MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOVEBER 2009
A dog receives a massage at the Chateau Poochie, the luxury hotel for dogs and cats in Pompano Beach, Fla.
Photograph by: Herald Archive, AFP-Getty Images, Calgary Herald
Announcement:
Canine Massage Exam
November 2009 …….The National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage (NBCAAM) is pleased to announce that the Canine Massage Examination is now “live” and available.
All 4 examinations are now available for applicants to take, Canine and Equine massage and Canine and Equine acupressure. This is a very important step toward supporting and promoting individuals within the profession and standardizing the profession itself through voluntary meeting of standards. Applicants are encouraged to review the Study Guides for the examinations posted on the NBCAAM website.
Mission Statement:
National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM) endeavors to provide examinations that reflect and uphold the highest professional standards of practice for animal acupressure and massage. To that end, the examinations are available to people who have completed specialized animal training programs in either or both disciplines. Upon successful completion of the examination in their chosen discipline, the practitioner will be deemed a knowledgeable and professional animal acupressure or massage practitioner and will be recognized as such by noted professionals practicing in that particular field.
Member Benefits:
As NBCAAM continues to develop member benefits will include: a directory of Nationally Certified Animal Acupressure and Massage Practitioners, listings of advanced training opportunities for the practitioner, narrative examination study guides, sample questions, listing of NBCAAM approved schools, and learning materials for continued study.
Intention:
NBCAAM provides the general pubic, the veterinary community, and other animal healthcare professionals assurance that NBCAAM Certified Practitioners meet the highest professional standards of practice. Biannual Continuing Education is required of all NBCAAM Certified Practitioners. We are taking important strides toward monitoring and increasing the level of professionalism within the animal massage and acupressure disciplines. Taking the examination is entirely voluntary and we are excited to be able to offer this option to people who are serious about enhancing the professional standing of animal massage and acupressure in the United States.
NOTE:
NBCAAM, a not-for-profit organization, was created for the purpose of establishing and upholding professional standards for animal acupressure and massage practitioners. The method by which NBCAAM certifies that a practitioner has met these standards is by developing standardized national certification examinations. Taking the examination is entirely voluntary. Information and the requirements for taking the examinations are available on the website: www.nbcaam.org
Contact: Amy Snow, 888.841.7211, amy@animalacupressure.com
For further information about NBCAAM and FAQs please visit the website. www.NBCAAM.org.
Pet Product Review - Hot Dog Balm by Jackson Sage
Forget the dog.... I kept this product for myself, 'cause I LOVE IT!!!
The Hot Dog Balm from Jackson Sage. If I can tell you, this balm is a spa in a jar! I love it, and someday, I may share with my pet.
The balm is the perfect all natural remedy for skin irritations, infections, hot spots and other minor skin inflictions. But one smell, and you, like me will want it for yourself. My dog had no minor skin problems, but I tried it on my rough elbows and nicks from gardening over the weekend. In one day, those little scrapes were gone and my dry bits smooth. Plus the smell is heavenly good, I swear.
What makes it so good, I don't know, but here is information from the manufacturer Jackson Sage:
| A Hot Dog Balm | |
| Doggie Sage Hot Dog Balm contains healing herbs and oils known for anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. It is designed to be used for minor skin infections, hot spots, and other skin irritations that your pet may have. Directions Massage into skin or apply with a cotton ball or pad. Ingredients Calendula Oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Neem Oil, Essential Oils of Tea Tree and Lavender Size 2 oz |
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| Price: |
$13.00 Definitely order a bottle today for yourself at http://www.jacksonsageshoppe.com/item_109/A-Hot-Dog-Balm.htm If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com |
Whether you are an agility dog like me, an active dog, senior dog, or a pup just living life; sometimes you need some special care. That's me getting a massage at a dog event a couple of years ago. Love those massages!
When I need special care or just a tune up, my Mum helps me by finding health care alternatives that can be beneficial to my overall health, in addition to the care provided by my primary holistic veterinarian. A few of the health care alternatives I've had over the years are massage, acupuncture and chiropractic. They help me keep in tip top shape for agility, and they also provide great benefits to my overall health.
Alternative health care options aren't just for agility dogs, then can provide great benefits to any dog! Here's a little about the three alternative health care options that I receive regularly and on occasion:
Canine Massage: When I started agility, I got sore muscles. So my Mum looked into canine massage to help ease my soreness and help me be more flexible, healthy and fit. The benefits of massage are great. It can promote good circulation and flexibility, and alleviate arthritic pain. Other benefits include aiding in surgical recovery, helping pets heal from emotional or physical traumas, and improving muscle tone.
Mum has picked up some massage tips from our practitioner and continues to massage me frequently, especially after training and competition; or just when we're relaxing and watching TV. It's definitely helped me over the years.
Canine Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a deep, internal therapy that works by inserting tiny needles into various identified points on a dog's body. It originated over 3,000 years ago as part of a holistic healing system called Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Chinese medicine holds that all animals (and humans) have a "life force" called qi that moves through the body through pathways called meridians. Specific points on these meridians, located close to the surface of the body, can then be accessed via small needles or lasers to re-establish balance in the movement of the qi.
Some of my friends have benefited greatly from needle and laser acupuncture treatments to help in healing.
Canine Chiropractic: According to Wikipedia, veterinary chiropractic, also known as animal chiropractic, is an emerging sub-specialization for Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) and Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) to provide spinal manipulation, manual therapy and other holistic and conservative techniques for animals.
In concert with conventional veterinary care, use of veterinary chiropractic reflects the use of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine which continues to grow within the veterinary community. Proposed benefits of animal chiropractic include, enhanced performance, function and quality of life.
If you are interested in learning more about these amazing alternative health care options, click on the links of each alternative modality for more information, and how to find a practitioner in your area.
Pet Product Review: - HappyTails Spa - Fur Butter 8oz Grooming Conditioner
Everybody wants to look amazing, sexy, and irresistable for Valentines Day. Your pet does too! Well guess what, we've found exactly the product that will turn your mutt into a the most attractive of pedigrees: HappyTails Spa - Fur Butter 2oz Grooming Conditioner.
HappyTails Spa has the highest quality organic grooming products. Here is their description of Fur Butter:
All natural Fur Butter will leave your little buddy super silky and easy to brush, but the effects are more than just cosmetic; Shea butter moisturizes and conditions the fur while colloidal oatmeal heals dry and itchy skin. Add great things like comfrey, callundula and aloe and you have one amazingly effective product.
Fur Butter:
Is ideal for dogs with dry, damaged or long coats
Leaves coat super silky and easy to brush through
Creates an intense shine
Helps control itching and irritation
Has a fresh clean scent (Rosemary Peppermint)
Fur Butter contains no SLS or Parabens, and of course, is cruelty free
I sent a sample to Luisa to use on her dog Pali. Here is what she said:
The weather was phenomenal, so my hubby Alexie, was able to give our dogs a bath and used Fur Butter (or Fur worse), 8 oz 235 ml on both dogs. It worked really well on them as they both have dry skin.
Twinkle has a shorter coat, compared to Pali, so we tried it on him first. The direction said to leave it on for 5-10 minutes, but even with the best behaved dog, that's a bit of a challenge. I timed it and we kept it on both of them for approximately 4 mins. I LOVE the peppermint scent which lingered on both the dogs long after the bath - it really took away the "dog scent". I noticed Pali's coat was softer, and light; it was not as coarse. I also noticed that they did not scratch as much after their usual bath.
I highly recommend this product. Did I say that I LOVE the peppermint scent?
Well what can I say? Since I know Luisa is a most discriminating person; if Luisa gives her thumbs up, I totally agree. Fur Butter is a great product.
If you have a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com
