In recent years, there's been an explosion of interest in complementary treatments for pets. But with so many on offer, it's easy to get confused.
Try our quick guide to animal alternatives.
You might think that only in Hollywood would someone bring a dog therapist to deal with the problem of dog mess on the carpet (which is what Ozzy Osbourne did). You'd be wrong.
Pet behaviour counselling is just one of many complementary therapies that are growing in popularity. And they're not just for pampered domestic pets either. Racehorses regularly receive treatments ranging from chiropractic to spiritual healing, and farm animals are routinely treated with homeopathy and acupuncture.
So do these therapies work? The jury is still out, but there are thousands of people who swear that an alternative treatment saved their animal.
Needles placed in certain points around the body stimulate healing. Conditions treated include skin complaints, lameness, pain and allergies.
Vet Graham Barlow uses acupuncture alongside conventional therapies at his surgery in North Yorkshire. He recently treated a four-month-old pet lamb called Willy. 'Willy suffered a hind-limb fracture,' Graham explains. 'Although the fracture healed, Willy was left with a limp and muscle wastage. Two acupuncture sessions reduced the lameness, encouraging normal use of the leg.'
Use essential oils to enhance physical and emotional well-being, normally by inhalation, or by allowing the animal to swallow the oil.
'It is possible to treat almost any animal with essential oils,' says Essential Oil Therapist Paula Whitaker. 'I am currently treating a horse for sarcoids. Within two weeks, the first sarcoid simply dropped off. There are still some more to go, but I am very happy with the way the horse is healing.'
Deals with the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. It's used for symptoms such as muscle spasm, soreness or numbness.
Dorothy Marks is a chiropractor treating dogs, cats and horses from her base in Somerset. 'I treated a German Shepherd dog that was prone to disc problems,' she says. 'He was in a lot of pain. During my first appointment, the dog relaxed visibly. And now, four years later, he has the occasional treatment, and is still really good.'
Massaging in a rolling action over specific muscles, ligaments and tendons. It's used to treat symptoms such as lameness, stiffness and changes in temperament.
Gloucester-based Equine Bowen therapist Susan Pritt qualified in the technique after she saw her own horse successfully treated. 'One six-year-old event horse lost his confidence following a fall,' she says. 'His vet diagnosed a back strain and I was called in. After just three treatments, he was back to his old self and competing again.'
Operates on the principle of treating like with like. Substances that produce symptoms in a healthy body are given in minute quantities to help cure those same symptoms.
Qualified vet Christopher Day is the Secretary of the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons. 'Homeopathy is particularly successful for first aid and chronic diseases. I have treated a wide range of animals with problems such as asthma, arthritis and colitis, as well as eye, ear and skin diseases.'
Uses magnetic collars, rugs or wraps to stimulate blood circulation, speeding up the healing process and relieving pain. They're used to treat conditions such as arthritis and joint and muscle stiffness.
Cornwall-based Charlotte Burroughs specialises in magnotherapy for both people and animals. 'Magnotherapy is suitable for the treatment of all animals,' she says. 'The majority of my animal clients tend to be cats and dogs, but we've supplied magnets to a chicken and an elephant!'
Treats behavioural problems like aggression, toileting, noise, nervousness and chasing livestock, usually by applying a system of commands and rewards.
Pet behaviour counsellor Georgie Hearne practices in the South-East, working with cats, dogs and rabbits. 'I most commonly see animals for aggression and problems with soiling in the house,' she says. 'One rabbit had been attacking her owners' children. I taught the family how to correctly handle it and desensitised the rabbit by teaching it to associate touch with nice things.'
The Japanese term for universal energy. The therapy aims to stimulate the body's energy flow and encourage its healing potential. Reiki practitioners place their hands in a series of positions on the animal's body.
Means finger pressure in Japanese. Pressure is applied to key points on the body to release energy flow.
Jan Barley, a Reiki and Shiatsu practitioner working in Cheltenham, treated her own dog, Minnie, after she collapsed. 'Over the weekend, I gave Minnie hourly Reiki healing and two daily sessions of Shiatsu,' she says. 'My vet was stunned when, two days later, I walked Minnie into her surgery.'
Sources & organisations
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons www..rcvs.org.uk
British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons www.bahvs.com
Natural Animal Health www.theaa.com
Animal therapies directory www.taranet.com
Equine Bowen Therapy www.holistictherapiesforall.com
The Association of Pet Behavior Counsellors www..apbc.org.uk
Reiki practitioner Jan Barley www.healinghorses.co.uk
Aromatherapy www.animoils.co.uk
It is recommended that the therapies above should always be discussed with an expert.
