Therapy for Pets

Just like for humans, believe it or not, there are other options for treatment of your pet’s ailments.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is often used when medicine alone is not helping your animal but you do not wish to jump right into something as serious as surgery. Knowing when and how to use acupuncture on your pet requires a licensed and knowledgeable clinician. Acupuncture is one of the safest treatments for pets as adverse side effects are very rare. Pets that may benefit from this method are as follows. Pets that have:

• respiratory problems
• Tendonitis, sprains, muscle spasms, joint disease, etc.
• Allergies
• Gastro disorders; upset stomach, diarrhea, etc.

While acupuncture has been proven beneficial, it is important to also know what pet injuries are NOT appropriate for this method. Pets who:

• broken bone/fracture
• have degenerative diseases
• have a high fever
• are pregnant

If interested in finding out more about Acupuncture for your pet, please follow this link: http://www.holisticvet.us/CT-offices.html

Reiki

Reiki (pronounced “Ray-Key”) is a Japanese word translated as ‘universal life energy’.  This treatment is often used in addition to traditional western medicine.  It is an energy based method that involves gentle, non-invasive touching of the animal. The touch conveys warmth, comfort and healing. Reiki helps clear pets with deep rooted fear or frustration. A calm state helps improve your relationship with your pet, as well as their health. Often used for:

• aggression issues
• behavior problems
• helps speed up the healing process after an injury or surgery
• allows you to cut back on traditional medication

For additional information: http://www.spiritanimalmassage.com/

The owner of WHPetsitters, Kim Thomas, was recently trained in First Degree Reiki with Animal Reiki focus.

Water Therapy

Water therapy is controlled exercise in a heated pool, supervised by a trained therapist, much like human physical therapy.  Water supports the animals’ body to allow non-weight bearing exercise which builds up and strengthens muscles without causing harm to any recent injuries to limbs or joints. Obese animals benefit greatly as this is a workout that uses a lot of energy but poses minimal risk of injury.

Great for pets’:

• with joint issues
• weight management
• rehabilitation from orthopedic surgery
• arthritis

For more examples: http://pawzforwellness.com

Massage

Another therapy using touch to maintain and improve physical & mental health for your pet is Massage. This option increases circulation and helps eliminate toxins and wastes from pets’ bodies, improves their attitude and ability to focus, as well as improve the condition of their skin, coat, gums & teeth. Pet massage is pretty much great for helping all types of pets & their ailments. There are a few instances that massage is NOT recommended for, animals with:

• low blood pressure
• fever
• circulatory problems such as blood clots

A great local place to check out is: http://www.dogologyct.com/wellness.html

As with all methods described above, it is best to check with your Vet to help decide on the best therapy for your pet!

Learn more at West Hartford Pet Sitters
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