaccinations given less than 2 weeks before appointment. Upon assessment of your dog, if they are found to be in unusual pain, or any other red flag symptoms, the treatment will not take place and a trip to your vet will be recommended. Please get in touch with me prior to your appointment if you have any concerns.

What form of payments do you accept?

I currently accept PayPal, cash, payID, and bank transfer payments. EFTPOS coming soon.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. Hydro Hounds holds full Professional Indemnity, and Public Liability insurance.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

I understand that sometimes life is unpredictable, but please try to allow 48 hours notice for cancellation so that I can allow other patients to be booked in for your time slot.