A CANINE therapist has launched a therapy service to teach dog owners how to stop their pet’s destructive habits.

Dogs that chew or lick their paws can be a common complaint among pet owners but many are not aware of the serious problems such behaviour could be masking.

Julia Robertson is the founder of Galen Myotherapy, a unique hands-on treatment to help dogs suffering arthritis, musculoskeletal pain and other underlying issues.

Ms Robertson, 59, a former veterinary nurse from Bolney, said: “I get sent pictures and videos all the time of dogs that chew or lick their paws and legs, often to the point where the skin is raw, bleeding or damaged.

“Their owners are distraught and looking for support.

“This behaviour is a common symptom of muscle pain and can be eased through some simple techniques, so I decided to start offering remote sessions giving owners the basic but highly effective tools to help alleviate their pet’s suffering.”

She successfully treats hundreds of dogs every year from her Bolney-based clinic but is regularly contacted by concerned owners from further afield asking for help with their pet’s habits or health issues.

The new therapy service, which was officially launched at this year’s Crufts dog show in Birmingham, will teach dog owners the basics of Galen Myotherapy to apply themselves at home.

The distance support sessions, taught via video, are personally tailored to each dog, with every case individually assessed.

As well as relieving chronic muscle pain, she hopes the sessions will help identify potentially serious problems a pet may be suffering so that owners and vets can be better informed.

The mother of two said: “The sessions can help form a diagnosis. If an owner works on their pet’s neck and shoulders and it stops them chewing that’s great but it could also help target other more serious issues that need further tests or examinations.

“Ultimately, I am determined to help relieve pain in dogs, which they often suffer in silence.

“Most of the conditions we see are as a result of underlying conditions, old injuries or repetitive strains.

“It could stem from an accident or injury a dog has suffered that’s been treated solely with rest and not any muscular therapy.

“Alternatively, an injury or trauma could have been treated but serious and undiscovered muscular harm was left untreated.

“This is incredibly common.

“I want to help bring peace of mind to concerned owners and also give the owners something tangible they can do to directly help their dog themselves.”

For more information, visit caninetherapy.co.uk.