Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese healing method uses tiny needles to stimulate specific parts of your pet’s body. Acupuncture can improve organ function, soothe muscles, get the blood flowing, and release feel-good hormones. It’s good for animals with muscle or skeletal issues, skin problems, respiratory problems, or digestive troubles.
Aromatherapy
The smell of certain plants and oils is the basis for this therapy. It’s gentle and noninvasive, and it can help treat a four-legged friend who has anxiety or other forms of emotional or physical stress. Check with your vet first, though. Some essential oils can be toxic if your pet drinks them. Others could cause allergic reactions if you put them on his skin.
Flower Essences
Another way to harness plant power to calm an anxious animal friend is to use flower essences — a diluted herbal solution that you can drop in his water or directly in his mouth. Often you can find this remedy as a blend of several flower essences in one.
Chiropractic
Dogs or cats who have a slipped disk or pinched nerve may benefit from chiropractic. A trained practitioner uses gentle pressure on joints to realign the spine and keep feeling and function flowing in muscles, organs, and tissues. It might help with other problems too, like epilepsy, skin disorders, or behavior issues.
Herbal Medicine
Supplementing your pet’s diet with herbal medicine might treat digestive issues, kidney and bladder disease, parasites, skin problems, and bone or tissue injuries. It’s important not to use herbs without consulting a vet first — some are toxic to pets, and others may cancel out when used as a combo.
Homeopathy
A vet gives your pet an extract that causes symptoms similar to the problem he already has, but the extract is diluted to harmless levels. The idea is to help his body learn how to fight off disease by building up a defense to these symptoms.
Laser therapy
Lasers or LED light used at low levels get down to the cellular level to help treat pain, inflammation, and speed up healing time for wounds. Your furry friend won’t feel a thing.
Reiki
This technique is all about energy flow in the body. A trained practitioner puts her hands just above or lightly on your pet to encourage healing and calm. You might choose this treatment for an animal who’s anxious or afraid, or has a chronic condition, or as a way to promote a peaceful transition at the end of life.