Pining pooches will be missing their owners at work

Pooches in need of a belly rub are turning to canine massage therapy to get their tails wagging again as pet owners return to work.

Founder of Fur Therapy Marisa Du Toit says the new routine could cause dogs extreme stress reactions and lead to undesirable behaviours.

“Having this sudden return to work is a huge disruption to their routines,” she says.

“I think a lot of dogs will be suffering from separation anxiety and just the stress of being in an empty house.”

Marisa, who is a certified canine massage therapist, says therapeutic massage will support canines with the changes they are experiencing.

She became interested in therapeutic massage and bodywork while caring for her dogs and saw the benefits massage therapy had first-hand.

“My desire to help them encouraged me to begin researching complementary therapies,” says Marisa.

Last year, Marisa undertook training in the States at the Canis Bodyworks 'Canine Massage Mentorship Program' where she became a fully qualified Canine Massage Therapist.

She started her company soon after completing her training.

“It's a fairly new company and industry, there's only a handful of practitioners within New Zealand,” she says.

Marisa is hoping canine massage therapy training will eventually grow in New Zealand.

“Fur Therapy is about investing in your dog’s health,” she says. “People see canine message as more of a luxury, where it’s actually more of a necessity.”

Since the gradual exit from coronavirus lockdown, Fur Therapy has implemented new safety measures to fit government regulations.

Therapy mats are wiped down after each client and hands are constantly washed.

Face masks have also made the occasional appearance when in close proximity with pet parents.