How to prepare for your pet's first osteopathic treatment?
Animal osteopathy is an increasingly popular practice aimed at improving the physical and emotional well-being of our pets. Whether you have a dog, cat, horse, or another animal, the first consultation with an osteopath can be a new and sometimes stressful experience for both the animal and the owner. To ensure this first meeting goes as smoothly as possible, here are some tips to help you prepare.
Choosing a Qualified Animal Osteopath
Before booking an appointment, it’s essential to ensure that the osteopath is qualified and experienced in animal osteopathy. A good osteopath should have completed recognized training and be registered with a professional organization. Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian or other pet owners for recommendations. At Manimal, I myself have been certified since 2020 and completed my training at the ESAO.
Collecting Your Animal’s Medical Information
Before the consultation, gather all relevant medical information about your pet. This includes medical history, vaccinations, current treatments, as well as any recent incidents (fall, injury, etc.) that could be useful to the osteopath. If possible, ask your veterinarian to provide a health summary for your animal. This information will help the osteopath better understand your companion’s specific needs.
Preparing Your Pet for the Consultation
Before heading to the osteopath, make sure your pet is calm and relaxed. If possible, take them for a short walk to let off some energy and reduce any nervousness. Ensure they have access to fresh water and have eaten if necessary, but avoid heavy meals right before the consultation. A calm and comfortable pet will make the osteopath’s work easier and the session more beneficial.
Animal osteopath near me: Setting Up a Comfortable Transport
The trip to the osteopath’s office can be stressful for some animals, especially for cats or dogs not used to travelling. Make sure the transport is comfortable and secure. Use an appropriate carrier with a blanket or cushion for extra comfort. For larger animals like horses, ensure the transport vehicle is well-prepared and that the animal is accustomed to loading and unloading without stress.
Learning About the Session
It’s helpful to know what to expect during the session. Generally, the osteopath will start with a discussion to understand your pet’s issues, followed by an observation of their posture and movements. Then, the osteopath will perform gentle manipulations to assess and treat muscle tension, joint restrictions, and imbalances. These manipulations are usually not painful for the animal, but it’s important to stay nearby to comfort them if needed.
Allowing Rest After the Osteopathic Session
After osteopathic treatment, it’s normal for your pet to be tired. Make sure they have a quiet place to rest. Avoid any strenuous physical activity for 24 to 48 hours following the session to allow your pet to recover and fully benefit from the treatment.
Observing Your Pet’s Reactions
In the days following the consultation, carefully observe your pet. You may notice immediate or gradual improvements, but in some cases, temporary reactions like mild fatigue or increased sensitivity may occur. These signs usually reflect the body’s adjustment process. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with the osteopath.
Scheduling Follow-Up Sessions if Necessary
Depending on your pet’s condition, the animal osteopath may recommend one or more follow-up sessions. It’s important to follow these recommendations to ensure complete recovery or optimal health maintenance for your pet.
Preparing for Your Pet’s First Osteopathic Treatment
Proper preparation for your pet’s first osteopathic treatment is crucial to maximizing the benefits of this gentle therapy. Taking the time to choose a good osteopath, preparing your pet physically and mentally, and paying attention to their needs before and after the session will contribute to their well-being and recovery. Remember that each animal is unique, and a personalized approach is always the key to success.
Manon Turbe offers tailor-made support for your dogs, cats and horses. Because every animal is different, the approach is always different too. An in-depth discussion with animal’s owner is needed to gather valuable information: date of beginning of symptoms, their evolution, change in the animal’s mood and many other details.
Prices
dog
60 €
90.40 CAD
cat
60 €
90.40 CAD
horse
100 €
146.90 CAD
- Prices vary depending on the species of animals and their location (HST are included).
- Travel costs to be expected.
- Possibility of making preferential rates for professionals with several animals to follow.
- For animal protection associations or shelters, prices are halved.
