Rovers Remedial Massage Therapy

🐟 Small fish. Big nutritional value.

Anchovies are one of my favourite additions to a dog’s bowl — they’re nutrient-dense, naturally rich in EPA + DHA omega-3 fatty acids, and low on the food chain, which means they generally contain very little mercury compared with larger fish.

A 57 g serve provides around 950 mg of omega-3s, including EPA and DHA — the forms of omega-3 that dogs can use directly.

Omega-3s play an important role in:
🐾 Brain and nervous system health
🐾 Healthy skin and coat
🐾 Cardiovascular health
🐾 Supporting a healthy inflammatory response
🐾 Joint and mobility health

And because you’re feeding the whole little fish, you’re also getting a range of naturally occurring nutrients rather than just an isolated oil.

For my dogs, I like to use small oily fish as a regular food source of omega-3s — around 3 times a week.

Small fish, big nutrition.

Working a little Gua Sha on 16 year old girl Loulou.

🐾 Why is canine massage about so much more than relaxation?

When most people think of massage, they think of a dog enjoying a nice, relaxing rub.

And while relaxation is certainly part of it, at Rover’s we look at the bigger picture.

Because muscle is at the centre of movement. 💪

Every step, jump, turn, run and play session relies on muscles working together with the joints, bones, fascia and nervous system.

So when we work with the muscles, we're not simply trying to make your dog feel relaxed — we're supporting the tissues that help them move, adapt and function.

💪 MUSCLE
Massage can help reduce areas of tension, support recovery and maintain healthy muscle function — an important part of keeping dogs moving well.

🦴 MOVEMENT & JOINTS
Comfortable movement relies on more than healthy joints. The muscles and surrounding soft tissues also need to move and function well.

❤️ CIRCULATION
Massage encourages local circulation, helping support the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to working tissues.

🧠 NERVOUS SYSTEM
Touch and massage can encourage relaxation and help the body shift towards a calmer, recovery-focused state.

🔄 COMPENSATION
When a dog changes the way they move, other muscles can end up working harder. Finding these areas of tension can help us understand the bigger movement picture.

🐕 BODY AWARENESS
Hands-on assessment allows us to notice changes in muscle tone, sensitivity, symmetry and tissue quality that may not be obvious when your dog is simply walking around.

And this is why I don't see canine massage as simply a pampering treatment.

It's one part of a bigger approach to helping dogs maintain strength, movement and function throughout life.

Because at Rover's, we're not just interested in helping dogs feel good today.

We're interested in helping them move better, age stronger and live longer. 💙

For dogs that love to move.

Rovers Adventure Capers

It’s not always about where the problem started. Sometimes, you need to look at the whole body.

This beautiful boy has had his share of challenges, and over time his movement has adapted around them.

With Shadow, my focus isn't on trying to "fix" one particular muscle.

It's about looking at the bigger picture and helping him:

🐾 reduce areas of excessive tension
🐾 release compensatory tightness through his front and hindquarters
🐾 address the way he is offloading through his front end
🐾 encourage better symmetry and more balanced movement
🐾 support his body as he works towards moving more comfortably

For dogs that love to move. 💙

Many dog owners are surprised to learn that traditional desexing isn't the only surgical option available.

Procedures such as ovary-sparing spays and vasectomies may be appropriate for some dogs, while traditional desexing remains the best choice for others.

The important thing is knowing the options and having an informed conversation with your veterinarian about what's right for your individual dog.

Whatever path you choose, one thing doesn't change...

🐾 Help them maintain muscle.
🐾 Help them stay strong.
🐾 Help them keep moving.

Because healthy muscles play an important role in supporting mobility, joint health and quality of life throughout your dog's life.

Were you aware there are alternatives to traditional desexing? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 👇