What is animal Bowen therapy?

As with people, when an animal has an injury or illness or has experienced trauma, the body begins to develop compensatory patterns of use to avoid further discomfort or pain. If left untreated these patterns of use start to interfere with the wellbeing and function of the body over time. In addition, sometimes behavioural issues (such as your dog being snappy around other dogs) can be a reflection of pain or discomfort. 

Gentle, cross-fibre moves are made over certain muscles, ligaments and tendons at specific points of the body affecting the autonomic nervous system, allowing the body to move into a state of rest and restoration. Fibres of connective tissue (known as fascia) become stuck/adhesed over time and can also thicken from inactivity or injury, resulting in a feeling of stiffness and soreness. Bowen therapy helps to rehydrate the fascia, resulting in a more mobile animal. 

Animal Bowen therapy does not replace veterinarian treatment but can be an extremely effective therapy as an adjunct to veterinary care.

How can Canine/Feline Bowen therapy help your pet?

• Bowen therapy assists in the healing process for dogs and cats who have suffered recent injuries, such as a fall. Please see your vet for diagnosis if your pet has recently been injured (especially in cases of sudden lameness) and they will advise when soft tissue therapy is appropriate. 

• Improvement of behavioural issues (such as anxiety/stress, aggression around other dogs and poor eating habits, etc.)

• Helps animals who have developed musculoskeletal issues because of the way their body has been impacted by their movements over time. For instance, racing/former racing dogs, agility dogs and animals who like to ‘beg’ on their hind legs may develop stress on their spine and joints as a result of their movements. 

• Assists with rehabilitation and recovery after surgical procedures and ‘prepping’ the body prior to surgery (please check with your vet in regards to when Bowen therapy treatment is appropriate for your dog/cat after surgery). 

• Helps older dogs and cats with degenerative conditions by improving joint flexibility. 

• Assist dogs and cats born with specific genetic conditions. For instance, some canine breeds are predisposed to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, resulting in compensatory tension in their shoulder on the same side. Some (often floppy-eared) dogs who get continuous ear infections express appreciation for the relief brought about by the lymphatic drainage aspect of Bowen therapy.

• General maintenance/wellbeing (just as you might have a massage – or even a Bowen therapy treatment! - for relaxation purposes). 

• Can assist with improved performance for show, agility and working dogs.

• Compassionate end of life support for dogs and cats in palliative care to assist with pain management and relaxation (home visits are available for pets in these circumstances).

What to expect with animal Bowen therapy?

While your pet settles in and gets used to their new surrounds, we’ll discuss their history and have a chat about your concerns. Your cat/dog’s gait will be observed and areas of tension in their body will be assessed. The Bowen therapy treatment is very gentle and involves a series of rolling-type movements over certain points in the muscles and tendons of your pet’s body. Most animals grow quite relaxed and will often sleep/rest after their treatment. Aftercare advice is provided to ensure that the treatment is as effective as possible.   

The welfare of your pet is always of primary concern. Care is taken to ensure that your pet is never pushed past their comfort zone and is given time to process the treatment. As a result, cats and dogs generally love their Bowen therapy treatments and the relief it provides them. Often the first treatment can be met with curiosity (as Bowen is very different from a trip to the vet’s and isn’t at all like a pat) but subsequent treatments are often met with excitement as they remember how much they enjoyed their previous treatment!

How much will it cost?

Canine/feline Bowen therapy treatment: $70.

Animal therapy treatments can last up to 45 minutes, depending on a range of factors (including how long it takes your dog or cat to settle in). Please be there for your furry friend’s first treatment to ensure that they are comfortable and to allow for an accurate history to be obtained.

Please ensure that your dog or cat is well on the day of the treatment and isn’t exhibiting signs of illness (such as excess coughing, diarrhoea or vomiting – a visit to their vet is advised if this is the case). If your dog or cat has recently been injured, please see your vet in the first instance, who will diagnose your pet’s condition and advise on when soft tissue therapy such as Bowen therapy may be appropriate to assist in the healing process.

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