The Numerous Benefits Of Reiki For Dogs
Reiki is great for humans, but your dog will love it, too.
Monika Wisniewska/Shutterstock Did you know that dogs like getting Reiki, too? It's true! Energy healing isn't just for people.
Why give Reiki to dogs? Just like people, dogs have issues, imbalances, and the need for healing. As energy beings who are particularly sensitive and aware, they readily take to energy healing in general and Reiki in particular.
Dogs, like most animals, sense the energy. Once they figure it out, they're all in and will gladly help you help them in the best and most pleasurable way.
How is Reiki for dogs beneficial?
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I've been giving Reiki to dogs and other animals for over 15 years. That includes many, many rescue dogs and puppies over the 10 years I've been fostering them.
These observations are based on my experience as a Reiki Master and teacher.
The reasons for giving Reiki to dogs are essentially the same as for humans. Rescue dogs tend to have experienced more trauma, change, and challenges than their non-rescue counterparts.
But, this isn't to say that the latter live in bliss and perfect health either.
Common reasons why Reiki for dogs helps with healing:
Stress and anxiety
Stress-related conditions (e.g. skin and hair conditions)
Depression
Grief (loss of a companion)
Trauma, often associated with abandonment or mistreatment
Fear of thunder, people, particular types of people, or objects (e.g. the vacuum cleaner)
Lethargy or tiredness
Hyperactivity or reactivity
Resource guarding
Trust issues
Anger toward other dogs or people
Sleep disorders and nightmares
Incessant barking
Allergies and other symptoms of allergic reactions
Stomach and digestive discomfort
Pain and stiffness
Injury and the associated mental and emotional effects
Postoperative discomfort
Symptoms of disease and other conditions in general
Symptoms of aging (e.g. difficulty breathing, aches, and pain)
General support for recovery (e.g. heartworm, kennel cough)
Behavioral problems in general
Palliative care for dogs near the end of life
Other emotional, mental, or spiritual issues
How do puppies benefit from Reiki?
Puppies experience many of the same issues that dogs do and some additional issues that are common and/or specific to puppies include:
Teething pain
Sadness and grief associated with being weaned and removed from their mothers and siblings
Separation anxiety
Fear, particularly during the 7-12 week heightened fear stage
Symptoms of common puppy conditions and diseases (running belly, worms, giardia other intestinal parasites, canine parvovirus)
Stress and exhaustion from overstimulation or from being crated or penned in
Help down to sleep (at the right time)
Rescue puppies and dogs often have hard lives and bad experiences with people, whether the people acted intentionally or not.
Even puppies just a few weeks old can have some pretty bad experiences. All dogs deserve Reiki. These guys may just have a strong need for it.
Reiki sessions can be in" person" and virtually (distance healing). For many dogs, distance healing is ideal.
Note of caution: Reiki is most often used as a complementary treatment that supports self-healing. It's not a substitute for conventional veterinary medicine or proper daily care practices for your dog. Make sure to treat your dog's health and well-being holistically.
Patricia Bonnard, PhD, ACC is a spiritual life coach and energy healer. She is a Master/Instructor of eight different forms of Reiki and has been practicing and teaching for nearly 20 years. She's the author of an eManual about Reiki for dogs.