5 Signs Your Horse or Pet Could Benefit from Massage Therapy

As loving pet owners and horse enthusiasts, we want our animals to be happy, healthy, and thriving. But sometimes, it’s hard to know when they need a little extra help to feel their best. Massage therapy is an incredible way to support your pet’s or horse’s physical and emotional well-being, but how do you know if it’s time to book a session?

Here are five key signs that your beloved animal might benefit from massage therapy:

1. Stiffness or Reduced Mobility

Have you noticed your horse or pet moving more slowly than usual? Perhaps your dog is hesitating to jump on the sofa, or your horse is struggling with movements they once performed effortlessly. Stiffness and reduced mobility can occur for many reasons, such as age, overuse, or minor injuries.

Massage therapy helps by loosening tight muscles, improving circulation, and restoring range of motion. For horses, this can mean smoother strides and better performance, while pets like dogs and cats can return to playing and exploring with ease.

Common signs to look out for:

• Difficulty standing, walking, or climbing stairs

• Hesitation to jump or run

• Stiff movements after rest

2. Pain or Discomfort

Animals can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but they often show it in their behaviour. Have you noticed your pet flinching when touched, avoiding certain activities, or showing signs of irritability? These could be indications of underlying discomfort.

Massage therapy targets problem areas to release tension and relieve pain. By improving circulation and reducing muscle soreness, massage can provide a drug-free way to keep your animal comfortable and happy.

How to spot discomfort:

• Reluctance to be touched

• Licking or biting specific areas of their body

• Changes in posture or gait

3. Stress or Anxiety

Stress isn’t just something we humans face—our animals can feel it too. Changes in routine, new environments, or past traumas can all leave pets and horses feeling uneasy. Stress can manifest physically, leading to tense muscles and restlessness.

Massage therapy provides a calming experience, reducing stress hormones like cortisol and increasing feel-good endorphins. This helps your animal relax and feel safe, whether they’re settling into a new home or dealing with competition pressures.

Stress-related behaviours include:

• Pacing or restlessness

• Hiding or withdrawing from interaction

• Unusual aggression or nervousness

4. Recovery from Injury or Surgery

Healing takes time, but massage therapy can play a vital role in your animal’s recovery process. Whether it’s a soft tissue injury, post-surgical stiffness, or general soreness, massage therapy helps by improving blood flow to the affected area, reducing swelling, and breaking down scar tissue.

For horses, this can speed up recovery from strains or injuries sustained during training. For pets, it can ease discomfort after surgeries like spaying or neutering.

Signs your animal may benefit during recovery:

• Difficulty using a limb

• Swelling or tenderness in specific areas

• Reduced energy or activity levels

5. Age-Related Changes

As our animals get older, they often face challenges like arthritis, reduced mobility, and general aches and pains. Massage therapy is a gentle way to support their ageing bodies, improving joint flexibility and reducing stiffness.

For senior pets and horses, regular massage can also provide comfort and relaxation, giving them more energy to enjoy their golden years.

What to watch for in senior animals:

• Slow or stiff movements

• Difficulty getting up after resting

• Visible discomfort after activity

Why Choose Liv Free for Your Animal’s Massage Therapy?

At Liv Free, we specialise in small animal and equine massage therapy, offering tailored treatments to address your animal’s unique needs. Based in Bolney, West Sussex, and serving the surrounding areas, we bring expert care directly to you, ensuring minimal stress for your pet or horse.

Massage therapy isn’t just about addressing problems—it’s about helping your animals thrive, keeping them happy, active, and pain-free.

Ready to Help Your Animal Feel Their Best?

If any of these signs sound familiar, it might be time to explore the benefits of massage therapy for your pet or horse. Contact Liv Free today to book a consultation or learn more about how we can support your animal’s health and happiness.