Alternative Therapies Made for Fido
Alternative holistic therapies have been around for years and years – they’ve just been made more popular in the canine community as of recent. Most of these treatments are aimed at helping senior dogs with rare or inoperable conditions that cannot be helped further with traditional veterinary medicine.
Hydrotherapy & Rehabilitation
Hydrotherapy, such as underwater treadmills, allows your furry friend to experience low-impact activities that can help ease their joint pain caused by arthritis. Additionally, hydrotherapy can help strengthen muscles in pers recovering from surgeries such as ACL tears and canines with muscle atrophy due to Cushing’s disease or diabetes.
Cold Laser Therapy
Developed 20 years ago, cold laser therapy has slowly been gaining popularity in the pet care world. The treatment consists of highly concentrated, coherent light aimed at your pet’s muscles, tissues, and organs – helping to reduce inflammation, muscle spasm, and accelerating the healing of issues pertaining to your pup’s disk and spine. Laser therapy is completed in minutes and is painless and non-invasive. The treatment shows similar results to non-steroidal medication (just without those pesky side effects).
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
There are various schools that offer acupuncture as well as Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in-person and virtual training for veterinarians and active veterinary students. Here is an online database of certified practitioners across the United States!
Reiki, Energy & Sound Healing
Energy healing consists of therapies that help improve the flow of energy in your animal’s mind, body, and soul – it’s a treatment that’s natural, gentle, and nonphysical. Reiki is a treatment that falls under this and has been practiced for centuries. Benefits can include the release of endorphins, relaxed muscles, increased circulation, and the promotion of pain relief. Reiki can help ease an older pooch but it can also be beneficial for rescue dogs who might be suffering from emotional trauma.
Akashic Records
Some believe that Akashic Records hold a “higher purpose” on Earth and that each human and animal (that includes Fido) has them. A session is typically marked through “bonding” sessions that you would have with your furry friend to help gain deeper insights into your relationship. This would be a similar experience to getting a reading done with a friend or family member.
Most of these practices are either offered by solo practitioners through private studios, their own homes, or some even make house calls – or you can also find more mainstream practices offering multiple services at centers made especially for alternative healing for dogs or just in general.