Canine Osteopathy Medical Acupuncture Massage End of Life Support

 

Common Dog Problems I Help

  • Muscle tension, joint problems, injuries
  • Limping or showing signs of lameness
  • Struggling to get up and down or to walk, which is usually seen in injured or older dogs
  • Changes in activities of daily living – no longer able to enjoy longer walks, jump up and down from the car, sofa or stairs
  • Behavioural changes such as licking, self-mutilation, becoming unsociable or depressed
  • Treatment for orthopaedic conditions
  • Advice for anxiety, stress and recovery
  • End-of-Life Care, Support, treatment

man in a green shirt holding a black and white dog on his shoulder, indoor setting, pet care

 

Jarvia is a human Osteopath who is trained in canine physical and holistic therapy. She provides home visits for dogs, providing integrated treatments, including physical therapy, osteopathy, acupuncture and canine massage, for dogs of all ages and breeds, and for a wide range of pain, injuries and physical conditions. Each treatment is tailored to the age, breed and individual needs of your dog, and sessions can be adapted for lively and special-needs dogs. We begin by helping your dog feel safe and comfortable, so they can enjoy the full experience.

Canine physical therapy, osteopathy, acupuncture and massage are hands-on therapies that help restore, maintain and enhance your dog's health and musculoskeletal system. Treatments relax soft tissue tension, relieve painful and stiff joints and support orthopaedic issues like arthritis and dysplasia. A canine treatment can help your dog's MSK system and spine, circulation, lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, aid digestion and encourage a more relaxed disposition, which all help to elevate their mood and sense of well-being. End-of-life care includes guidance, support and treatments during your, or your dog's final chapter. This includes individual dog treatments and double sessions for human-dog pairs.

A black and white dog lies on a green mat while being playfully petted, with one paw being held up by a person's hand.

 

Dogs and me

It is no secret how much I adore dogs, and being able to extend my therapeutic skills to help them is both an honour and a joy for me. I formalised my canine knowledge and training in Canine Physical and Holistic Therapy with the Centre of Excellence in 2019. I have also observed and assisted some vets in surgery and clinical practice, and abroad have done veterinary radiography, volunteering in Guatamala. I trained in non-verbal Animal Communication with world-renowned animal communicator Anna Breytenbach, near Cape Town, South Africa in 2015, which has proven invaluable when treating dogs.

I began treating dogs by chance, and with great reluctance, in 2013, when one of my patients, a veterinary surgeon, asked for my opinion about his patient, an adult male staffie, who had become suddenly paralysed in both back legs a few days previously. After examining this dog's spine, I realised how similar his injured spine was to a human spine. I treated him for two consecutive nights; on the second night I treated the injured level with an osteopathic adjustment, after which he jumped up onto all 4 legs, his tail wagging for the first time in 3 days, with all three humans sobbing in joyous disbelief. This was a truly unforgettable moment, and a turning point in my career. The more Vets brought dogs to me over the following years, and the more success I had with helping them, the more I understood how similar human and dog injuries are, and how seamlessly transferable osteopathy is for diagnosing and treating canine MSK and spinal problems. I cannot talk about dogs without mentioning the most perfect special dog of all time, the love of my life and Clinic Helper  for 12 years - Leroy - who sadly passed away from cancer in 2022. I would like to say a few words here to honour him and respect all your kind messages since he passed away.

 

 

A close-up of a small, scruffy black dog with a shiny coat, sitting on a boat with water in the background. The dog's expression is alert and curious, suggesting a playful and adventurous nature.

 

Darling Leroy - Lee Fox - my beloved, number 1 best boy and clinic helper extraordinaire. Thank you for all your selfless service over the years, for your generous love, grace and impeccable professionalism, winning Employee of the Year every year and helping all our patients feel welcomed and better. You were precious beyond words and being your human was the greatest honour of my life.  Thank you for being so perfect, no matter what. We miss you every day. Until we meet again

Leroy Foxter

2010 – 2022