Fay Talbot Canine Myotherapy & Performance

15/11/2025

❄️ Cold Weather Can Catch Us and Our Dogs Off Guard! ❄️
Just like us, dogs need a proper warm-up before exercise—especially in chilly weather! 🐾
Before you head out:
✅ Warm up – Loosen muscles with gentle walking or play to prevent strains.
✅ Check movement – Make sure your dog is moving comfortably and without stiffness.
✅ Check the harness – Ensure it fits properly and isn’t restricting movement
✅ Observe the gait – Watch for any limping, stiffness, or unusual movement.
✅ Check the ground – Ice, frost, and slippery surfaces increase injury risk.
A little prep goes a long way to keep your dog safe, happy, and ready for winter.
💡DM me to book in or have a chat about your dog
🐾Clinic based near Dorking, Surrey
🏠Home visits in local area can also be arranged

14/11/2025

🐾 Lumps & Bumps: A Simple Home Check Could Save Your Dog’s Life 💛
Did you know that early detection is one of the best tools we have against canine cancer?
Doing a quick “lump and bump” check once a month can help you catch changes early — and it only takes a few minutes!
Here’s how:
👋 Start with touch. Run your hands gently over your dog from nose to tail. Don’t forget under the collar, armpits, groin, and between the toes.
👀 Look while you feel. Watch for any new lumps, swellings, or spots that look different from last time.
📏 Note the size and texture. Is it soft or firm? Fixed or moveable?
🗓️ Track changes. Snap a photo or jot it down so you can compare month to month.
🐶 When in doubt, check it out! If you find anything new or changing, book a vet appointment. Even small lumps can matter.
Make it part of your routine — maybe after a bath or brushing session. Your hands could be the first to spot something important ❤️

11/11/2025

🐾 Understanding Canine Arthritis: How It Starts & What to Watch For 🐾
Just like humans, dogs can develop arthritis as they age—but it usually starts much earlier than you might think in dogs, due to underlying developmental disease (think elbow or hip dysplasia). 🐶
How It Starts:
Arthritis usually begins with developmental disease, inflammation, or previous injuries. Over time, cartilage breaks down, causing bones to rub together—leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Common Signs to Spot:
• Limping or favouring a leg
• Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs, or hesitating before doing so
• Stiffness after rest or sleep
• Reluctance to play or exercise (don’t think they are just getting old!)
• Swelling or heat in joints
• Unwilling to be touched in certain places
Early detection matters! The sooner arthritis is addressed, the better your dog’s quality of life. 🐕💛
✨ Tip: Veterinary guidance, low impact exercise, weight management, joint supplements, myotherapy and conditioning can all help slow progression of this disease, and keep your dog moving comfortably.
💡DM me to book in or have a chat about your dog
🐾Clinic based near Dorking, Surrey
🏠Home visits in local area can also be arranged

08/11/2025

🐾 Keep Those Joints Safe! 🐾
Did you know that slippery floors are one of the most common causes of muscle strains, joint injuries, and confidence issues in dogs?
Hardwood, tiled, or laminate floors might look great — but they can be a real hazard for your dog, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs recovering from injury. Let's face it, dogs tend to hang out in the kitchen, its where the fridge is!
🦴 Why non-slip mats matter:
✔️ Prevent slips and falls that strain joints and muscles
✔️ Support better posture and confidence when moving around the home
✔️ Protect long-term joint health — especially for dogs with orthopedic issues
✔️ Encourage safe movement during play and training
Place non-slip mats in high-traffic areas, near food/water bowls, around corners, and on stairs or ramps. A little traction can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort, safety, and confidence ❤️
💡DM me to book in or have a chat about your dog
🐾Clinic based near Dorking, Surrey
🏠Home visits in local area can also be arranged

07/11/2025

🐾 Think a Long Walk Is Enough for Your Dog? Think Again! 🐾
Sure, long walks are great for bonding… but they’re not enough for your dog’s fitness, joint health, or athletic performance.
💪 Why Canine Conditioning Wins:
1️⃣ Builds Strength & Stability – Helps prevent injuries and supports joints, especially for active or aging dogs.
2️⃣ Enhances Mobility & Flexibility – Improves overall movement, making daily life easier and more enjoyable.
3️⃣ Mental Stimulation – Conditioning exercises challenge your dog’s mind, keeping them sharp and engaged.
4️⃣ Targeted Workouts – Unlike walks, you can focus on weak areas like core, hips, and shoulders.
🚀 The Result: A stronger, happier, and more resilient dog that thrives both on and off the leash!
Don’t just walk… train, strengthen, and condition your best friend. 🐶✨
💡DM me to book in or have a chat about your dog
🐾121 Conditioning Exercises by a licensed coach
🐾Clinic based near Dorking, Surrey
🏠Home visits in local area can also be arranged

04/11/2025

🐾 Dogs Are Masters at Hiding Pain - and the change can happen very slowly making it more difficult to notice🐾
Dogs are incredibly good at masking discomfort — it’s part of their survival instinct. In the wild, showing weakness could make them vulnerable, and that instinct hasn’t gone away just because they live comfy lives with us now.
That means your dog might look fine even when something’s wrong. Subtle signs of pain can include:
⚡ Hesitating before jumping or using stairs
⚡ Slower movements or stiffness after rest
⚡ Changes in posture or gait
⚡ Avoiding touch or certain positions
⚡ Licking or chewing one spot repeatedly
⚡ Personality changes — quieter, grumpier, or suddenly clingy
If something feels “off,” trust your gut. Early detection can make all the difference in helping your dog feel better and move comfortably again. 💛
👉 Regular myotherapy assessments and conditioning work can help spot these subtle issues before they turn into major problems.

31/10/2025

❄️ Winter Blues for Your Dog’s Hips? ❄️
Did you know your dog’s hips (or any arthritic joint) might feel more stiff and sore during the colder months? When dogs spend more time resting indoors, their hip muscles and joints can tighten, making everyday movement a little more uncomfortable.
🏠 Why it happens:
• Less outdoor activity = less joint mobility
• Soft surfaces = hips sink in, reducing natural support
• Cold = muscles tighten, making movement stiffer
💡 Tips to keep your dog moving comfortably:
• Gentle stretching and mobility exercises
• Warm, supportive bedding
• Regular outdoor walks (even brief ones!)
Your dog might be snuggling more, but a little movement goes a long way in keeping those hips happy this winter! 🐾

💡DM me to book in or have a chat about your dog
🐾Clinic based near Dorking, Surrey
🏠Home visits in local area can also be arranged

31/10/2025

29/10/2025

🍂 Slippery Leaves & Mud: A Hidden Risk for Your Dog’s Joints 🐾
As autumn settles in, many dogs love romping through piles of leaves or exploring muddy trails. But those beautiful, damp paths can be deceptively dangerous for canine joints and soft tissues.
When dogs lose traction, they instinctively brace, twist, or overreach to regain balance. This sudden movement can cause:
⚠️ Sprains and strains (especially in wrists, shoulders, and stifles)
⚠️ Aggravation of arthritis or existing joint instability
⚠️ Muscle tension or compensatory movement patterns that linger long after the walk
Dogs most at risk:
• Seniors or those with arthritis
• Puppies still developing coordination
• Hypermobile dogs or breeds prone to joint laxity
• Dogs recovering from injury
Simple ways to help:
✅ Choose routes with firm, even footing when it’s wet
✅ Trim nails and paw fur to improve grip
✅ Consider supportive harnesses or booties for stability
✅ Gently towel paws dry to reduce indoor slipping after walks
✅ Include joint-friendly conditioning exercises to build balance and resilience
A few small precautions can make a big difference in preventing slips and strains this season. 🍁
Keep those adventures safe and joint-friendly! 🐕💪
💡DM me to book in or have a chat about your dog
🐾Clinic based near Dorking, Surrey
🏠Home visits in local area can also be arranged

27/10/2025

🐾 Building Trust: The Foundation of Every Galen Myotherapy Session 🐾
Galen Myotherapy isn’t just about muscle health — it’s about connection. 💛
Before any therapeutic touch can help a dog, there must be trust. Dogs need to feel safe, understood, and in control of their experience. By taking the time to listen to their subtle cues — a soft blink, a shift in posture, a sigh — we create a dialogue that says, “You’re safe. I’m listening.”
For a nervous dog, being listened to can have such a positive impact.
When a dog trusts their therapist, their body relaxes, muscles release, and real healing can begin. It transforms a simple massage into a deeply cooperative experience.
✨ Trust first. Therapy second. Healing always. ✨

💡DM me to book in or have a chat about your dog
🐾Clinic based near Dorking, Surrey
🏠Home visits in local area can also be arranged

24/10/2025

🐾 Canine Myotherapy vs. Canine Conditioning — What’s the Difference?
Both Canine Myotherapy and Canine Conditioning aim to help dogs move better, feel stronger, and live more comfortably — but they do it in very different ways 👇
✨ Canine Myotherapy
A clinical, hands-on therapy that uses targeted massage and soft tissue techniques to release muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve range of motion.
It’s ideal for dogs who:
• Are recovering from injury or surgery 🏥
• Have arthritis, stiffness, or asymmetrical movement
• Need help relaxing or releasing chronic tension
🏋️‍♀️ Canine Conditioning
A movement-based, active approach that builds core strength, balance, coordination, and body awareness through tailored exercises.
It’s ideal for dogs who:
• Are healthy and want to improve performance or prevent injury
• Need better posture, core strength, or stability
• Are returning to activity after rehab (with vet approval)
🧩 Choosing Between the Two
Think of it like this:
➡️ Myotherapy restores healthy muscle function.
➡️ Conditioning strengthens and supports that function.
Often, the best results come from combining both — releasing tension and building balanced strength for long-term wellbeing.
🐶💪 Your dog’s body deserves both care and conditioning!

💡DM me to book in or have a chat about your dog
🐾Clinic based near Dorking, Surrey
🏠Home visits in local area can also be arranged

22/10/2025

🐶💺 What Does a Lazy Sit Really Mean?
Ever notice your dog sitting with one hip rolled out to the side instead of straight under them? That “lazy sit” might look cute — but it can tell us something important! 👀
A lazy sit can sometimes mean:
➡️ Muscle imbalance or weakness (often in the core, hips, or rear limbs)
➡️ Joint discomfort (hips, knees, or lower back)
➡️ Habit — especially in puppies still figuring out their posture
✅ Occasional lazy sits aren’t a big deal, but if you see it often or your dog avoids a square sit altogether, it’s worth checking in with me and having a chat. Joint and soft tissue pain can really affect the way your dog sits. Strengthening core and hip stabilizers can make a big difference in comfort and movement (only once your dog has been checked over first to make sure there is no underlying pain)
💪 Keep an eye on posture — it’s your dog’s way of talking about how their body feels.
I am a licensed Canine Conditioning Academy Coach offering 121 sessions near Dorking, Surrey.
💡DM me to book in or have a chat about your dog
🐾Clinic based near Dorking, Surrey
🏠Home visits in local area can also be arranged