The Healing Power of Reiki for Anxious Pets

Several of my clients have turned to me for their pet who suffers from anxiety. This can include dogs, cats, or any animal that has endured trauma from abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Frequently, the animal has spent significant time in shelters or on the streets. These poor creatures live in a constant state of fear, anticipating bad things happening to them at any moment.

There was one dog that I worked with over a period of a few months. He had been rescued from a shelter and was scared of his own shadow as well as his rescuer. Although he appreciated a warm bed indoors, and fresh food and water every day, he still trembled whenever his guardian approached him. He had to 'do his business' in the backyard as he refused to be leashed for a walk.

We started with the 4 half-hour sessions on consecutive days in the first week. Then we did a couple of sessions a week for the next month. As he was improving and started accepting leash walks, we moved to once a week. At the end of about 3 months, he was comfortable going on walks with his guardian and even accepting treats from his hands.

This sweet dog, who had been shaking whenever his human approached, turned into a playful, happy and comfortable boy, who came to enjoy belly rubs and petting.

Although I never met the dog or his pet parent, we worked the distant Reiki together to ensure his anxious companion could start to enjoy the wonderful quality of life that he deserved.