If your dog is recovering from an operation or injury, is living with an orthopaedic condition such as arthritis, or you have observed them demonstrating any of the following, then massage may be a suitable and effective treatment option for them:
 

• Lameness, for example:
  - limping, hopping on or carrying a leg (intermittently or persistently);
  - muscle wastage (atrophy) / weakness;
  - reduced range of motion in one or more joints;
  - any other gait irregularities (unusual ways of moving)
   

• Irregular posture, for example:
  - uneven weight bearing;
  - sitting with both back legs angled to one side;
  - hollow (sway) or arched (roach) back when standing
   

• Stiffness getting up from rest or following exercise
   

• Crying out in pain when rising, during activity or when touched
   

• Signs of discomfort or pain in response to touch, for example:
  - looking at your hand
  - moving away from you
   

• Hesitant or reluctant to jump in and/or out of the car
   

• Slow or having difficulty going up and/or down stairs
   

• Loss of enthusiasm for favourite activities e.g. walks, play, being stroked
   

• Resting or sleeping more
   

• Muscle twitching / skin quivering

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• Scratching, rubbing, nibbling or biting at a particular area of their body
   

• Anxious, fearful or aggressive behaviour towards people and / or other dogs, especially in response to touch or expectation of touch
   

• Performance issues, for example:

       - early-onset fatigue

       - reduction in speed

       - retrieval issues

       - lack of reach and drive

       - change in work positions

       - avoiding / clipping jumps

       - issues with weaves and contacts

       - measuring

       - tripping / falling