Practitioners of natural health therapies discover quickly that what works on people works just as well on on their pets. Energy therapies such as Reiki and Therapeutic Touch not only speed healing, but there are detectible fluctuations in the animal's energy field which allow the practitioner to determine exactly where the problem is without causing any trauma or discomfort to the animal. Large animals such as horses respond particularly well to natural treatments.

Energy therapies utilize the principle of magnetic attraction. A strong electro-magnetic field generated by the practitioner expands the blood capillaries as it attracts iron-laden oxygen-rich hemoglobin to the affected area through the bloodstream. Oxygen is then released to the cells at a higher than normal rate, accelerating healing. The magnetic field also neutralizes or re-orientates the orbit of valence electrons within each atom, allowing for correct cell division. Both actions greatly reduce the level of emotional and physical stress on the body as well as facilitate a much more rapid recovery.

Magnetic Therapy, works on a similar principle, but ilicits both positive and negative fields simulataneously. Currently replacing pin-firing or blistering to heal leg injuries on racehorses, Magnetic Therapy is reputed to be more effective without any painful side effects. It can also be used for laminitis by placing a strong magnet just above the hoof.

Therapeutic Massage is another therapy that has proven effective on animals, particularly horses. As with all athletes, it enhances performance and benefits overall health in many ways. Chiropractic, too, is becoming popular as a veterinary tool. The Canadian Equestrian team uses it regularly on their horses, citing its immediate effect.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has recently recognized Acupuncture as a valid therapy. Although there are several tools and methods of application, in all cases pressure is applied to very specific points along the body. Needles, laser, heat, electrical impulse, water or finger pressure may be used. The object is to stimulate and open energy pathways leading to and through organs, allowing the body to restore its own balance.

Useful in alleviating chronic painful conditions that do not respond well to conventional methods of treatment, such as ringbone, arthritis or hip dysplasia, it can also stimulate the immune system or help the body to eliminate toxic substances such as medications. Obsessive licking can also be remedied.

Best used in conjuction with other therapies, commitment to a series of treatments is required, since it takes time to reverse the disease process. A proper veterinary diagnosis should also be made, since many diseases have similar symptoms. Acupuncture can also be used as a diagnostic measure by interpreting the level of sensitivity detected at particular acupuncture points.

One of the best non-invasive natural diagnostic techniques available for pets is Iridology. Developed initially by studying animals and birds, it has become highly popular for determining health concerns in people. A good Iridologist can tell you more than the pet's current health problems and parasitic condition. Inherent weaknesses that may not pose a problem for several years, as well as past injuries and diseases can also be detected. Even the emotional state of the animal is revealed in the iris of the eyes. Incredibly accurate, and reasonably priced, prospective horse owners should invest in an Iridology exam before purchasing.

Ear Candling is another treatment now being adapted to animals. A hollow beeswax candle is inserted into the ear opening. When lit, the flame creates a vacuum which draws wax, infections and debris out of the ear canal and eustachian tube. It is excellent for long-eared or swimming dogs.

Sound Energy Dynamics uses the specific tones of high quality tuning forks to create vibrational resonance at the atomic level. The sound waves massage the energy fields raising the level of the body's own vibration. Animals love it! Birds and small pets seem to prefer the A-note, similar to the earth's 7.83 hertz vibration. Race horses treated with vibration therapy exhibit increased performance levels and calmer dispositions.

Pet owners' greatest concern is often the danger of medication. Exotic animals, in particular, are highly sensitive to synthetic or chemical substances. But, animals respond dramatically to herbs and flower essences or homeopathic remedies. This makes sense, since, in the wild, animals are instinctively drawn to appropriate healing herbs and plants.

Herbs are used for both prevention and treatment, in combination with conventional medicine or alone, and either applied topically or ingested. They serve to detoxify, tone, or strengthen the immune system, adjusting themselves to the needs of the body. Herbs can combat the side effects of drugs, regulate blood sugar levels, kill parasites, correct digestive problems such as colic, be used as salves, or even repel insects.

Homeopathy works at the energetic levels of the body. The essence and energy patterns of natural substances are used to stimulate optimum function of the bodily processes, which promotes healing. Rather than suppress symptoms and shut down the body's reactions and functions, which pharmaceuticals do, homeopathy acknowledges a symptom as the body's attempt to express what is wrong and heal itself. Therefore, the essense which most closely matches the symptom is used. One advantage to these natural medicines is that they do not mask symptoms a veterinarian needs to see.

Highly individualized to each patient and condition, the science of homeopathy is very complex, with no one panacea for any medical or behavioral problem. Treatment of chronic and long-standing conditions may reveal hidden problems for which you are not prepared. For this reason remedies should be used only under the supervision of a trained professional.

Often suspended in an alcohol base to ensure purity and integrity, administering homeopathy to cats requires extra precautions. They do not tolerate alcohol well, so look for glycerin-based products or warm and then cool the diluted solution before administering it. If you currently use homeopathy and have simple remedies at home, follow the same indications in your pets.

Safe, convenient flower essences are quite effective in addressing both physical, emotional and behavioral problems in animals. Distilled from natural flowers, they are preserved in a minute amount of alcohol to maintain their potency. They act on the underlying emotional and psychological elements that play a role in the creation of disease. They can prevent a pet from being traumatized or slipping into shock, as well as stop compulsive behaviors such as chronic barking, chewing or excessive licking.

One of the best known flower essences is Rescue Remedy. It effectively calms the animal during or after periods of stress, fear or trauma such as moving, boarding, travel, capture, abuse, fights, shows, thunderstorms, the loss or introduction of a new pet or person, or visits to the vet. It can even be used on wild animals and birds! Inexpensive and easy to use, simply place drops into drinking water. Dosage depends on the size of the animal.

Animals deemed unintelligent, excitable, fearful or nasty may simply have nutritional deficiencies. Healthy pet care starts with a healthy diet. Pet food is not subject to the same stringent standards as food for human consumption. Pet foods with additives, preservatives or artificial substances can cause behavior problems and even skin allergies. Because an animal's diet is never varied, it ultimately ingests high levels of these toxic elements. This can result in burning of your lawn wherever the animal's excrement is left. Include fresh raw food in the diet to provide natural digestive enzymes. Support your pet's regular food with supplements.