Launch of Canine Muscular Health Awareness Month – October 2025

Supported by leading canine health professionals, the Canine Massage Guild in collaboration with Lintbells, is proud to announce the launch of Canine Muscular Health Awareness Month (MHAM) this October, a pioneering initiative designed to highlight one of the most overlooked aspects of canine health: the muscular system.

Muscular problems in dogs are often hidden in plain sight. They can cause lameness, stiffness, reluctance to exercise, behavioural changes and reduced quality of life, yet are frequently mistaken for generic signs of ageing, slowing down and are linked to a range of orthopaedic conditions like arthritis. MHAM aims to change this by educating dog owners, veterinarians and canine professionals about the signs of muscular dysfunction and how early intervention can restore mobility and comfort.

“Muscle matters because movement, longevity and happiness in dogs matters,” says Natalie Lenton, Founder of the Canine Massage Guild and world authority on canine massage therapy. “By raising awareness, we can prevent countless dogs from suffering needlessly with muscular pain that is both manageable and treatable.”

Throughout October, MHAM will feature a range of free services including:

• Public webinars and talks from leading therapists and canine professionals (physiotherapists, hydrotherapists, acupuncturists, and more).
• A suite of educational infographics and owner guides highlighting key muscle groups, common injuries, and signs owners should look for.
• Collaboration with veterinary professionals to promote integrated care where muscular health is considered alongside orthopaedic and neurological conditions.
• Opportunities for owners to book muscle health checks with accredited Canine Massage Guild therapists across the UK.

The campaign is supported by Lintbells (YuMOVE) and a network of various complementary therapies and vets ensuring national reach and professional credibility.

How to Get Involved

• Dog owners can access numerous resources and check if their dog may benefit from a free muscular health check with a Canine Massage Guild Member
• Professionals are invited to share campaign materials and attend cross-disciplinary webinars to strengthen their clinical practice.
• Attend a free masterclass or mini workshop on muscular health, massage and other therapies throughout the month

Natalie says “Recognising and treating muscular injuries in dogs is vital because muscles are central to every aspect of a dog’s mobility, stability and comfort. Left unaddressed, muscle injuries like strains, tightness or myofascial pain and trigger points can restrict movement and cause compensatory problems in joints and the spine. With timely intervention through professional therapies like clinical canine massage, physiotherapy, Mctimoney and hydrotherapy dogs can dogs can not only regain or improve their ease of movement but also enjoy a longer, more active, and happier life.”

And what dog owner doesn’t want that?

Visit: www.caninemuscularhealth.org for more information

Find events: https://www.facebook.com/CanineMuscularHealthAwareness

About Canine Muscular Health Awareness Month
MHAM is the first campaign of its kind in the UK to focus solely on muscular health in dogs. The initiative is driven by the Canine Massage Guild, whose evidence-based approach — including research published in the Veterinary Record — has shown that 95% of dogs benefit from canine massage therapy for pain, mobility, and quality of life.