Forest Canine Massage

Forest Canine Massage Canine massage therapy! Helping dogs feel and move better! Forest of Dean and surrounding areas.

Jessica Barton is a highly skilled, Canine Massage Therapist who has a deep love and passion for helping dogs lead a more comfortable, active and happier life. She lives in the Forest of Dean with her partner and five dogs and is the founder of Forest Canine Massage & Wellness. Jessica is on a mission to empower dog parents to become proactive instead of reactive when it comes to their dog’s physi

cal wellness. She achieves this by sharing the latest scientific knowledge and providing sound advice, the whole family can follow to implement simple, intentional step-by-step lifestyle changes that enhance their dog’s well-being and longevity. Through her experience as a Canine Massage Therapist, Jessica has witnessed first-hand the positive effects simple lifestyles changes and canine massage therapy can have on our beloved dogs. She specialises in helping dogs of all ages, from young, active, working dogs with soft tissue injuries and performance issues, to middle-aged dogs that seem old before their time, as well as elderly dogs suffering with orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis. Her expertise enables dogs to live a more comfortable, active, happier life for longer. Become part of the FREE Facebook community Forest Canine Wellness.

Free delivery on all products at Satch’s Snacks this weekend. Use code SOGGY at check out.
29/08/2026

Free delivery on all products at Satch’s Snacks this weekend. Use code SOGGY at check out.

Our natural dog treats provide enrichment, health and well-being. A Satch's snack is pure canine happiness, delivered to your door.

All you need to know about your dog’s stifle (knee) joint. ⬇️
28/08/2026

All you need to know about your dog’s stifle (knee) joint. ⬇️

Meeko Mischief Monday The prewash. Now Nanna has grown to a point where she can reach the counter surface she has taken ...
24/08/2026

Meeko Mischief Monday

The prewash.

Now Nanna has grown to a point where she can reach the counter surface she has taken it upon herself to do the prewash every evening after dinner. It’s a job she takes very seriously and never misses. 😂

🌲 Woody Wisdom Wednesday 🌲Sign  #11: Excessive Licking of a Limb or Joint"I like keeping myself clean, and a little lick...
19/08/2026

🌲 Woody Wisdom Wednesday 🌲
Sign #11: Excessive Licking of a Limb or Joint

"I like keeping myself clean, and a little lick of my paws after a muddy walk is all part of being a dog. But if I started licking the same spot over and over again, day after day, it might be my way of telling you that something doesn’t feel quite right." – Woody 🐾

Dogs often try to soothe areas that feel uncomfortable by licking them. If your dog repeatedly licks a particular paw, leg, joint, or area of their body, it can sometimes be a sign that they're aware of discomfort, tension, or irritation in that area or somewhere further up the body.

Of course, licking can happen for many reasons, including allergies, skin irritation, or behavioural causes, so it’s always important to consider the bigger picture and seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns.

As with many of Woody’s signs, it’s often a change in behaviour that matters most.

Woody wants to know... does your dog have a favourite grooming routine after a walk — paws, ears, or a full head-to-tail clean? Tell us in the comments! 🐾

Muscles Matter 💪
18/08/2026

Muscles Matter 💪

Meeko Mischief Mondays. The unconditional love of a Labrador 💛
17/08/2026

Meeko Mischief Mondays.

The unconditional love of a Labrador 💛

15/08/2026

💚 Don’t Feel Guilty 💚

So many of us – myself included – carry an overwhelming sense of guilt when it comes to our dogs.

We worry that we aren’t doing enough, or that we could have made different choices. This feeling is so common, and many of us carry that burden quietly.

We wonder if their behaviour is our fault, or if their orthopaedic conditions happened because we played too much ball, let them run the stairs, or competed in sports like flyball or agility. We ask ourselves: could I have prevented this?

But here’s the truth ⬇️
We all do the very best we can with the knowledge, time, and resources we have. Life with our dogs is a journey. Yes, there may be things we’d do differently if we could go back – but that doesn’t mean we should carry guilt.

💚 Don’t feel guilty if you can’t afford every therapy or treatment session – physio, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, swimming, or specialist training.

💚 Don’t feel guilty if your busy life doesn’t allow you to attend every class or activity.

💚 Don’t feel guilty if you can’t buy the most expensive foods, supplements, or training plans, and instead choose what works for your budget.

👉 What matters most is that your dog feels loved, safe, and respected.

You are doing a fantastic job.
You are an amazing dog owner. 🐾

🌲 Woody Wisdom Wednesday 🌲Sign  #10: Bunny Hopping When Running"It’s difficult to get a photo of me running these days s...
12/08/2026

🌲 Woody Wisdom Wednesday 🌲
Sign #10: Bunny Hopping When Running

"It’s difficult to get a photo of me running these days so my mum got this chap off AI. When I was younger, I loved racing through the forest with long, powerful strides. These days I get from A to B in the best way that I can."” – Woody 🐾

Have you ever noticed your dog running with both back legs moving together, almost like a rabbit? This is often called 'bunny hopping'.

While some dogs may bunny hop occasionally when they're excited, if it becomes a regular way of running, it can sometimes be a sign they're trying to reduce discomfort or compensate for reduced movement through their hips, hind limbs, or lower back.

Every dog has their own running style, but if you've noticed a change in the way your dog moves, it's always worth paying attention.

Woody wants to know... does your dog love a game of chase, zoom around after a ball, or prefer a gentle stroll? Tell us what gets your dog's tail wagging in the comments! 🐾

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Appleby
Lydney
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