the patient’s health by treating the mind, body and spirit in nonphysical ways. Energy healing modalities available for dogs include Reiki, qigong, Healing Touch and Tellington Touch. Cold Laser Therapy: Developed
more than 20 years ago, cold laser therapy has become a popular alterna- tive treatment around the world for aches and pains in dogs. It directs highly concentrated coherent light waves to muscles, tissues and organs, reducing inflammation and muscle spasms. It’s also applied to disc and other spine-re- lated issues. Low-level cold laser therapy is painless, noninvasive and takes only minutes. The effects are similar to those provided by non-steroidal medications, with negligible negative side effects. Hydrotherapy: The benefits of
swimming are renowned. When dogs swim, they feel a resistance to move- ment, which makes a vigorous five- minute swim virtually equivalent in energy expended to a five-mile run. Some dogs like swimming even better than running. Hydrotherapy, which includes exercise on an underwater treadmill combined with swimming, is particularly helpful. The effect on senior dogs is especially dramatic, affording them a painless and enjoy- able way to move about and exercise. Water’s natural buoyancy supports the dog, lessens stress on joints, facilitates greater movement and provides a safe and healthful form of exercise for those suffering injuries, disease or pain. The best choice of therapies for an
individual animal will depend on the dog’s condition and recommendations by the family veterinarian. Selected and practiced properly, these complementa- ry modalities can make a major impact in a canine’s physical and emotional well-being, while minimizing or even eliminating the need for medications.
Jennifer Kachnic is the author of Your Dog’s Golden Years: Manual for Senior Dog Care Including Natural Remedies and Complementary Options. She is a certified canine massage therapist, animal Reiki practitioner and certified therapy dog handler with the American Humane Association. Learn more about this president of The Grey Muzzle Organization at
GreyMuzzle.org.
Every moment in our lives is a miracle we should enjoy
instead of ignoring. ~Yoko Ono
natural awakenings May 2014 59
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