Pet First Aid & Care

Society Of Holistic Pet Stylists

I began my grooming career in 1999 when I applied for a job at Petco as a bather. They just started a grooming training program and I was one of the first in the class. I trained under Terry Tomlinson and Beth Cristiano. Once my training was complete, my home store was basically just me. As the store manager acknowledged he knew nothing about grooming and left all the decisions up to me, I was totally unsupervised. I was able to experiment and find what worked and what didn't without someone looking over my shoulder telling me, " that's not how we do it."

If I had to pick the one situation where the light bulb turned on over my head regarding the role environment played in grooming it because of a lovely shih tzu named Blackie.

Blackie was a dream dog to groom. Every month he was so happy to see me. He just stood there and let me groom him. Except for one time. He struggled, shook, and snapped. I stopped the groom and called mom to come pick him up. I knew something was not right with him. It turned out Blackie's home was burgarlized the day before and the burglars tormented and scared him. Blackie was still in shock. 

From that day forward, I consciously made changes here and there. Some of which were poo pooed by other groomers, but by the time I left Petco, I had a thriving business of well behaved pets that had been banned from other shops. 

Over the years, I've networked with other like groomers. A rather small group in the beginning, but yet a consistently growing segment of our industry.  

So,15 years later and it is with pride that I announce, along with Chris Sertzel, Barbara Bird, Daryl Conner, Sue Palmer, Melissa Jepson, and Lori Guilling, the formation of The Society of Holistic Pet Stylists.

                                       

The focus of our association is to offer differing holistic grooming choices in a non judgemental forum. Visit our website at http://www.holisticdoggroomers.com and see if we are a right fit for you.

 

Music and Pets

Animals are very sensitive creatures.

By that, I do not mean that they are touchy, feely, “Let’s talk about our feelings” kind of sensitive. I mean that animals are very much in tune to their surroundings and their bodies. Music therapy can be used to change the environment from stressful to calm, as well as target health concerns.

Sound therapy, Vibrational therapy, Music therapy, and Entrainment are all different words for the same concept: that the right music can heal the body, mind, and soul. As Tree McKenna Cinque, Crystal Master and Sound Practitioner says, “Sound Therapy, whether through the use of sound tools, singing bowls, or voice helps lift the issues out of tissues.”

Music therapy has ancient origins. Australian Aborigines and Native American Indians used sound to heal from within in their sacred ceremonies. The priest’s of ancient Egypt used vowel sounds to balance chakras. Chakras are energy centers located throughout all living creatures. People have seven major ones located along the axis of their bodies, while animals have eight major chakras. The Tibetans still use bells, chimes, bowls, and chanting, during their spiritual meditations and practices. Music therapy has modern applications as well. It’s used in hospitals for pain management, labor and delivery, neonatal care, pediatrics, oncology, physical rehabilitation, and psychotherapy. It is also used with Alzheimer patients and to break up kidney stones. Music therapy is used in zoos to calm agitated animals and in dairy farms to increase milk output.

 

 

What exactly is music therapy?

 

Music therapy is based on the premise that everything in life has a corresponding musical note or vibrational level. Some of this is instinctive knowledge. For instance, you already know that you can identify someone over the phone by the sound of his or her voice. Our understanding goes deeper than that. Nanotechnologists at UCLA discovered that the sound of yeast cells differ from that of mammalian cells. A black hole in the heart of the Perseus galaxy cluster was recorded at 57 octaves below middle C in the note of B flat. A healthy heart vibrates at F. The earth itself “hums” at 7.8 Hz, which by the way is the vibration of the alpha waves of our brains.

 

How does this all relate to animals?

 

While we hear in the 200 to 20,000 Hz range, animals can hear up to 200,000 Hz. Hence, they are far more sensitive to music than we are. Playing high-energy music can stress out a pet resulting in behavioral issues. Or on the flip side, you can calm a stressed pet with lower energy music. In addition, you can mitigate particular health concerns by choosing the corresponding musical note associated with the problem.

"Animals and pets are so tuned into vibration and sound much more so than humans. Animals have the capacity to hear more octaves and tones than humans and our profoundly affected by sound. Their emotional state or well being can be manipulated or entrained with music whether its from your ipod, your voice or a tuning fork. They seek to be in a state of natural balance not unlike us. We all can thrive harmoniously together when our intentions are continuously created from a place of love. And what better way to express our love to our pets then the most spiritual art forms ...music" Jennifer Zulli (New Age Artist/Musician, sound healer and Founder of SOUND (Center for Arts & Mindfulness) in Newtown, CT.

 

How do you Incorporate music therapy into your pet’s life?

 

The two easiest mediums to add are music and singing bowls.

Music, such as Steven Halpern’s “Chakra Suite”, uses musical notes to balance chakras that are out of alignment, closed, or overly open. Play calming music throughout the day, such as harp, easy listening, or classical. It will reduce stimuli, which in turn, lowers stress levels. Lowered stress levels may improve behavioral issues.

Singing bowls are made from either metal or crystal and vibrate when played to a particular frequency or musical note. Most common singing bowls are found in 11 different notes. A bowl that resonates at C would correspond to the root chakra. Playing this bowl would help with any concerns connected to the root chakra. Tonka, an older pet, loves when mom plays her root bowl. In fact, he places his arthritic bum as close to the bowl as he can get.

Animals with healthy, balanced chakras are more effective at self-healing. Many energetic practitioners use it as a complement to their chosen modality.Adding music therapy to your pet’s environment is easy and the benefits will extend across the board to all members of your family. It can be an effective part of your overall health maintenance plan for your pets that should also include regular veterinary visits.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz, also known as the “Love Stone,” is one of my favorite crystals. I have it tucked away in many corners of my home and business. More than just a pretty pink rock, it is beneficial to both people and their pets.

What Is Rose Quartz?

Rose Quartz is a member of the quartz family. All quartz is silicon dioxide and its color comes from traces of iron, manganese, and/or titanium. It has a Mohs hardness of 7, which means you can safely get it wet. Rose Quartz is associated with the Heart Chakra and is a water element. The astrological signs it is paired with are Taurus and Libra.

History of Rose Quartz

The Ancient Greeks believed that the God Eros created Rose Quartz in the hopes that is would ease heartache. Rose Quartz beads have been found that date back to 7000 BC.  In 800-600 BC, the Assyrians and Romans used it in jewelry and as official seals. Ancient Egyptians believed Rose Quartz prevented aging.

Properties of Rose Quartz

It promotes unconditional love and trust in relationships. Meditating with Rose Quartz opens the heart chakra for self-love, self-worth, and peace. It dispels environmental negativity. Its gentle energies help release stress and tension. I find that it enriches the calm, spa environment I strive for, whether it is my mobile grooming salon or at Hands And Paws-Reiki For All (my wellness center for people and their pets in New Milford, CT.)

Rose Quartz may strengthen the heart and circulatory system, reduce high blood pressure, heal chest, lung and kidney ailments, and alleviate vertigo. It is a good choice when used in conjunction with medical or veterinary recommendations.

 

How To Use Rose Quartz

You can place raw chunks of Rose Quartz on top of windowsills, bookshelves, and tabletops. I put a larger piece into the tub when I bathe my pets as well as client pets. Put tumbled stones into a water pitcher and let it sit overnight. Use that water (minus the stones) when you fill your pets water bowls in the morning.  You can drink the water as well. I add a small tumbled stone to shampoo, conditioners, and other topical products. Rose Quartz can be added to your pet’s collars and necklaces. All of my dogs wear a necklace made from crystals. (Yes, I do make custom necklaces and other therapeutic jewelry for both people and pets.)

 

Are There Any Precautions?

Rose Quartz emanates very gentle energies. It does not overwhelm or overpower the senses. If your pet chews on inappropriate items, it may pose a choking risk. For those pets, keep any stones out of their reach.

 

Caring For Rose Quartz

Taking care of Rose Quartz is easy. Once a month I place in on my deck railings under the moonlight. If it becomes soiled or dusty, I rinse it under running water.

Make Rose Quartz the family favorite stone. We can all use a little “Love” in our lives. Rose Quartz can make it happen.

 

Meditating For The Pets In Your Life

Our pets mirror ourselves. We tend to be the same percentage overweight, as well as share similar illnesses with them. If we are stressed, our pets can become anxious as well. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 90% of all doctor visits are stress related. Making positive changes in our lives favorably impacts our pets. One of the easiest ways to implement a beneficial change is by incorporating meditation into our lives.

 

What is meditation?

 

Meditation uses focused breathing to create a calm state. Meditation allows you to quiet your mind.

 

Why is meditation important?

 

Meditation decreases the respiratory rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and pain. It lowers oxygen consumption, improves concentration and promotes clarity. An article by Colin Allen in April 2003’s Psychology Today stated “ The brain waves of meditators show why they are healthier. Neuroscientists have found that meditators shift brain activity to different areas of the cortex. Brain waves in the stress prone right frontal cortex move to the calmer left frontal cortex. They were calmer and happier.” In addition, researchers at the University of Oregon found that meditators increase the protective tissue around the axis on the brain. There are numerous studies that show when you meditate for 12 minutes at a time; you reap ALL the medical benefits.

 

How do you meditate?

 

    Breathe in, breathe out.  This is the simplest. You can do this anywhere including while waiting on line at the bank. Take a deep breath, hold it for a second, and breathe out.

    Guided meditations. There are hundreds of CD’s and DVD’s that guide you through a meditation. Also a good choice for the beginner and not so beginner. My favorite is Achieving Inner Peace by Dr. Brian Weiss.

    Focus point. Fixate on an object such as a candle or crystal. Let everything else around you fade away.

    Daydreaming. I love daydreaming. Sit outside, sit inside, it doesn’t matter. Concentrate on something, concentrate on nothing. When you daydream, everything around you fades away and you are left with just your dreams.

    There’s an app for that!  There are guided meditation apps available for your smart phone. Some are free while others have a nominal charge.

    Yoga. Yoga incorporates focused breathing.

 

How often should you meditate?

 

You should meditate as often as you can. It takes practice to learn to quiet your thoughts. Initially, your mind will wander. Did I turn on the washing machine? What am I having for dinner? Did I lock the car door? And so on. The more you meditate, the easier it becomes.

 

How does meditation benefit pets?

 

Meditation benefits pets by overall lowering household stress levels. Lower environmental stress levels may reduce anxiety in pets, as well as possibly minimize inappropriate behaviors.

 

Pets are a reflection of their environment. When you meditate, you are less stressed and peaceful.  As a result, your entire household, including your pets is calmer and happier. Help your pets, help yourself. Look into meditation.

 

Links:

 

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meditation/HQ01070

 

http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=22

 

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/meditation/overview.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Space Clearing

With the Holidays in full swing, our environment, as well as ourselves may become stressed.

A space clearing removes built up negative energy that accumulates from day to day living and replaces it with fresh, positive energy.

There are many ways to do this.

Sound helps move the energy around, so it is no longer stagnant. Methods include tingsha bells, drums, rattles, chanting, crystal bowls, and uplifting music. There are DVDs specifically designed for space clearing. There are also smart phone apps, you tube videos, as well as using the physical instruments. You can hang wind chimes around the home, so outside negative energies are dispersed before entering your home.

Scent uses essential oils and botanicals to clear the air. Orange, lavendar, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, pine, rose, tea tree, cedarwood, and lemon essential oil in candles or diffusers. Note of caution for kitties- Do not use essential oils if your cat has respiratory issues. You can also smug with sage or palo santo. In addition, there are rooms sprays from Alaskan Essences that I really like. And a sprig of lemongrass over your doorway is a nice touch.

Sight is more than just pretty stones decorating the home. Any of the black stones such as Black Tourmaline, Black Obsidian, and Apache Tears alongside a Rose Quartz will dispel negativity as promote harmony. They can be placed anywhere in your home, but is especially beneficial around doorways. You can also sprinkle black and pink salt around the perimeter of your home. Blue and Black Kyanite is a good choice around electromagnetic equipment such as computers, cell phones, and microwaves.

To clear your home or office,choose your method and start at the front door and walk counterclockwise, which gathers the negativity. Repeat clockwise which release it. Always go clockwise one more time than counterclockwise. Make sure you open all the windows. When you finish seal with an intent or prayer.

When I clear my home and business,I play a sing bowls DVD in the background. I circle once counterclockwise with palo santo sticks and clockwise twice with the palo santo. I replace the black obsidian and rose quartz stones with "fresh" ones and intent for the area fill with love.

There are so many options to choose from. Find what appeals to you and that will be right for you. Many times I stray from my normal routine just because I feel like doing something different.

 

Holiday Stress and Pets

It is October and the holiday season has just begun. With it come higher stress levels for us as well as for our pets.

 

Causes Of Stress In Pets

 

1. Over stressed family members. When we are stressed our bodies release adrenaline and cortisol hormones. A pet’s sense of smell is greater than ours and they are able to perceive these hormones on us. As they look to us as their pack leader, if we are worried, there must be something to worry about.
2. Change in diet. The holiday season can disrupt their normal diet and feeding schedule. Holiday food is richer, higher in fat, and more available.
3. Change in routine. You spend more time away from home shopping and visiting.
4. Extra visitors in your home. Your pet’s senses are in overload. There may be children running around trying to touch them as well as adults using different or too much perfumes or colognes. Your house may be louder than normal with many tasty temptations everywhere. Visitors may also be other pets traveling with your guests. Like us, not all “relatives” are looked forward to.
5. Travel. Visiting out of area friends and relatives is disruptive regardless of whether they are boarded or coming with us.

 

Effects Of Stress On Pets

 

Studies have shown a similarity between the effects of stress on our bodies and that of pets. When adrenaline and cortisol is released into your pet’s body, the heart and respiratory rate, as well as the aging process speeds up. In addition, it inhibits the immune system, reduces blood flow to the brain, and shuts down the reproductive system. A secondary effect of a suppressed reproductive system is cardiovascular disease.

 

Indications Of Stress In Pets

 

-Your pet may suffer from depression, restlessness, exhaustion, and lack of appetite.

 

-Your pet may exhibit aggressive, destructive, or obsessive compulsive behavior.

 

-Your pet may vocalize more.

 

-Your pet may experience physical ailments related to the immune, digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems.

 

Ways To Relieve Stress In Your Pets

 

1. Provide a quiet place for your pet to escape. It can be as simple as allowing them in a bedroom and closing the door. Or cover their crates with a sheet for privacy.
2. Infuse your dog’s area with lavender essential oil in a diffuser. Do not use essential oils with cats or other pets with respiratory issues or around birds at all. Do not use candles with essential oils, as it may be a fire hazard.
3. Add soothing music to their environment. My favorites are Chakra Suite by Steven Halpern, Beloved Companion by Amy Camie, and Calming Music For Pets.
4. Give size appropriate toys for mental stimulation.
5. Keep to their normal diet and feeding schedule.
6. If traveling, plan well. Let’s Go Fido is an eBook filled with many tips for safe and stress-free traveling, as well as for when your pets are boarded.
7. Extra exercise. Movements dissipate both adrenaline and cortisol resulting in calmer pets.
8. Energy space clearing. Our homes become filled with stressful energies. Everyone will benefit from a space clearing. This is a great article on Space Clearing detailing the many simple ways you can clear your own home.
9. Use protective and grounding stones around your home. Keep them out of reach of chewers. This will benefit the entire household. Any brown, black, red, yellow, or pink stones are a good choice.

 

Over the holiday season, paying attention to your pet’s stress level while actively countering their effects on their mind and body will result in an all around positive change in your life as well.

 

 

 

 

Essential Oils and Pets

There is more to essential oils than just a pretty scent. I use essential oils for their therapeutic properties at Hands And Paws-Reiki For All, in my mobile grooming business, as well as personally for my pets and myself.

What Are Essential Oils?

They are a hydrophobic liquid that contains the volatile oils that are distilled from the bark, berries, flowers, leaves, peels, resin, rhizomes, seeds, stems, or wood of living plants. Essential oils feel oily because they are often diluted in a carrier oil such as almond, apricot kernel, citrus, or grapeseed. Most essential oils are produced by steam distillation. The ‘waste’ water of the steam distillate process is called hydrosols. Nothing is wasted. For tougher materials, such as citrus peels, mechanical expression or cold-pressed methods are used. Solvent extraction is used for more delicate flowers. Solvent extraction is a complex process which usually leaves a trace residual solvent in the essential oil.

The How’s, Why’s, and Uses of Essential Oil.

The plant’s essential oil governs their immune system. It is the plants blood. It navigates that plant through the insects, fungus, viruses, and bacteria in their environment. Different essential oils have their own unique physical and emotional therapeutic properties such as anti-diuretic, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, decongestant, detoxifying, expectorant, insect repellent, uplifting, and revitalizing, etc. We absorb these essential oils into our or the pets bloodstream by contact, inhalation, or ingestion. In addition, essential oils have many household uses.

Contact with soaps, massage oils, shampoos, lotions, perfumes, cosmetics, added in bath water, and other spa products.

Inhalation is breathing in incense, air fresheners, aromatherapy diffusers, and candles.

Ingesting tinctures made by a medical or other licensed professional.

Household use in trash cans, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and drains. Many essential oils have cleaning and disinfecting properties.

Store essential oils in dark glass colored bottles as heat and sunlight degrades them.

Price and Available Options

There are many considerations in factoring prices.

1. Quality and/or rarity of the botanical.

2. Country of origin.

3. Amount of oil that can be distilled from the botanical.

4. The standards of the distillery, as well as size. Larger companies can reduce operating costs through volume.

5. Organic sourcing. I only buy organic essential oils as I feel it is counterproductive to use them laden with pesticides and fertilizers.

Type of oil also affects price.

Some companies try to pass off fragrance oils as essential oils.

Fragrance oils are synthesized in a lab, cheaper to produce, and have none of the therapeutic properties.

Therapeutic grade essential oils are the only oils that can be ingested. They are more expensive to produce than their non-therapeutic grade counterparts.

Hydrosols are a water-based version of the essential oil. It is a byproduct of the distillation process. It was discarded until it was discovered that it still retained the therapeutic properties, minus the Terpenes. Cats are unable to metabolize Terpenes, which is why essential oils are dangerous for them. Most hydrosols are a safe alternative for cats.

Absolutes are a very concentrated essential oil. It is an involved process and will likely have trace amounts of solvents. They are very expensive and are not ingestible.

Blends are a combination of several essential oils designed for a particular issue.

Tinctures are therapeutic grade essential oils in an alcohol base.

Cautions!

As with any product, there is a danger of an allergic reaction. Do a patch test before applying topicals and use caution when ingesting or administering tinctures. Improper dosing of tinctures can result in mild to severe medical emergencies. In addition, improper use of topicals and inhalants cause damage to eyes and lungs. Consult with your medical/veterinarian professional before treating any medical condition. Cats and pregnant woman or dogs should not use essential oils. However, most hydrosols are safe for cats. Use products according to manufacturers or your professional’s instructions. Never use essential oils undiluted. Though many products are packaged already diluted in carrier oil. Read the label to ascertain. Essential oils are flammable. Use aromatherapy diffusers according to manufacturer directions. In addition, they damage plastics. Do not apply essential oils directly to the plastic components of household appliances.

The aromatherapy industry is NOT regulated. Buyer Beware. Read labels carefully. Key words to look for are “made with” or “includes”. Those products may contain very little essential oils. Ingredients listed on the label as an item such as blueberry, clove, cinnamon, apple, etc are a fragrance. Essential oils are identified by their Latin name or includes the word oil, such as cinnamon oil or oil of cinnamon. It is also up to the manufacturer to determine if the product is cat or dog safe.

Essential oils are part of my day-to-day life. They complement all I do. They can augment your life when used in the manner for which they are intended.

Two New Books

Ok, one is a revision. But the other is new! Both are only available as eBooks. Clicking on the cover photos will bring you to the Amazon site where it is for sale.

I updated Let's Go Fido.

As many of us travel with our dogs, whether it is on vacation or to trade shows, this will prove helpful.This is an easy to understand resource guide for traveling with your dogs. It covers boarding, preparing to travel with dogs, traveling with dogs, and preparing for specific vacation destinations.

 

 

Crystals and Your Pets is new!

This is an introductory book to learn about the benefits of crystals and your pets. All pets, including birds, cats, horses, guinea pigs, snakes,rabbits, and birds. It covers how and why it is effective as well as choosing and using crystals around your pets.It additionally covers care of the crystals and reputable resources.

 

Happy Reading!

To Be Or Not To Be

Somebody asked me whether or not I ever sleep. In their words, I finish more projects in a month than most people do all year. The reason I am so productive is my arsenal of tools and skills I have for fulfilling my intentions.

An Intention is an objective that guides your actions to completion

 

The links in blue  are for download or to the site I am referencing..

1. A To Be List. It is a short list of what I am looking to accomplish in my business and personal life. I dream big and so should you. I keep the list where I can see it on a daily basis. Two of my six items have been realized this year already.

2. A To Do List. Mine is weekly. I have found a daily to do list to be frustrating rather than productive. It lists actions that I need to accomplish my goals one step at a time.

3. 2013 Creating Your Incredible Year. This is a workbook and calendar that helps plan your intentions for the upcoming year. It doesn’t matter that it is June. This workbook is well worth the $10 price. It’s fun and probably the best planner I have come across.

4. Turn off the internet. (After you finish reading this of course!) Social media is an incredible time waster. Don’t worry, it’s not going anywhere. Set aside a specific time to work. Maybe go outside and sit under a tree and work.

5. Invest in yourself. I am continually taking classes. Some online, some in person. Some of my favorites are:

a. Hayhouse is a clearinghouse for on site and online classes, as well as book, radio programs, video, and audio offerings.

b. Amazing Biz and Life Academy is an online community that offers networking as well as business and personal courses.

c. I also check the local shops for any upcoming classes.

6. Network with like people. I attend a monthly networking breakfast with people in my field. Online communities abound on Facebook. I am also a member of Hibiscus Moon Crystal Cave.  This is an online community of graduates of the Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy. I am

 

also a member of Leonie Dawson’s Amazing Biz and Life Academy for the last two years. It has been the best $199 I have spent in a long time.

7. Meditate, meditate, meditate. It helps to clear the mind of debris. There are many guided meditations available which make it easy to do. My absolute favorite is by Dr. Brian Weiss.

8. Crystals. Of course I have crystals to help with focus and creativity. See the blog article below of my creative crystal grid. I use amethyst and clear quartz are my go to stones.

9. Keep pen and paper handy. When I have an idea, I can right it down immediately. Otherwise I will forget. Some of my best ideas have come while I was in the middle of nowhere.

10. Stuff I Want To Try List.  What have you always wanted to do? Then do it. You will never know if you do not try. Who knows where it will lead to.

11. A day for yourself and your family. You cannot work 7 days a week without eventually burning out. Take a day off and play.

12. And yes, I do sleep. In fact, I average about eight hours a night.

Congratulations! You are now ready to download your Certificate of Intent.

Overview Of Alternate Therapies For Pets

I am a firm believer that Western and Eastern Veterinary practices work well together. They enhance each other, amplifying the benefits of both. I have compiled a short overview of available alternate therapies for pets for your reading pleasure.

1. Acupressure

 A practitioner uses fingers or whole hands to apply pressure to specific points on the body. The points are called acupoints and lie along lines of energy flow called meridians. The stimulation of these points restores correct flow of energy throughtout the body. An ailment or disease corresponds to an acupoint that is blocked. It aids in preventing and treatment various ailments.

2. Acupuncture

 This is either the insertion of thin needles or electrical charges on the acupoints to target stimulation of the nervous system. The nervous system is the body's communication network. It can alter both biochemical and physiologic properties. 

3. Aromatherapy

There are different aspects to essential use.  There is the emotional balance, memories, subtle energy and all over feel good.  There is also a physical healing. All essential oils are antiseptic, antimicrobial, detoxifying, regulating, revitalizing and assist with the exchange of oxygen and nutrients. They must be therapeutic grade and if being used on cats, must be hydrosols. During the distillate process of getting oils from plants, a by-product is achieved in a water-soluble base compatible with the most sensitive needs of felines. These hydrolats contain many of the same chemical compounds, but in an a safer dosage. 

4. Chiropractic

A veterinary chiropractor restores function and mobility to the compromised vertebra in an effort to re-establish neurologic transmissions. They use their hands to identify areas of restriction and applies a precise thrust on the immobile anatomical structures. This treatment restores the normal motion of the vertebra by removing neurological interference. When the nerves can efficiently communicate with all the structures in your animals’ bodies, they will begin to heal from within.

5. Craniosacral Therapy 

First developed for people by Dr. John Upledger, it is a gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord. Since the craniosacral system directly affects the central nervous system, an imbalance there can cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. A practitioners goal is to correct any restrictions by engaging the body’s self-healing mechanisms, so that the body can release the effects of injury, pain and stress.

6. Crystal Therapy

Crystal Therapy works on the scientific principal of entrainment. That’s where the Dominant Oscillary Resonance (DOR) of one objects affects the Lesser Oscilliary  Resonance (LOR) of another object. For example: you may remember the science experiment in grade school where the teacher brought out several tuning forks and placed them around the room. She made one of the tuning forks vibrate and shortly afterwards they all did. That's entrainment. Crystals have measureable stable frequencies. People and animals frequencies are unstable due to stress, poor diet, viruses, illness, etc. A stable crystal’s frequency placed around or on the pet can entrain the pets DOR back to where it belongs so the body can start to heal itself.

7. Herbalist

They can fall into two categories. One is a Chinese Herbalist and the other is a Western Herbalist.

Herbalism for pets uses knowledge of plant medicines and their therapeutic applications to relieve and prevent illness. They also promote healing and good health within the pet. Herbal prescriptions are tailored for individual pets. They may be taken internally (e.g. tablets, powders) or applied externally (via creams, ointments).

8. Hydrotherapy

It is the therapeutic use of water to restore and maintain the good health of your pet. Water can be used internally and externally for disease and trauma treatment, rehabilitation and disease and injury prevention. It can be used in three forms - solid (ice), liquid (water) and gas (steam/sauna). 

9. Massage

Massage for pets is the therapeutic use of touch to restore the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues) in their body to their optimum state.They apply pressure or vibration to the affected area.

10. Polarity

 Polarity Therapy is a comprehensive health system involving energy-based bodywork, diet, and exercise. It works within the animals Energy Field. 

11. Reiki

Rei means “spirit,” and Ki means “energy,” so, the word Reiki translates as “spiritual energy.” Reiki is us a Japanese energy healing system originally designed for spiritual development and is now used today for “hands-on” healing. Reiki is ideal for use with animals because it is gentle, noninvasive and doesn't require physical contact. For animals who are healthy, Reiki helps to maintain their health, enhances relaxation and provides an emotional sense of peace and contentment. 

12. Sound Therapy

Sound Therapy is founded on the premise that all matter is vibrating at specific frequencies. There are many studies to support that music profoundly affects animals. The use of nature sounds, natural instruments, and other sounds have specific healing frequencies.

13. Ttouch

The Tellington Method is comprised of four components:

1. Gentle body work called Tellington TTouch comprised of circular touches, lifts, and slides

2. Movement exercises in "The Playground for Higher Learning"  

3. The use of harnesses and other equipment  

4.Intention with the realization that you can "Change Your Mind & Change Your Animal.”

 

I hope this has inspired you to delve a little deeper in any of these modalities.