Many people use alternative therapies for personal health and wellbeing. It is therefore unsurprising that there is growing interest in natural therapies for animals....

Many people use alternative therapies to treat personal health conditions and for general wellbeing. It is therefore unsurprising that there is an increasing interest in natural therapies for animals. More and more pet owners are turning to holistic modalities to complement conventional veterinary medicine, with excellent results. The following therapies are some of the more popular treatments currently being used for animal health.

Acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture involves the use of tiny needles being placed into acupuncture points all over the body. The needles stimulate Chi, or life energy, which helps to provide pain relief, stimulates the immune system and vital organs and improves circulation. Some acupuncturists use laser instead of needles, or moxibustion (burning of an herb) over the acupuncture points for a more intense effect. Animals tend to respond well to acupuncture and are more tolerant of the needles than you may initally expect. The number of treatments required varies from pet to pet and negative side effects from acupuncture are rare.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves the use of volatile oils to achieve a physiological or psychological response. Before using aromatherapy it is very important to know which products are safe to use. Some oils can be toxic, especially to cats, as they are often unable to metabolism them safely. It is important to only use pure therapeutic grade essential oils from a reputable company. Aromatherapy can be used to help carsickness, ease behavioural problems and promote relaxation. Many products featuring essential oils are available for animals including sprays and shampoos.

Bach Flower Essences

These essences are extracted from flowers and used to improve emotional imbalances. They may be beneficial for animals with anxiety, fretting for a companion that has died, dealing with a traumatic past, or for those showing signs of fear. Dr. Edward Bach, a conventionally trained doctor who studied immunology and developed vaccines, developed flower essences in the 1930s. His theory was that by freeing the body from negative emotional states, i.e. fear, loneliness, grief, the body would be free to heal itself, improving health conditions. There are 38 Bach flower essences, with the most famous blend being Rescue Remedy.

Chiropractic

Chiropractors manipulate the spine in order to improve health. They believe that misalignment of the spine has a negative influence on the nervous system and this interferes with the proper functioning of organs and all body systems. Chiropractors often use x-rays as a diagnostic tool to determine which vertebrae require attention and then use a number of holistic techniques to realign. Veterinary chiropractors must have a background in human chiropractics and veterinary medicines in order to practice in Australia.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are made from various original substances such as plants, herbs, minerals, and more. In their most basic form these ingredients may be dangerous (eg. arsenic) but in homeopathic form, highly diluted, they can be used to treat, and even cure illness. Homeopaths believe that there is a vital force in every organism and by stimulating this vital force the body can heal itself. Homeopathy is based on the theory that “like cures like”. For example, the sting of a honeybee causes stinging pain, swelling, burning and inflammation. A remedy made from the honeybee, diluted and succussed using homeopathic process, can potentially treat the same symptoms.

Massage

Anyone that has ever had a massage knows how wonderful it can feel and animals enjoy a good massage for the same reason. Massage has many benefits for animals - they love the relaxation of a good rub down, it helps to improve circulation, relieves pain and increases mobility. Massage is especially beneficial for extremely active and athletic animals including agility dogs, horses, greyhounds and working dogs.

Naturopathy

Naturopaths use a number of different approaches to help their patients. They may give nutritional advice, encourage more exercise, prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements, or recommend any of the therapies described in this article. The principle of naturopathy is that the natural laws of life apply, and fresh air and sunshine are just as important as the amount of sleep the patient gets and the foods they takes into their body. Animal naturopaths focus on your pet’s overall lifestyle and diet in order to promote good health and improve any known health conditions such as allergies.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique. The philosophy behind it teaches that illness is caused by energy blockages within the body. Reiki practitioners help to unblock this energy by drawing upon the universal life force energy and laying their hands over or on the patient. The energy flows through the practitioner’s hands into the body of the patient. It is considered to be a very spiritual therapy and due to the ability to provide Reiki from a distance it is very popular for stressed or fearful animals and for wildlife.

These alternative therapies have been developed, studied and practiced for many years and are extremely popular due to the improvements seen and felt by patients. However, not all modalities are suited to everyone. Try a few different therapies to see which ones your animal most successfully responses to. Seek well-trained, experienced practitioners who are used to handling animals and have knowledge in animal anatomy and physiology. 

Article written by Eileen McLean, D.I.Hom. (Animals), Natural Animal Therapist - www.naturalanimalcare.com