Aftercare

Over the next 3–4 days, your dog may experience reactions as its body assimilates the effects of CBT, a few possibilities are:

• Increased energy levels
• Sleeping more
• Increased appetite
• Increased thirst
• Being a little more cheeky or naughty

Following a CBT session full aftercare individual advice and recommendations will be given and you will receive a form to note any changes in your dog over the next seven days. During this time I will be available to answer any questions or concerns, should you have any.

General aftercare advice

After your dog has received Canine Bowen Technique (CBT), please refrain from stroking or petting them until they have rested. I know this can be difficult, if you feel like your dog wants or needs some attention then gently resting a hand on their body can give a lot of comfort. In a CBT session we have given the body a set of 'signals or messages', and by letting the dog rest it gives their body a chance to absorb these. Stroking your dog too soon won't do any harm but may wipe out these 'signals' before they have had a chance to be assimilated and for the full healing effect to take place.

Ensure there is plenty of clean fresh water available – it is common for dogs to drink more water than usual following CBT.

Be aware that your dog may need to go to the toilet more frequently than usual after CBT.

It is important not to over exercise. Short, steady, walks on the lead are recommended for the first 24 hours after CBT. Resting plays a major part in the healing process and much the same as us after we have had a Bowen treatment (see special offer for canine carer/owners); dogs benefit much more from the session if the energy is contained for a period of time. This can be difficult as many dogs have a big increase in energy after CBT but it will more helpful to them in the long term if the dog is encouraged to be calm.

Remind any visitors or children not to over excite your dog for at least 48 hours after CBT. This can be a challenge if you have a busy household. With very young children or other pets it may be easier to let your dog have some 'me time' in a separate room if you have the space. Explain to younger children that he/she has had a Bowen session and that it is important for the dog to be quite and calm for a few days. Older children often like to be present during in the consultation, which is great as and they gain an understanding of CBT and can help to play a role in the dogs care.

It is important to continue with any medication, advice or diet prescribed by your vet, even if it appears that your dog's health has improved. CBT may have amazing results and it can be tempting to stop or alter medication. Only veterinary personal have the qualifications and expertise to do this.

Allow 7 days before any other physical complementary therapies such as hydrotherapy, acupuncture etc. The effects of a CBT session can carry on working for up to 7 days therefore we want to allow that time for potential maximum healing to take place. Having another therapy in this time will give the dogs body a different set of signals and can confuse those given in the CBT session. It won't cause any harm but could possibly negate the effects of the CBT treatment or possibly not allow its full effect to take place. Also we won't be able to clearly tell which of the therapies has which results. There are some therapies such as homeopathy that work well alongside CBT, if in doubt please ask.

Please remember: CBT should be used in conjunction with orthodox veterinary treatment. It is not a substitute for proper veterinary care.

If you would like to discuss any changes in your dog following CBT please do not hesitate to contact me.