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 for them.

How Dogs Benefit From Reiki

I’ve been giving Reiki to dogs and other animals for over 15 years. That includes many, many rescue dogs and puppies over the 1o years I’ve been fostering them. These observations are based on my experience Reiki Master/Teacher.

The reasons for giving dogs Reiki 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.

Here’s a list of some of the more common reasons why dogs would receive Reiki healing. A few are more specific to dogs than people.

• 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. vacuum cleaners)
• 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 Puppies Benefit From Reiki

Puppies experience many of the same issues that dogs do. 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 given in-“person” and virtually (distance healing). For many dogs, in particular reactive and anxious dogs, distance healing is ideal. But, all dogs may initially find the practice usual, even bizarre, human behavior.

Note of caution: Reiki is most often used as a complementary treatment that supports self-healing. It is 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.

For More On Reiki For Dogs, See:

• Request a virtual or in-“person” session
• See my Reiki For Dogs certification class