Canine Massage & Assisted Swimming

Suzanne E. Border, LMT (Certified Canine Massage Therapist)
is our Canine Massage &
Assisted Swimming specialist.
Her credentials are impressive:

• Graduate of Myotherapy Institute, Lincoln, Nebraska
• Currently licensed by the State of Nebraska as a Massage Therapist
• Graduate of Boulder College of Massage Therapy - Canine Massage Therapy Program (only canine massage therapy program in the United States that is nationally certified)
• Nationally Certified Massage Therapist
• Experienced as a professional Clinical Massage Therapist. Worked closely with three doctors and referrals of their patients. Worked with a variety of chronic and acute pain and injury situations.
• Clinical experience with a variety of canine injuries and chronic pain situations
• Currently working with local and regional veterinarian referrals.

Please contact Suzanne with any questions or concerns you have regarding Canine Massage or Assisted Swimming. We work frequently with Veterinarians in helping to design exercise programs for elderly, arthritic pets; or postoperative orthopeadic pets.
Canine Massage

Canine Massage is a modality for addressing soft-tissue problems. Massage can also be used to promote relaxation. A skilled Massage Therapist can quickly determine where problems exist in soft tissue.

Canine Massage can be useful in relieving pain, and can help to restore function and range of motion in injured or arthritic tissues. It is a useful tool to aid in healing tissue where scar tissue is likely to form. Consult with your veterinarian regarding the use of Canine Massage.

Some potential benefits of Canine Massage are:

• Reduces muscle strain and tension and subsequent injury.
• Increases flow of blood and nutrients to promote healing.
• Improves overall health.
• Improves performance.
• Reduces repetitive strain injuries.
• Improves range of motion.
• Improves nervous system functioning.
• Invigorates!
• Increases alertness
• Reduces stress and lowers stress hormone levels.

Canine Assisted Swimming
OUR FEATURED SWIMMER! CASSIE ANDREW, West Highland White Terrier

Canine Assisted Swimming is a great way to condition your dog with low-impact exercise. The water helps to slow movement with resistance that assists in supporting injured or weak joints. Assisted Swimming is sometimes used as part of the strengthening process after surgery. When used in conjunction with Canine Massage, it can help your dog to a better and more complete recovery. One of the most important things you can do for a dog after orthopedic surgery is controlled strengthening of the muscles surrounding joints and limbs. Muscle tissue that is strong and in balance reduces the chance of re-injury. Consult with your Veterinarian for a referral to begin an individualized program. Canine Assisted Swimming can be used to condition out-of-shape dogs as well as canine athletes. Swimming can be used to build strength and endurance, tone muscles and/or lose some pounds. Our swim program is often used by customers who want to get their show or competition dogs in better condition.

How often is Canine Massage Needed?

Depending on the overall condition of your dog, it may be advisable to have canine massage as often as once or twice a week. In the case of injury or chronic pain situations a program can be developed to suit your dog's individual needs.

For dogs in good health that may have minor problems (sore neck, back, hips), once every four to six weeks may be sufficient.

For dogs that have recently had surgery, Suzanne is happy to consult with your veterinarian as to their particular recommendations.

Read what some of our Assisted Swim clients have to say!


Cody - Border Collie, Torn Ligament/Conditioning
Jill - Neck Surgery
Abbey - Cocker Spaniel, Femoral Head Surgery
Mandy - American Eskimo, Back Surgery
Atticus - Chihuahua/Terrier, Femoral Head Surgery
Molly - Peek-a-Poo ,Arthritis
Asha - Mini Aussie, Dislocated Right Leg &
Neelah - Aust Shepherd, Luxating Petallas
Pede - Scottish Terrier, Rear Leg Surgery

We can also develop a Hospice Massage Care Program specifically tailored to suit the needs of your pet. Please request a personal consultation.