Busy dogs are happy dogs. Tired dogs are typically well-behaved dogs. One of the kindest things we can do for our beloved canine companions is to offer them opportunities to highlight their natural gifts as trackers, pointers or athletes. Breed-specific sporting events and field trials provide a venue for dogs to be dogs, get some exercise, bond with their humans and for their humans to share their love and knowledge of say, Bassett Hounds, with like-minded pet guardians.
It all sounds great – right? How can there be any down side? Unfortunately, as a veterinarian, I am acquainted with the physical toll and occasional sports related injuries that our friends can experience as weekend warriors. Bassets, in particular, with their long backs and chondrodystrophic limbs, can be prone to disc disease or osteoarthritis. While staying physically active is great for weight maintenance, it can also place extra demands on the joints and soft-tissues. Happily, as an integrative vet, I have also seen the benefits of alternative therapies for pain and injuries.
Integrative veterinary medicine utilizes conventional and holistic healing modalities to help pets achieve optimal health. It can be used preventatively or to address acute or chronic conditions. Many integrative veterinarians combine modalities such as acupuncture, laser therapy, Chinese or Western herbs, chiropractic, homeopathy and Reiki to complement the allopathic approach to pain management, which usually includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or even steroids.
Most alternative therapies have in common that they focus on energy, sometimes referred to as Qi, to help the body re-balance itself, especially after injury or illness. From a holistic perspective, these occur secondary to imbalances either internally or from external influences such as poor diet, emotional stress, toxins, parasites or other pathogens.
Personally, my experience with athletic and retired Basset Hounds is mostly with acupuncture, Reiki and cold laser thereapy. Acupuncture is minimally invasive and often very well tolerated even by sensitive, scared or shy pups. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture works by balancing the flow of Qi in the body. From a more western point of view, acupuncture points are frequently found at locations where a vein, artery and nerve are close together. Stimulating these points can affect the blood flow, as evidenced by monitoring tongue color and pulse quality during a treatment session. The practitioner can sedate a point, for instance, to decrease inflammation and painful stimuli to an injury site, or tonify a point to increase blood flow to an area that seems deficient. If a dog will not tolerate needling, low energy laser therapy can be used to stimulate acupuncture points in a completely non-invasive manner.
Reiki is a Japanese energy modality that can be adapted to offer any species (humans, pets, even plants!) support in their healing journey. Animal Reiki focuses on creating a space for pets to enter, if they choose to, and receive whatever energy they need for their highest good. The practitioner is a conduit for energy to flow through, while the pet is empowered to direct how the session goes. This practice respects the innate wisdom of beings and their ability to be active participants in returning to a state of good health.
The advantages of integrating several healing modalities to prevent or manage pain in dogs include decreased potential for negative side effects of harsh medicines and increased feeling of overall well-being. For field- trialers, handlers can even learn acupressure points, therapeutic massage or T-touch techniques. Since they require mainly training and intention (but no other equipment), they can be used safely and immediately in the field until vet care can be administered and to augment the benefits of any other therapy.
If you have not experienced energy healing with your pet, the depth of connection you feel when you are part of offering such powerful, yet gentle care, may surprise you. It is so rewarding to see a dog, who looks more like a porcupine, with acupuncture needles placed, just lay down and enjoy a deep state of relaxation and well-being.
To find a holistic veterinarian near you, the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) website offers a referral directory. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) can also help you locate practitioners who are certified in Veterinary Acupuncture.
Dr. Pam Shultz offers holistic veterinary care at Orchard Grove Animal Hospital , South Peak Veterinary Hospital and the Warwick Valley Humane Society.
Special thanks to Denise Rushworth, editor of The Babbler, a bimonthly newsletter devoted to all things Basset Hound. Thank you for including this article in the July issue of The Babbler and providing the photo of Barney, who benefits from regular acupuncture treatments.
