Holistic Pet Care By Mary Drake

    One of the most important decisions pet owners can make is the methodology of health and wellness care for their animals. Nutrition analysis and supplementation, chiropractic, acupuncture, herbalism and energy-field treatments such as homeo-pathic, Reiki, flower essence, magnetic and gemstone therapy offer infinite possibilities for a pet's well being. These alternative-care options can be safely integrated with standard veterinary care. They are both gentle and highly effective.

     A holistic practitioner views a companion animal as an individual and evaluates its wellness as an interdependent system. When establishing a course of treatment, a holistic provider considers the animal's physical state, diet, emotional, spiritual and genetic factors that may contribute to illness. This is not to say that conventional veterinary medicine is ineffective; however, it can be enhanced by incorporating the use of complementary methods and ideology. Holistic support allows a pet's body to move naturally toward a state of health and wellness.

    Companion animals are profoundly affected by change; even a change for the good can generate stress. Some of the more common stressors pets may experience include adoption, trips to the vet, the introduction of a new baby or pet into the home, extended separation (i.e. vacations, business trips or divorce), the illness or loss of a human or animal companion, sudden acute trauma, chronic disease, surgery or their own impending death. Stress opens the door to disease by weakening the immune system. Some holistic treatments can specifically address an animal's stress.

    As humans, we are making a conscious shift toward prevention, integration and balance in our own health and wellness. We owe it to our pets and ourselves to give the same attention to our loving companion animals.

Mary K. Drake, RMT, AC has practiced Reiki for the past eight years, attaining Reiki Master/Teacher status in 1999. Maintaining her own private practice, Holistic Pet Care, in Cleveland, Mary offers phone consultations and in-home treatment services to both companion animals and their owners (Reiki, flower/sea essence and animal communication). For more information, contact Mary Drake at (216) 409-1164 or refer to her website www.holisticpetcare.org.