Dogs too can suffer from everyday stress

It has long been proven that dogs, just like us humans, can suffer from typical everyday stress. Factors such as excess weight, allergies as well as back and joint problems have a negative effect on the animal's well-being. In our practice we also frequently observe muscle tension, which can have many causes. Not only psychological stress, but also incorrect loading and overloading lead to it. Sometimes it is a harness that has not been fitted correctly, or a collar that causes problems. It does not always have to be a serious condition of the joints and the spine or of internal organs.

Muscle tension usually manifests itself through local pain. The body reacts unconsciously with a tensing of the musculature, which is meant to protect and stabilise the body. If long-term tension occurs, a painful muscle tension and muscle hardening develops from it. A shortening of the musculature can even develop, which is extremely distressing for the dog. I think it is important to recognise this cycle in good time and to treat it with care.

Individual treatments for more well-being

There are various approaches that make it possible for our four-legged friends to feel better again. Here we draw on techniques such as massage, acupressure, aroma therapy, light therapy or also reiki. These methods are valued not only by humans but also work true wonders in dogs. A classic massage serves the targeted loosening of the muscles. Here the skin, the subcutaneous tissue and the musculature are gently kneaded with the hands and various grips. When this is carried out correctly, it has a positive effect on the metabolism of the tissue and is pain-relieving as well as deeply relaxing.

• Targeted loosening of the muscles through proper massage techniques
• Stimulation of energy pathways through gentle acupressure
• Support of the self-healing powers by means of reiki
• Relief of tension through warming colour therapy

In addition, there is acupressure, which likewise has to be learned. With this method, the acupuncture points are stimulated not with needles but with gentle finger pressure or a special pen. These points can often be felt, as they exhibit an altered tissue tone. Such spots can be either soft or hardened, which provides us with important diagnostic clues for the further therapy.

The ancient healing art of reiki for animals

Reiki is a very ancient healing art that was rediscovered in the 19th century. The term translates as universal life energy. I consider it a wonderful method that combines well with massage. However, animal owners who wish to apply reiki themselves should definitely hold the first degree. There are three degrees in total, which are taught in special courses. Without appropriate instruction, one should not practise reiki. From a professional point of view, the correct training protects the practitioner from taking on negative energies. Reiki not only relaxes and calms, but can also sensibly support other forms of therapy and the effect of natural remedies.

Feeling, sensing and vibrating

Light and colour therapy is excellently suited to the prevention of complaints. Here it is less about the visual seeing of the colours than about the feeling and sensing of the various vibrations. Colours have different energetic frequencies. Warm colours in particular, such as yellow, orange and above all red, have a vasodilating and warming effect. They can thus help to loosen the musculature effectively. This form of application can take place both as an irradiation of the whole body and as a targeted treatment of individual spots.

Aroma therapy as healing support

Essential oils can be a great support for dogs. Depending on the plant, they have a stimulating or calming effect and lift the animal's mood. Lavender oil, for example, has a calming effect, while thyme has an activating and jasmine oil a relaxing effect on the nervous system. Orange oil and lemon oil noticeably brighten the mood.

A massage with an aroma oil can be combined wonderfully with dogs. In this, the oil is first rubbed between the hands and then gently massaged into the coat. We expressly emphasise that only 100 per cent pure natural essential oils may be used. Synthetic substances can even endanger the dog's health. To strengthen the musculature, regular conditioning is also important, for which swimming, for example, is excellently suited.