- OR -

Advanced Search

 Healing Systems

•	Animal/Pet Therapies
•	Ayurveda
•	Bach Flower Remedies
•	Energy Healing
•	Energy Psychology
•	Herbal Medicine
•	Homeopathy
•	Chiropractic
•	Massage Therapy
•	Naturopathy
•	Traditional Chinese Medicine

 In this section:

•	Alternative Therapy for Pets
•	Types of Therapies
•	Pet Therapy Associations
•	Pet Therapy Schools
•	Pet Therapy Practitioners

 Your Tools:

	Print this page
	Email this page
	Search Pet Therapies articles
	Submit your own article
	Sign up as a practitioner

Animal/Pet Therapies

Popular Alternative Therapies

The following alternative therapies for pets are becoming more widely accepted and used today. Before choosing any of these therapies, it is important to ensure that the practitioner is either a licensed Veterinary Doctor or practices under the direction of a Veterinary Doctor:

Physical Therapy

The physical therapy that is performed on animals is somewhat different than that for humans, because there are anatomical differences. The therapy is similar in that it may involve manipulation of joints, massage, controlled exercise, the use of heat and/or ice, ultrasound, and other techniques similar to those used with people. Although a relatively new field in veterinary medicine, physical therapy for pets has been shown to be remarkably helpful at reducing pain, increasing mobility, and allowing for a faster return to normal strength and ability after injury or surgery. It is helpful for animals recovering from orthopedic surgeries, including those of the knee, hip, and back. Additionally, canine physical therapy is recommended for performance dogs, working dogs, and dogs who participate in agility or obedience trials.

Chiropractic

Veterinary chiropractic is performed similarly on animals as it is on humans. Chiropractic is a short, sudden manipulation to correct joint misalignments (especially misalignment of the spine), involving a thorough examination followed by hands-on realignment of the spinal vertebrae and other joints. Subtle misalignments can lead to pain, discomfort, lack of mobility, joint problems, and sometimes cause pressure against internal organs. Chiropractic can help stimulate receptors in the nervous system, changing nerve impulses in the spinal cord to, in turn, reduce pain

Conditions that may be helped by Chiropractic therapy include arthritis, joint problems (e.g.hip dysplasia), neck pain, muscle spasms, neurological issues, and pain from injuries or trauma. Some metabolic dysfunctions may also be helped by Chiropractic therapy.

The American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) acts as a certifying agent for Veterinary Durgeons who have successfully completed extensive Chiropractic training. Most state laws within the U. S. dictate that non-Veterinarians can only practice in conjunction with a licensed Veterinarian. There are two branches of the AVCA:

	The Animal Chiropractic Accreditation Commission (ACAC) defines and applies standards for the accreditation for any and all educational programs granting degrees, diplomas, or certificates designating competencies in animal Chiropractic.
	The Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) develops standards of care in animal Chiropractic, conducts a professional certification program, and awards credentials to individuals who meet established criteria and assessments in different modes of care. Requirements for certification are considerable, including written and clinical examinations, and a 40 hour internship within 1 year of graduation from an accredited program.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on the concept that disease can only manifest when the vital energy of the body is out of balance. The perspective from which an animal acupuncturist heals is based on concept of balance or imbalance of "vital energy" (also known as "qi" in Japan or "chi" in China). This vital energy flows through pathways in the body called energy meridians. A blockage, sluggishness, or intensity in energy flow will, if left unchecked, often manifest itself as physical illness.

Veterinary Acupuncture works primarily by normalizing the flow of vital energy throughout these meridians. This is done by inserting extremely thin, sterilized stainless steel needles into points on the surface of the skin (known as acupoints), which are located along the energy meridian lines. These acupoints are the gateway to the body's vital energy and act as valves, pressure upon which is used to regulate the flow of vital energy throughout the body. Energy which is blocked or is deficient, or which may flow in excess, will ultimately result in disease or emotional imbalance within the animal's body. Blocked or constricted energy begins to flow most freely when acupoints within the body are touched or pressed.

Acupuncture points can also be stimulated by heating the point (moxibustion), by electrical stimulation (electroacupuncture), injecting specific substances through the Acupuncture needles, and by laser stimulation.

Acupuncture can be used for conditions associated with the central nervous system and other systems of the body including the hormonal, respiratory, reproductive, digestive, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems. It helps relieve pain and improve the function of these systems. It is commonly used for problems involving joints, muscles, and bones as it can increase mobility (including assisting with hip dysplasia), and reduce pain. It can also be beneficial for seizures and certain types of paralysis.

More and more veterinary practices are beginning to offer veterinary Acupuncture. They may also be able to refer you to a qualified acupuncturist who is affiliated with their practice. A veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed Veterinarian and should have completed formal training in veterinary Acupuncture.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy involves using highly diluted “remedies” of a specific substance (or substances) which in higher doses would actually cause the illness or symptom being experienced. Based on the theory of treating “like with like,” Homeopathic remedies serve to stimulate the immune system of the animal, triggering a natural healing response. Homeopathic remedies are made from plant, animal, or mineral extracts. The most effective remedy is one which, at full dose, would actually cause the symptoms of the illness. For example, symptoms of a upset stomach may be treated with a remedy which, at full strength, would actually cause the upset stomach. When given to the animal, the remedy stimulates the natural defense system, assisting the body in healing itself.

The Veterinary Homeopath carefully monitors the progress of the animal. Based on the feedback of the owner and the changes in the condition of the illness, the remedies may be increased, decreased, or changed. Homeopathy may be used to treat a wide varity of both acute and chronic conditions, including allergies, skin conditions, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems, and cancer.

Massage Therapy

Equine and canine massage are becoming very common forms of alternative animal therapies. Massage stimulates the soft tissues of the body (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone and release tension, stiffness, and pain in the muscles. It also stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems, improving the elimination of toxins and waste throughout the body. Although it largely affects the muscles directly beneath the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and the organs themselves.

When not used for therapeutic purposes, performing gentle massage on your pet can not only be pleasurable and fun them, but is also a wonderful bonding experience for you both.

Bach Flower Remedies

Developed by British physician Dr. Edward Bach, the Bach Flower Remedies are based on the concept that the natural state of being is that of health, and that situations in everyday life cause stress and emotional imbalance. These imbalances may ultimately lead to physical illness. By using either one of a combination of 38 flower essences, the internal healing mechanism of the animal is stimulated and the emotional imbalance is then corrected. The concepts of the flower remedies are based on principles very similar to that of Classical Homeopathy developed by Samuel Hahnemann.

A remedy often recommended for animals by Veterinary Doctors/Homeopaths is the Bach Rescue Remedy. Of the 38 individual flower remedies available, this remedy is the only "combination formula" and is considered an emergency mixture to help restore calm during difficult or crisis situations. When given Bach Rescue Remedy before an airline flight or during stressful situations (such as the sound from fireworks and thunderstorms) animals are reportedly more calm and less afraid. This remedy is available from most health food and vitamin stores, however, be sure to consult with your Veterinarian prior to using flower remedies on animals.

Acupressure

Acupressure can be used as standalone therapy or in conjunction with a massage therapy session. Similar in concept to Acupuncture, gentle pressure is applied to acupoints on the animal's body (see Acupuncture above) to stimulate blocked, sluggish, or excessive energy flow.

Subscribe to receive our eNews and be notified of when our Pet Therapies is fully launched.

* Rest assured that we take your privacy very seriously. Your email address is never shared or sold to third parties