Hoof and Paw

🐾 It was a lot of fun working with this cheeky monkey today for massage & rehab 🐾
Find out more at https://www.hoofandpaw.co.nz/services

🐶 It was an absolute pleasure to do a canine bodywork session on this lovely lady this morning, as well as some conditioning work & stretches. Find out more at https://www.hoofandpaw.co.nz/services

I had the pleasure of providing a full bodywork session for this gentle giant today, such a gentleman! 🐾 ❤️

A beautiful, sunny Wairarapa day for bodywork. This big lad was a joy to work with 🥰
Find out more about my equine bodywork services and round pen hire at https://www.hoofandpaw.co.nz/equine-bodywork

As well as being certified in Canine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy, I’m also a qualified Equine Bodyworker too!

Wonderful to catch up with this big lad this morning. A full bodywork session using lots of Myofascial Release (MFR), a gentle but highly effective technique for releasing tension & tightness.
🐎 Find out more at https://www.hoofandpaw.co.nz/equine-bodywork

It was chilly this morning at 5 degrees! As temperatures start to drop, dogs often begin to show early signs of seasonal stiffness, especially seniors, working breeds, and those with past injuries. Autumn is an ideal time to prepare their bodies for the colder months ahead.

Key ways you can support your dog right now:

🐾 Start walks and exercise slowly with a warm up to help support muscles & reduce the potential for strains

🐾 Introduce gentle stretching after walks to support flexibility

🐾 Monitor joint comfort—changes in posture, pacing, or enthusiasm can be subtle but meaningful

🐾 Consider proactive bodywork to release tension before winter amplifies it

🐕 My canine bodywork sessions focus on improving mobility, easing discomfort, and supporting whole‑body wellbeing. If you’d like to help your dog transition smoothly into winter, I’d love to work with you both. 🌟 Message me or visit https://www.hoofandpaw.co.nz/services for more info 🌟

🌞 Top 5 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Comfortable & Sound This Summer
From the perspective of a canine bodyworker.

Summer adventures are some of the best memories we make with our dogs — beach runs, bush walks, swims, and family holidays. But the hotter months can also place extra strain on their bodies. Here are my top five tips to help keep your dog mobile, comfortable, and thriving all summer long:

💧 1. Prioritise Hydration & Electrolyte Balance
Dogs can overheat quickly, especially during exercise or in humid weather. Always have fresh water available, plan walks during cooler parts of the day, and be mindful of signs of dehydration like tacky gums or excessive panting. Well-hydrated muscles perform better and recover faster.

🐾 2. Protect Joints from Hard & Hot Surfaces
Footpaths, decks, and dry ground heat up and toughen in summer. High-impact play on hard ground can overload joints, especially for senior dogs or breeds prone to hip and elbow issues. Vary their playgrounds — mix in grass, sand, and softer trails to reduce strain.l

💓 3. Don’t Skip the Warm-Up & Cool-Down
Just like us, dogs benefit from easing into activity. A few minutes of loose-lead walking before off-leash zoomies can prevent strains and keep soft tissues supple. Finishing with a calm walk allows heart rate and muscles to settle, reducing post-play stiffness.

🩹 4. Notice Small Changes in Behaviour or Movement
Limping isn’t the first sign of discomfort — it’s often the last. Look for subtle clues like hesitation to jump into the car, slipping on floors, shorter strides, stiffness after naps, or reluctance to be touched in certain areas. These small shifts can be early indicators of tension or imbalance.

5. Make Body Care a Routine Part of Their Wellness
Bodywork isn’t just for injured dogs — it’s incredibly valuable as a preventative tool. Regular sessions help maintain healthy muscle patterns, improve mobility, support ageing joints, and keep active dogs moving comfortably. Even simple at-home techniques like gentle stretches or massage can make a big difference.

Professional bodywork complements your everyday care by spotting tight areas, compensations, or developing asymmetries that might otherwise go unnoticed.

☀️ Summer is for exploring — let’s help our dogs feel their best for every run, swim, and cuddle.
If you ever want personalised guidance on supporting your dog’s mobility or comfort, I’m always happy to chat. DM or visit https://www.hoofandpaw.co.nz/services